Mobility Matters: Recent Episodes
Keep Middlesex Moving
A podcast focused on topics related to the field of transportation, sustainability, and economic development in New Jersey. Each show focuses on issues that are instrumental to mobility not only in Middlesex County but across New Jersey. Leading experts will join us sharing their insight and expertise on various topics including electric vehicles and their role in mobility, climate change, and its impact on our economy, bike and pedestrian safety, and its impact on infrastructure, placing making and its impact on our community and much much more.
In this episode of Mobility Matters Podcast, we talk with KMM's newest team members, Izzy Gonzalez, Safe Routes to School Coordinator and Connor Wallace, Program Coordinator. Many of you have met Izzy and Connor from the dozens of bike rodeos and community outreach events KMM has organized. Izzy and Connor have been working tirelessly to create new and exciting programs for children, families, employers and everyone who lives and works in Middlesex County. Check out this episode of Mobility Matters and show Izzy and Connor some love the next time you see them!
Keep Middlesex Moving is Middlesex County, NJ's non-profit 501(c)(3) transportation management association (TMA). To learn more about us visit www.kmm.org. You can also follow us on our social media platforms:
Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, and BlueSky.
Mobility Matters Podcast is created and produced by Keep Middlesex Moving, Inc.
Editing, sound mixing, and co-produced by Bert Baron.
What do Autonomous Vehicles and NJ TRANSIT have in common? In this latest podcast episode, Arlene Holt and Brian Tobin talk with John (Jack) Dean, Sr. Program Director, Research & Community Services at NJ Transit, about a unique pilot program that was sponsored by NJ TRANSIT in 2023, with help from Rutgers University’s Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) and working with Infratek Solutions, Inc.
AVATAR, or Autonomous Vehicle Assessment, Testing And Research, Pilot, allowed transportation professionals to experience autonomous vehicles in a secure environment and better understand how we can utilize this technology to solve first mile/last mile transit gaps.
You can learn more about the AVATAR Pilot at this link https://www.njtransit.com/Avatar
To view images from KMM's visit to the AVATAR testing site, visit https://bit.ly/42G1zZb.
AVATAR #autonomousvehicles #middlesexcountynj #njtransit #firstmilelastmile
Keep Middlesex Moving is Middlesex County, NJ's non-profit 501(c)(3) transportation management association (TMA). To learn more about us visit www.kmm.org. You can also follow us on our social media platforms:
Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, and BlueSky.
Mobility Matters Podcast is created and produced by Keep Middlesex Moving, Inc.
Editing, sound mixing, and co-produced by Bert Baron.
April is not only Distracted Driving Awareness Month but it's also Work Zone Safety Month. In this episode of Mobility Matters, KMM's Executive Director, Brian Tobin talks with George Fallat, Supervising Engineer, for the Office of Engineering at the Middlesex County Department of Transportation, about the importance of safe driving and working in highway work zones.
You can learn more about National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week by visiting https://www.nwzaw.org/.
For more information on Middlesex County Department of Transportation, visit https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/government/departments/department-of-transportation-1130
workzonesafety #distracteddriving #april #middlesexcountynj
Keep Middlesex Moving is Middlesex County, NJ's non-profit 501(c)(3) transportation management association (TMA). To learn more about us visit www.kmm.org. You can also follow us on our social media platforms:
Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, and BlueSky.
Mobility Matters Podcast is created and produced by Keep Middlesex Moving, Inc.
Editing, sound mixing, and co-produced by Bert Baron.
We are joined by Jasmine Lawrence, Principal Planner, TMA & Mobility Programs for the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) for a discussion on how the NJTPA supports local and state agencies within their 13-county northern New Jersey region, with funding for transportation investments such as bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects. We also explore the benefits of the NJTPA's Complete Streets Demonstration Library, which provides resources for short-term safety improvements that can lead to long-term enhancements in community mobility and safety.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
NJTPA Complete Streets Demonstration Library
NJTPA Muncipal Programs
More information on Complete Streets:
NJ Department of Transportation Complete Streets
US DOT Federal Highway Administration Complete Streets
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) Serving New Jersey:
North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority - Serving the 13 Northern NJ Counties
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Authority - Serving Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Mercer Counties
South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization - Serving Atlantic, Cumberland, Cape May, and Salem Counties
Need assistance implementing a Complete Streets policy in your municipality? Contact your local Transportation Management Association (TMA) for more information!
Keep Middlesex Moving is Middlesex County, NJ's non-profit 501(c)(3) transportation management association (TMA). To learn more about us visit www.kmm.org. You can also follow us on our social media platforms:
Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, and BlueSky.
