Do you feel safe walking around Denville?
Safe Streets, Happy Communities
When we talk about what makes a community feel like home, we often think about good schools, clean parks, and strong neighborhoods. But there’s something else — something subtle but vital — that plays a huge role in how connected and safe we feel in our town: the ability to walk, bike, and move through it comfortably.
Denville is one of the most beautiful places in Morris County. We have lakes, wooded trails, and charming neighborhoods that practically invite people to get outside. And yet — so many of our streets just weren’t built with people in mind.
Denville's Ward 1 has incredibly beautiful, natural areas, including Cedar Lake, Rock Ridge Lake, and Cook's Pond. While these places beg to be explored, doing so can be risky.
Walking & Cycling in Denville Can Be Dangerous
It shouldn’t feel risky to walk your child to school, take a stroll to a friend’s house, or bike to a local shop. But without proper crosswalks, sidewalks, lighting, or safe shoulders, many residents have told me they simply don’t feel safe doing these everyday things — especially on our more heavily traveled roads.
We’ve seen fatal accidents in this town. We’ve seen areas where kids wait for school buses just inches from the road. We’ve seen stretches of pavement where a sidewalk would make all the difference — but hasn’t been prioritized.
Safe Streets are the Exception in Denville, Not the Rule
In Ward 1, safe road infrastructure is very rare. Roads are narrow, sidewalks are non-existent, and a safety buffer from delivery trucks, landscaping trailers, local residents, etc. just doesn't exist in most places.
Cedar Lake East & West
No matter which path you take around Cedar Lake, you will find yourself sharing the road with cars. This can be terrifying if you're like me and are frequently pushing a stroller, or walking with a dog.
Cedar Lake West has no sidewalks or safe walking areas, and no traffic design to slow vehicles down, like speed humps.
Cedar Lake West has no sidewalks or safe walking areas, and no traffic design to slow vehicles down, like speed humps.
Morris Avenue
Despite being a main travel route from Diamond Spring Road to Savage Road, Morris Avenue is completely lacking sidewalks or safe pedestrian access, despite there being room for this infrastructure.
Why this matters (and not just for safety)
Improving pedestrian and bike infrastructure isn’t just about reducing accidents (though that’s important). It’s about:
Improving Quality of Life
When people can walk or ride safely, they’re more likely to explore their neighborhoods and support local businesses.
Fostering Independence
Kids and seniors alike benefit from safe, accessible pathways.
Reducing Traffic & Pollution
Encouraging non-car travel where it makes sense helps ease congestion and supports our environmental goals.
Strengthening Community Bonds
Sidewalks lead to front-porch conversations. Walking leads to waving hello. Streets made for people help build community.
What I'll Push For
Investing in Safe Streets
If I’m elected to the Township Council, I will:
- Advocate for safer crossings, sidewalks, and traffic-calming improvements near schools and high-traffic pedestrian areas, like lake roads
- Apply for grants and funding opportunities to improve existing infrastructure and ensure future development considers all road users — not just cars
- Ensure residents have input on where improvements are most needed
Because a town designed only for traffic isn’t a community. But a town designed for people? That’s a place where everyone belongs.
Let’s invest in a safer, more walkable Denville — not just for today, but for the next generation growing up on these roads.
- Cam
