Resident presents traffic study, urges crossing guard and sidewalks near Pitman High School

During the meeting's second public-comment period, resident Kara Oldhauser presented a neighborhood traffic study around Pitman High School and urged the board to pursue safety measures including a crossing guard at Waverly and Linden, additional stop signs and sidewalks, and a curriculum emphasis on helmet safety.

Oldhauser told trustees that during the first week of June she conducted counts at four intersections between 7:40 and 7:58 a.m. She reported that 241 cars passed through Waverly and Linden during that interval, that there were about 60 cars every three minutes at the busiest stretch, and that 65 students arrived by bicycle, scooter or on foot where sidewalks are limited.

"Between 07:40 and 07:58 a.m. there were 241 cars that moved through the intersection of Waverly and Linden," Oldhauser said. "There was an average of 60 cars every three minutes in the busiest stretch, and 65 students arrived on bicycles, scooters and walking where there are no sidewalks and there were no crossing guards to assist them."

She noted New Jersey Department of Transportation rules requiring bicycle helmets for riders under certain ages and offered to share her research and resources with the district. Her three specific requests were: a crossing guard at Waverly and Linden, traffic-calming measures and sidewalks, and reinforced safety education in the curriculum.

Board members responded that hiring crossing guards and certain traffic controls are within borough purview. Board President and Dr. Preston said they will include Justin Blackmore and borough officials in follow-up conversations and will note Oldhauser's findings as part of future discussions.

The board did not take immediate action at the meeting; members said they would coordinate with the borough on next steps.