Hundreds Rally For Safer Roads In West Orange At ‘Stop For Nikhil’

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The Nikhil Badlani Foundation hosted its 14th annual “Stop For Nikhil” walk/run/bike ride last weekend, drawing hundreds of people to West Orange High School in an effort to raise awareness for traffic safety.

The annual event honors the life of Nikhil Badlani, an 11-year-old who was killed in a 2011 motor vehicle crash involving a driver who ran a stop sign on the South Orange/Maplewood border near South Mountain Reservation.

This year’s event held a special significance with the recent adoption of the Vision Zero Action Plan in West Orange – a blueprint that aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030, the foundation said.

“Enough is enough,” said Sangeeta Badlani, founder of the Nikhil Badlani Foundation.

“We cannot let more families suffer the pain of losing a loved one on our roads,” Badlani said, mourning the loss of her son. “Passing the Target Zero Commission Bill is a critical step, but it’s only the beginning. Together, we have the power to make a difference, to demand safer streets, and to ensure that no more lives are lost.”

“This isn’t just about legislation—it’s about protecting our families, friends, and future,” Badlani said. “We won’t stop until we reach zero. Together, we can make it happen.”

Badlani’s tragic passing has helped to pave the way for change, with the town recently securing a 2024 NJ Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School Grant and a $450,000 federal grant to implement Vision Zero.

On Sunday, the 2024 “Stop For Nikhil” event kicked off with a powerful show of support in the youth’s memory, with several participants riding their bikes from Newark and Jersey City to the starting line.

According to the foundation, the ride brought together cyclists of all ages, “emphasizing the need for safe, bike-friendly infrastructure in our communities.”

“By riding in Nikhil’s memory, they not only honored his legacy but also highlighted the universal need for safer roads—whether walking, driving, or cycling,” spokespeople said.

The event also included participation from Badlani’s Scout troop, Troop 6, which led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a performance of the National Anthem from a senior at the high school. The Traffic Safety Youth Advisory Board then led participants in the STOP For Nikhil pledge: a key element of Nikhil’s Law, which was passed in the late youth’s honor in 2015.

This year’s event also featured a 5K run, 3K walk, Kids Fun Run, Bollywood warm-ups, raffles, food and face painting. Awards were presented to the top male and female runners.

The foundation presented its annual Nikhil Badlani Inspiration Award to Safe Streets JC to recognize their “commitment to safer, more equitable streets in Jersey City.”

Sen. John McKeon (NJ-27) praised the Badlani family’s advocacy, commending their “unwavering dedication to saving lives and their efforts to advocate for traffic safety reforms.”

The Badlani family also got a thank-you from West Orange Mayor Susan McCartney.

“On behalf of the township, I thank Sangeeta and Sunil Badlani, the Nikhil Badlani Foundation, the Youth Advisory Pedestrian Safety Board and the township's Pedestrian Safety Advisory Board for forcing the township to focus on taking a proactive stance on road improvement safety measures,” McCartney said.

“We are here today to thank the Badlani Foundation for their efforts in getting enhanced legislative safety laws passed, and for producing events like this that allow all of us to become participants and advocates to help affect change for public safety,” McCartney added.

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