Westfield To Receive Silver Safe Routes Award; 8 Schools Earn Gold Honors

The town and eight Westfield schools are being recognized for work tied to safer walking and biking routes for students.

By Alexis Tarrazi, Patch Staff

Sep 17, 2026 11:46 AM EDT

WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield will be honored with a Silver Award in the New Jersey Safe Routes to School Recognition Program at EZ Ride's 2026 Annual Recognition Event.

The event is scheduled for Sept. 24 at Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.

EZ Ride said the Town of Westfield is being recognized for achievements in the statewide program.

According to EZ Ride, the New Jersey Safe Routes to School Program is part of a nationwide effort to encourage safe walking and biking to school.

EZ Ride said Westfield will receive the Silver Award in recognition of its long-standing commitment to creating safer, more accessible routes for students and fostering a community that supports active transportation.

The recognition program also honors schools and municipalities for advancing safer, more walkable and bikeable communities.

Eight Westfield schools are also set to receive Gold Awards.

The schools are Edison Intermediate School, Franklin Elementary School, Jefferson Elementary School, McKinley Elementary School, Roosevelt Intermediate School, Tamaques Elementary School, Washington Elementary School and Wilson Elementary School.

EZ Ride said the schools are being recognized for efforts to improve student safety, encourage healthy lifestyles and reduce traffic congestion around schools.

The annual event will bring together transportation, education, government and community leaders from across New Jersey, according to EZ Ride.

The organization said the gathering will celebrate partnerships advancing mobility, safety and sustainability.

Featured presentations are also expected from Stefanie Scharf of Uber Health, Teaneck Deputy Mayor Denise Belcher and Dr. Erick Alfonso, superintendent of schools in Belleville.

EZ Ride said the recognition program will include two categories.

Safe Routes to School awards will honor 220 schools and 75 municipalities. Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership awards will recognize 11 businesses for leadership in EV adoption.

EZ Ride describes itself as a nonprofit public-private partnership that helps businesses and governments implement transportation solutions.

According to the organization, those efforts are aimed at reducing costs, improving efficiency and making travel easier and safer for the people they serve.