September 30, 2022
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Following a bicycle accident on September 14, in which a student at Pond Road Middle School was injured, school officials are working with the Robbinsville Police Department to ensure the crosswalks are as safe as possible.
The accident occurred at 7:50 a.m. about 100 yards south of the school, in which the 10-year-old student sustained a leg injury when his bicycle hit a passenger vehicle. The boy is now recovering.
In response, Robbinsville Police Chief Mike Polaski has been in discussions with school and municipal officials about ways in which the local streets could be safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers. The police chief also spoke at the September 27 Board of Education meeting to address the community’s concerns.
“We understand that there is a perception from some in the community that we have a safety issue at that mid-block crosswalk,” Polaski said. “We are working with the school district and the township administration to increase safety near the Pond Road Middle School. We have already assigned a stronger police presence.”
In addition, the township has re-lined the crosswalk between Route 526 and Hutchinson Road where the incident occurred to make the markings more pronounced. There is also a traffic enforcement message board to remind drivers to slow down in a school area.
Police have also hired a crossing guard, with training expected in early October, for the location, located mid-block between two housing developments.
Schools Superintendent Brian J. Betze said student safety is always the top priority.
“We are thankful that our student involved in the accident is recovering well, but incidents like this always make us take pause and see if we can do better,” the superintendent said. “I am thankful for our partnership with the Robbinsville Police Department and Robbinsville Township, which have equally stepped up to ensure Pond Road is as safe as possible for our students as well as the overall community.”
Pond Road Middle School Student Struck Riding Bicycle To School