Mobility Matters Podcast is created and produced by Keep Middlesex Moving, Inc.
Editing, sound mixing, and co-produced by Bert Baron.
Join us for an engaging conversation as we welcome our new Executive Director, Brian N. Tobin to the podcast! In this episode, we dive into his background, uncover the experiences that have shaped his leadership style, and explore his vision for the future of our organization. Learn about his goals, the strategies he plans to implement, and the passion that drives him to make a difference. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to Mobility Matters, this episode offers an inside look at the exciting plans and fresh perspectives that will guide us forward. Don’t miss it!
Keep Middlesex Moving is Middlesex County, NJ's non-profit 501(c)(3) transportation management association (TMA). To learn more about us visit www.kmm.org. You can also follow us on our social media platforms:
Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, and BlueSky.
Mobility Matters Podcast is created and produced by Keep Middlesex Moving, Inc.
Editing, sound mixing, and co-produced by Bert Baron.
“Behind every great woman... is another great woman.”
-Kate Hodges
New Jersey is the only state in which every county is served by a transportation management association (TMA). New Jersey's TMAs provide sustainable transportation solutions to commuters, businesses, and communities and also serve as Safe Routes to School Regional Coordinators.
While the transportation field is male-dominated, five of New Jersey's eight TMA executive directors are women. To honor Women in Transportation and Women’s History Month, KMM's Acting Executive Director Roberta Karpinecz talks with Rhonda Urkowitz of Cross County Connections, Donna Allison of RideWise, Tara Shepherd of GoHunterdon, and Cheryl Kastrenakes of Greater Mercer TMA about their organizations and personal journeys to becoming respected leaders in transportation demand management (TDM).
To learn more about New Jersey's TMAs and to find your local agency, visit https://www.tmacouncilnj.org/
tma #trasportationmanagementassociation #nj #newjersey #transportation #saferoutestoschool #pedestriansafety #bicyclesafety #mobility #equitabletransportation #middlesexcountynj #transportationdemandmanagement #TDM
Keep Middlesex Moving is Middlesex County, NJ's non-profit transportation management association (TMA). To learn more about us visit www.kmm.org. You can also find us on our social media platforms:
Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube
Mobility Matters Podcast is created and produced by Keep Middlesex Moving, Inc.
Editing, sound mixing, and co-produced by Bert Baron.
On this episode of Mobility Matters, Hosts Arlene Holt and Christopher Gonda speak with Doug O'Malley, State Director for Environment New Jersey, and Melissa Evanego, Bureau Chief for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), about the Electric School Bus Grant Program.
We talk about the environmental and health benefits of converting diesel school buses to electric fleets and the NJDEP Electric School Bus Grant Program that will open on February 1, 2024. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) announced the availability of the Electric School Bus Grant Program, which will provide $15 million per year for three years. NJ DEP will host a series of three webinars introducing the program and its components. Interested applicants are encouraged to register and attend these webinars.
Links to Resources discussed on the podcast:
Environment New Jersey
ABCs of Electric School Buses
NJ DEP Electric School Bus Program
electricvehicles #electricschoolbus #EV #sustainability #climatechange #cleanair #airpollution #nj #newjersey #electricschoolbusgrantprogram #njdep #environment #environmentnj #airquality #schools #safety
Keep Middlesex Moving is Middlesex County, NJ's non-profit transportation management association (TMA). To learn more about us visit www.kmm.org. You can also find us on our social media platforms:
Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube
Mobility Matters Podcast is created and produced by Keep Middlesex Moving, Inc.
Editing, sound mixing, and co-produced by Bert Baron.
Under KMM's longest-serving Executive Director, Bill Neary, KMM has evolved from a rideshare matching service for commuters to an organization that has greatly expanded to include programs on bicycle and pedestrian safety education, resources for older adults, and collaboration on important transportation safety projects with regional partners, municipalities, businesses, and other community organizations. However, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. And so, with a little sadness for us and happiness for Bill, we wish him the best during his well-deserved retirement. We look back at Bill's 18 years at KMM and discuss the organization's past and present and his hope for the future of KMM.
Mobility Matters Podcast will be back in 2024!
mobilitymatterspodcast #Farewell #billneary #tma #middlesexcountynj
Keep Middlesex Moving is Middlesex County, NJ's non-profit transportation management association (TMA). To learn more about us visit www.kmm.org. You can also find us on our social media platforms:
Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube
Mobility Matters Podcast is created and produced by Keep Middlesex Moving, Inc.
Editing, sound mixing, and co-produced by Bert Baron.
