Red Bank is proud to announce that the Borough, along with Red Bank Middle School and Red Bank Primary School, has achieved Gold-level Recognition through the New Jersey Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program for the 2025–2027 cycle. This distinction highlights Red Bank’s strong, ongoing commitment to student safety, walkability, and active transportation.
What Is the Safe Routes to School Recognition Program?
The SRTS Recognition Program honors municipalities and schools across New Jersey that champion safe walking and biking routes for students. Recognition is awarded at four levels — First Step, Bronze, Silver, and Gold — with Gold representing the highest standard of long-term leadership, engagement, and infrastructure improvements.
Red Bank’s Gold-level status reflects years of collaboration between local government, schools, and community partners to:
- Encourage walking and biking to school
- Host safety education programs and community events
- Improve physical infrastructure such as crosswalks, signage, and sidewalks
- Develop and maintain school travel plans
- Promote policies like Complete & Green Streets and Safe Routes mapping
Middle and Primary Schools Also Go for Gold
It’s especially meaningful that Red Bank Middle School and Red Bank Primary School also earned Gold recognition — an accomplishment that underscores the commitment of school leaders, staff, students, and parents.
Both schools have been active participants in walk-to-school events, bike and pedestrian safety programming, and community outreach. Their leadership helped ensure that the Safe Routes program is not just a policy goal, but a lived experience for Red Bank’s youth.
Councilwoman Nancy Facey-Blackwood: Championing Safe, Sustainable Streets
Councilwoman Nancy Facey-Blackwood has been instrumental in Red Bank’s achievement of Gold-level recognition. A long-time advocate for sustainability, smart planning, and pedestrian safety, she has worked to ensure that walkability and student well-being are prioritized in local policy and infrastructure.
Her leadership on the Environmental Commission and commitment to Complete & Green Streets policies have laid the groundwork for safer, more accessible routes to school. Councilwoman Facey-Blackwood also emphasizes collaborative, transparent governance — ensuring that residents, families, and students are part of the conversation around mobility and safety.
Her work reflects a belief that safe streets are not just a transportation issue, but a matter of health, equity, and community connection.
Thank You to EZ Ride and the Safe Routes Program
This achievement would not have been possible without the dedicated support of EZ Ride, Red Bank’s Safe Routes Regional Coordinator. Their expertise and partnership from organizing walk-and-bike events to providing safety education and technical assistance have been vital to sustaining the program’s success.
We also thank the New Jersey Safe Routes to School Resource Center and the New Jersey Department of Transportation for their continued support and leadership in helping communities like Red Bank build healthier, safer pathways to school.
What’s Next?
Red Bank will continue to build on this momentum by:
- Hosting more walking and biking events
- Evaluating and improving infrastructure
- Promoting community engagement and education
- Advocating for inclusive transportation planning
- Sustaining Gold status and aiming for future recognition
This Gold recognition reaffirms that Red Bank is a place where children can walk and bike safely, and where community, policy, and passion come together to create a healthier future.