Westfield residents press council for bike, pedestrian safety after cyclist’s death; officials pledge signage, county talks

Dozens of residents and regional cycling advocates urged the Westfield Town Council on Tuesday to take immediate steps to make streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians after the Aug. 4 death of cyclist Wajid Abdul Haq on North Avenue.

The urgency of the public comments came from multiple speakers representing local and county cycling groups, family members of the victim and long-time residents. John Pisco, president of All On Cycling Club of New Jersey, said New Jersey’s safe passing law requires drivers to “always give at least 4 feet of space when passing” and urged the town to install MUTCD-approved signs to put the rule in front of road users. “By installing these official road signs throughout our community, we will significantly increase driver awareness and save lives,” Pisco said.

The request was echoed by Steven Dunn, president of Union County Connects, and by multiple local cycling organizations including Bike for Life. Speakers described repeated near-misses on Westfield…