There has been a lot of discussion surrounding congestion pricing here in the NY/NJ Tri-state area, as NYC prepares to vote on a plan to implement congestion pricing to reduce congestion and bolster mass transit use. So what exactly is congestion pricing and how will it impact New Jerseyans? In this episode of KMM's Mobility Matters Podcast, hosts Chris Gonda and Bill Neary talk with Carter Rubin, Senior Transportation Lead for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), about what congestion pricing is and how it impacts surrounding areas.
Carter Rubin earned his Master's in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he focused on transportation, land use, and parking. He has written a number of publications on the future of mobility and has been a guest on Colorado Public Radio, Insider, Marketplace, and Streetsblog USA, among others.
To learn more about Carter Rubin and his work as a mobility and climate advocate, visit his website at www.carterrubin.com, or follow Carter on X, or LinkedIn.
Visit NRDC to learn about their work on environmental, equity justice, and other important issues related to climate change and action.
congestionpricing #congestionpricingnyc #climatechange #transit #MTA #NYMTA #traffic #newjersey #middlesexcountynj #nyc #nyccommute #commuter #njtransit #masstransit
Keep Middlesex Moving is Middlesex County, NJ's non-profit transportation management association (TMA). To learn more about us visit www.kmm.org. You can also find us on our social media platforms:
Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube
Mobility Matters Podcast is created and produced by Keep Middlesex Moving, Inc.
Editing, sound mixing, and co-produced by Bert Baron.
What is a traffic garden? During the spring of 2023, KMM worked with Discover Traffic Gardens to create a plan for an East Brunswick Safety Town. In this episode, Arlene Holt and Chris Gonda talk with Fionnuala Quinn, founder of Discover Traffic Gardens, about her journey to becoming a highly regarded and sought-after expert in all things traffic gardens. Fionnuala also shares how her work with the Junior Engineer-in-Training program formed the basis for activities used to engage children in the traffic garden design process and why we must include children in the discussion when designing roads for all users.
To learn more about Discover Traffic Gardens, visit www.trafficgardens.com.
trafficgardens #completestreets #saferoutestoschool #srts #safetytown #bikeped #safestreetsforall #middlesexcountyNJ #newjersey #eastbrunswicknj
Keep Middlesex Moving is Middlesex County, NJ's non-profit transportation management association (TMA). To learn more about us visit www.kmm.org. You can also find us on our social media platforms:
Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube
Mobility Matters Podcast is created and produced by Keep Middlesex Moving, Inc.
Editing, sound mixing, and co-produced by Bert Baron.
Bike Bus! You've seen the videos all over TikTok and Instagram of large groups of smiling children riding their bicycles to school. From Portland, Oregon, to Montclair, New Jersey, the bike bus is the fun, new (old) way to get to school. October is Bike and Walk to School month, and in this episode, we talk with Jessica Tillyer, co-founder of the Montclair Bike Bus, as she shares her knowledge to help others organize a bike bus in their communities. Jessica gets candid about the group's work to overcome obstacles and hopes that this movement leads to better bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure so everyone can get around safely without needing automobiles. To learn more about the Montclair Bike Bus, visit www.montclairbikebus.org or their Instagram & TikTok accounts.
Bikebus #montclairbikebus #biketoschool #allbodiesonbikes #safestreets #Bikelife #Saferoutestoschool #SRTS #Bikemoredriveless #Saferoutestoschoolnj #Montclair #Bikeandwalktoschoolday #Bikeandwalktoschoolmonth #Safestreets4all #Visionzero
Keep Middlesex Moving is Middlesex County, NJ's non-profit transportation management association (TMA). To learn more about us visit www.kmm.org. You can also find us on our social media platforms:
Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube
Mobility Matters Podcast is created and produced by Keep Middlesex Moving, Inc.
Editing, sound mixing, and co-produced by Bert Baron.
We are back for Season 3 with hosts Arlene Holt and Chris Gonda! Meet the newest member of the KMM team and find out what we have been up to over the summer, including an adventure that took Chris for a tumble. Plus, what's Safety Town? Learn about this fun project we have been working on with the Township of East Brunswick and how it will help improve safety in the community.
October is Walk and Bike to School month, and there's still plenty of time to sign up to host an event in your community. Join more than 30 schools and 6,000 students in Middlesex County as we celebrate our favorite event of the year. Registration is open and can be accessed via this link.
Are you looking to connect with your local Safe Routes to School coordinator? Visit www.SafeRoutesNJ.com for information on the New Jersey Safe Routes to School program.
Keep Middlesex Moving is Middlesex County, NJ's non-profit transportation management association (TMA). To learn more about us visit www.kmm.org. You can also find us on our social media platforms:
Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube
Mobility Matters Podcast is created and produced by Keep Middlesex Moving, Inc.
