Task Force Presents ‘Simple Vision’ to Eliminate Crashes in Montclair

Montclair residents have been urging the town to take action to stop pedestrian crashes and make streets safer. On Tuesday, Montclair’s Vision Zero Task Force shared its first update in a presentation to the Montclair town council.

“Our vision is simple. Every person in Montclair has the right to travel safely each day, without the risk of death or serious injuries on our roadways, no matter how or when they travel. Zero is the only acceptable number of deaths on our roadways,” Laura Torchio, the chair of the task force, said. 

To achieve its mission, Torchio said the task force will use the Vision Zero guidelines, Complete Streets guidelines and the Safe System Approach. 

“Complete Streets are designed, operated and maintained with the safety, mobility and accessibility needs of all users of all ages and all abilities in mind,” said Torchio. She then asked residents in the council chambers if they thought Montclair streets fit that description. In response, only one person raised a hand. A few others said no. 

“Montclair was actually the first municipality in New Jersey to pass the Complete Streets policy in 2009,” Torchio said. “However, the Montclair Complete Streets policy is extremely weak. It’s full of exceptions, it has no teeth and that’s why Montclair’s streets are not complete.” 

Torchio then described the need to reduce the risk for crashes, using the example of the “Swiss Cheese” model.

“Reducing risks requires that all parts of the transportation system are strengthened. So if one part fails, the other part still protects people.”

The Critical Role of Speed

Torchio also highlighted how speed is a major crash factor.

She posed this question to residents. “If you’re driving an average car at 30 mph, how far does it take for you to reach a full stop?” 

In the audience of approximately 40 individuals, no one raised their hand for 10 feet. Four guessed 25 feet, six chose 40 feet, two believed it was 70 feet, and two guessed 85 feet. When Torchio revealed the answer was 85 feet, the room responded with a collective gasp.

“Driving speed is the critical factor in crash severity and survival,” Torchio said.

In Nov. 2023, the Montclair council unanimously agreed to propose an ordinance setting school zone speed limits at 20 mph on Essex County roads. The council also introduced a resolution to lower town-wide speed limits to 25 mph.

Mapping Five Years of Crash Data

Montclair’s Vision Zero Task Force has three phases of work that span 18 months. Phase one involved pursuing funding and forming working groups. Phase two and three will focus on data collection, community outreach and recommendations.

“We’re wrapping up phase one right now,” Torchio said. She said the data collecting group of the task force has collected and mapped five years of crash data. “This info will help us prioritize when and where to make different street improvements throughout Montclair.” 

Vision Zero has received the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant. Funding for the first two phases is in place. 

Speaking to Montclair Local, Janice Talley, director of planning and a member of the task force said, “The grant was awarded to Montclair but the contract has not been executed. Other communities who have received these grants (from the Federal Highway Administration) say it takes at least six months to get the contracts approved after the project kick-off meeting. Our kick-off meeting was in mid-February.” 

Torchio said there will be a website for the task force. She also said there will be communications through social media and newsletters and outreach to community groups. The task force plans to provide transparent, ongoing progress reporting.

Vision Zero Task Force Members

Montclair’s Vision Zero Task Force includes 23 members, among them Mayor Spiller and Councilor Lori Price Abrams. A replacement to fill the spot previously held by former councilor Peter Yacobellis has not been filled.

In an email to the Local on March 29, Torchio said, “My understanding is that the opportunity to replace Peter Y. on the VZM Task Force was posed to all council members. None volunteered to take the spot.” 

At the meeting, seven representatives from the task force were present: Debra Kagan of the NJ Bike & Walk Coalition, Norma Tassy representing the Fourth Ward, Jacob Nieman from the Planning Board, Ellie Baglie representing Montclair seniors, Paul Mickiewicz from Bike&Walk Montclair, along with Amy Veach, representing the First Ward, and Jason Gleason from Montclair Center BID.

A Slow Start

The Vision Zero Task Force was introduced in May 2023, but its first meeting didn’t happen until November 9, 2023.  Since then, the group has been meeting monthly to establish committees, assign tasks and gather data. 

At a council meeting in December 2023, more than a dozen residents voiced concerns, fears, and frustrations about public safety. They demanded additional stop signs, crosswalk improvements, enhanced street lighting, and safety upgrades for dangerous intersections to protect pedestrians.

“I have great hopes for the Vision Zero Task Force, great hopes, and yet we cannot wait for them to reach consensus before anything ambitious is done,” said David Folkenflik at the December meeting. Folkenflik lost his mother to a crash in Oct 2023. 

“You say you’ve implemented Vision Zero, but you haven’t until we have dedicated bike lanes and street safety first,” said resident Mariana Horta.

Hoboken’s success in implementing Vision Zero, resulting in over six years without pedestrian fatalities, inspired Montclair.

The five-year plan seeks to eliminate all traffic-related and pedestrian and bicycle crashes by 2028.

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