If you live or work in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester or Salem Counties, Cross County Connection TMA is your Transportation Management Association (TMA). Cross County Connection’s mission is to improve the quality of life in southern New Jersey through transportation solutions. To do this, Cross County Connection works with counties, municipalities, employers, schools, commuters, and local entities in its seven-county region to offer numerous services that promote and facilitate the use of commute alternatives, including car/vanpooling, public transit, bicycling and walking.
Cross County Connection supports alternative transportation such as walking and bicycling in southern New Jersey by offering technical assistance and implementing activities customized to the needs of each school or community they work with. While Cross County Connection offers a variety of fun and informative programs, among the most popular is their Bicycle and/or Pedestrian Safety presentation.
Woodbine Elementary School was a unique experience for both Cross County Connection staff and students as they are a rural, walking community. Cross County Connection staff had the distinct pleasure of teaching and reinforcing Pedestrian Safety to the entire school! What was the best part? They were able to host their first game show edition of the presentation for the 6th-8th grade students. First, Cross County Connection staff created a questionnaire with pedestrian safety related questions. The students were given about 10 minutes to work as a team to complete their questionnaire. At first glance, students thought it would be simple, but it really required close reading and teamwork. Once finished, the students select a representative to answer a question and compete against the other grades to see who knew the most about pedestrian safety. Cross County Connection staff even provided colorful, noisy buzzers for the students to buzz in. After losing several rounds to the 6th and 8th grade representatives, the 7th grade students made a comeback and walked away with the victory!
In addition to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety presentation, the following events can also be conducted in person at schools, community events, and recreational programs. They can be conducted outdoors or indoors making this program appropriate for all seasons!
Our most popular events include:
- The Golden Sneaker Walking Challenge- Teams of students challenge each other to see who can walk the most steps. The competition can be between classes, grade levels, or even between schools! Cross County Connection will provide a detailed program guide to ensure a smooth roll-out. Some schools have found this an effective way to keep the kids moving in the winter months.
- Bike Rodeo- Cross County Connection collaborates with the local police departments to set up a course where children can learn various bike skills and provides a free helmet with proper helmet fitting. This can be held in a school gymnasium during the winter months.
As part of these events, Cross County Connection will provide students with fun promotional items, such as light-up bracelets, slap bracelets, safety bookmarks, color-changing pencils, and safety literature for parents/guardians to help reinforce the importance of being safe while bicycling and walking.
Cross County Connection would like to bring the Safe Routes to School program to your school(s). Spring and summer are perfect opportunities to start or expand a program. Make sure your students have the information they need to be safe as the warmer weather returns and they become more active. Our Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Education Program and Walk to School events are an ideal way to kick-off your program. If interested, please contact us as soon as possible at 856-596-8228 or sunkett@driveless.com, as our schedule fills quickly.