Editing, sound mixing, and co-produced by Bert Baron.
In this episode, KMM hosts Cristina Fowler, Arlene Holt, and Chris Gonda look back on our second season of Mobility Matters podcast and reflect on the amazing guests we have met along the way. We also talk about KMM's You Bike. We Give bike month promotion, announce upcoming events going on during the summer, and say goodbye to a dear coworker. While this season has come to an end, we are happy to announce we will be back for season 3 in September!
Do you have an idea for a podcast topic or would you like to be a guest? We would love to hear from you! Email us at programs@kmm.org.
Thank you so much for tuning in to Mobility Matters Podcast! Until next time!
Established in 2009 as The New Jersey Bicycle Coalition, the New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition is the only state-wide advocacy organization for bicyclists and pedestrians. In 2010, they shifted in focus to represent both bicyclists and walkers recognizing that we all share common challenges and opportunities. Both groups face an increasing threat from distracted drivers and many of our streets are inadequately designed for biking and walking.
To learn more: https://njbwc.org/
The New Brunswick Bike Exchange is a non-profit organization run by the efforts of volunteers who collect, recondition, and sell used quality bikes. The NBBX offers an ever-changing selection of low-cost bikes for riders of all ages, from occasional recreational riders to frequent riders and commuters. In this episode, we chat with volunteer extraordinaire, Anna Hausmann who shares the incredible work NBBX accomplishes each year and how you can be a part of it too.
To learn more: http://nbbikeexchange.org/
In this episode, our host Christopher Gonda chats with Michael Dannemiller from the Middlesex County Office of Planning covering topics such as Complete Streets, Walking Audits, and the Handlebar Surveys for the Bike Easy. Walk Safely.Links discussed in the podcast:
https://www.saferoutesnj.org/
https://discovermiddlesex.com/destination2040/
https://www.raceentry.com/stop-for-nikhil-runwalk/race-information
In this episode, our hosts Christopher Gonda and Cristina Fowler talk with Kate O'Connor from the Brain Injury Alliance of NJ. Kate shares her story of how the passing of her brother, Jimmy who was hit while riding his bike, led her to her work and advocacy in bicycle and pedestrian safety. Crashes are not accidents.
We have the tools to prevent them.
Links discussed in this episode:
https://www.bianj.org/
https://jerseydrives.com/
https://www.familiesforsafestreets.org/
https://www.visionzero4nj.org/
Tom Grady: tgrady@bianj.org
In this episode, hosts Arlene Holt and Cristina Fowler talk with Avnish Gupta, Esq. COO & General Counsel of EZRide about the Ryde4Life program. This membership-based program provides on-demand transportation for seniors in NJ through a variety of car services including Uber and Lyft. Learn about how you and your senior community can take advantage of this program.
Program Details including registration: https://ezride.org/transportation/senior-transportation/
In this episode, we hear from KMM hosts, Arlene Holt, Christopher Gonda, and Cristina Fowler on what KMM is working on this season. They cover Safe Routes to School Programming, International Bike to Work Day (2/10), and KMM's Mobility For All Conference scheduled for March 7th.
In this episode...
Would you like to donate a bicycle? Please email us at programs@kmm.org
Learn More About Girls in Gear
Safe Routes to School Programs
International Bike to Work Day
Mobility For All Conference Registration
In this episode, KMM host Arlene Holt discusses with Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center SeniorResearch Specialist, Sean Meehan how the Safe Routes to School Program in Highland Park, with broad support from elected officials, lead to the creation of the Safe Walking & cycling committee, how they worked to create temporary bike lanes and implement other safety measures, that eventually lead to the creation of a bicycle and pedestrian plan that was incorporated into the township’s masterplan.
In this episode, KMM host Bill Neary talks with NJTRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett about the changes in ridership pre and post covid and how that impacted the trains and buses. Insight into upcoming programs, and transit projects in Middlesex County.
In this episode, Mobility Matters host Bill Neary welcomes Senator Patrick Diegnan to discuss various transportation initiatives in Middlesex County including EV adoption and Vision Zero.
Mobility Matters hosts Bill Neary and Arlene Holt welcome Karen Alexander, Director of NJTIP. In the episode, Karen Alexander shares NJTIP goals to increase the independence and self-sufficiency of people with disabilities, older adults, and others by empowering them to use the public transit system safely and independently.
In this episode, we chat with Steve Dunn, an EMT/Firefighter who began intermittently riding his bike to work at the Elizabeth Fire Department in 2012. In 2020, he decided to give up car commuting to the firehouse altogether. What started out as a simple way to ditch the frustrations of New Jersey traffic and get a little exercise, has turned into a passion for active transportation and all its benefits.
Want to follow Steve's adventures? Click the links below:
Facebook
Instagram
Blog
Mobility Matters returns for Season Two. Hosts Cristina Fowler and Arlene Holt share some insight on what and who to expect for Season Two.
Have a podcast topic you would like to hear? Email the KMM staff at programs@kmnm.org.
As we close out Season One of Mobility Matters, please take a moment to give us your feedback. What you liked and didn't like, suggestions for upcoming topics - we want to hear from you.
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/m6VYta8
Thank you and see you in September!
Mobility Matters hosts Cristina Fowler and Arlene Holt are joined by Board of Public Utilities E-Mobility Program Manager, Cathleen Lewis. In this episode, Cathleen Lewis provides our listeners with a comprehensive overview of the Electric Vehicle program in NJ and how Governor Murphy's 2050 plan affects you, your municipality, and your county,
Drive Green NJ
https://nj.gov/dep/drivegreen/
ALL NJ DEP EV incentives and grant programs
https://nj.gov/dep/drivegreen/dg-electric-vehicles-affordability.html
Sustainable NJ
https://www.sustainablejersey.com
NJ Economic Development Authority NJ ZIP program
https://www.njeda.com/njzip/
Mobility Matters hosts Cristina Fowler and Arlene Holt are joined by Edison Mayor Sam Joshi. In this episode, our hosts talk to Mayor Joshi about investing in outdoor spaces and what it means to the community of Edison - now and in the future. Learn about Middlesex County Greenway in Edison and what's in store for the area in the coming years.
Mobility Matters hosts Arlene Holt and Christopher Gonda are joined by Sean Meehan
Senior Research Specialist of the Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center, Rutgers University to discuss the Safe Routes to NJ program and its impact on our region.
The New Jersey Safe Routes Program, supported by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, is a statewide initiative with a mission to partner with schools and communities to prioritize and implement opportunities for people to walk, bike, or travel by other wheeled devices. By focusing on improvements to support active travel by youth, we believe we can create conditions that are safe, healthy, equitable, and appealing for all.
Safe Routes for All provides safe and equitable access to active transportation for people of all ages and abilities from all backgrounds and neighborhoods in New Jersey.
The links below are mentioned in the episode.
NJDOT Safe Routes website: https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/community/srts/
NJ Safe Routes Resource Center: https://www.saferoutesnj.org/
Creating a School Travel Plan: https://www.saferoutesnj.org/creating-a-school-travel-plan-2/
Mobility Matters hosts Bill Neary and Arlene Holt are joined by Hightstown Borough Councilman, Joe Cicalese. In this episode, Councilman Cicalese shares his insight on developing and implementing a Complete Streets policy.
A Complete Streets program requires that future roadway improvement projects include safe accommodations for all users, including bicyclists, pedestrians, transit riders, and the mobility impaired.
This policy is implemented through the planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of new or rehabilitated transportation facilities within public rights of way that are federally or state-funded, including projects processed or administered by NJDOT.
In Episode 5, KMM hosts, Arlene Holt and Chris Gonda chat with Gabrielle Rossi founder of Girls in Gear. Girls in Gear teach life skills through bike skills. They find bikes to be an extraordinary tool for change in ourselves and our communities as a conduit for lessons on kindness, compassion, and inner strength. The goal of the program is to introduce the joy of safe cycling to young riders while creating a supportive environment fostering personal growth. Their programs are designed for riders of all ability levels with a focus on having fun and trying their best.
To learn more visit:
http://www.girlsingear.org
https://www.thedreamprojectnj.org
The NJ State Safe Passing Law (NJSPL) A5570 /S2208 provides clear rules of the road for all motorists about when and how to pass people sharing the road on foot, bicycle, scooters, wheelchairs. Learn about the specifics of the law and its origin story with Metuchen Council President Jason Delia
Lina Lona, Executive Director of the Middlesex Regional Chamber of Commerce shares her insights on Covid's impact on the economic development in Middlesex County. Hosted by Bill Neary and Arlene Holt.
In this episode, KMM hosts Cristina Fowler and Arlene Holt talk with Middlesex County Commissioner Leslie Koppel about getting involved in local government.
KMM launches Mobility Matters - a podcast that covers transportation demand managements issues in Central Jersey. Meet the four hosts who will be featured throughout the season's episode.
Hosts:
Cristina Fowler
Bill Neary
Arlene Holt
Christopher Gonda
Production credit: Bert Baron
March 2022
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