patching...
Update: Don't miss the Cinnaminson news and events you care about - sign up for Patch's daily newsletter. »
Welcome back, Patch Blogger!

Rt. 130 Again Named Most Dangerous Road for Pedestrians

Since 2008, there have been four fatalities along the road in Burlington County.


View Burlington County Pedestrian Fatalities, 2008-2010 in a larger map
 

For the fourth year in a row, Route 130 in Burlington County has been named the most dangerous road for pedestrians in the state.

The Tri-State Transportation Campaign, a non-profit organization that focuses on transportation, based the designation on 10 pedestrian deaths that occurred over a three-year period.

In 2008 and 2009, Route 130 in Burlington County saw three pedestrian fatalities along the state highway. In 2010, there were four. Prior to March 2011, the last pedestrian fatality along Route 130 was in 2007.

On March 15, 2011, a Branch Pike woman was killed as she crossed Route 130 at Cinnaminson Avenue.

The second most dangerous road for pedestrians in Burlington County is Route 38.

Other New Jersey routes topping the list were Route 1 & 9 in Union County and US-1 in Middlesex County.

“All three of these roads are arterials—roads designed to move vehicles with little regard for the safety of pedestrians or bicyclists who also use them,” said Janna Chernetz, New Jersey advocate for the campaign in a recent release. “This type of planning has fatal consequences.”

Last year, Sgt. Ernest McGill, of the Cinnaminson Township Police Department, said the problem was worse a few years ago.

“We did have a problem with it before,” McGill said in a February 2011 Patch article. “Especially with the old motels down Route 130. We had a big problem with people jumping the barrier.”

Analysis from the Tri-State Transportation Campaign was based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System. 

Related Topics: Cinnaminson Police Department, Pedestrian, Route 130, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, and dangerous road

Steve Fowles

1:35 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012

This is my concern when "Speed Raceway" and Sonic open soon. Dunkin Donuts and 7-11 have always been meeting places for kids, especially walkers. They will soon have a reason to cross over Rt. 130 frequently, back and forth. The overpass will not be used by most (99%). I sincerely hope this is taken into account before these places open, not after it's too late. It would definitely be a top priority for me. I know our Township Committee reads these posts, so hopefully this will be discussed.

Reply
Comment_arrow

Winston Wolf

1:56 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012

So what's the answer, refuse to let them open? How about offering your thoughts on how to address it? It seems to me all you are trying to do is plant a "gotcha" seed for the next election, in the event something unfortunate happens. Maybe I misunderstand your intent, but after the last election and reading your posts on this site during that time, I can't help but conclude everything you post is tied to your agenda. As an aside, at what point do people (including teens, alone and with the advice of their parents) take some individual responsibility, instead of having the "government" craft a solution to every problem, issue, etc. The "what's government going to do to protect me from myself" mentality is killing this country.

Comment_arrow

Ric

2:41 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012

I am a walker. There are many hazards but no sidewalks on much of Rt. 130. A mound of dirt and bushes forces walkers onto the highway at Riverton Farm & Garden. At Wal-Mart a guard rail with a deep drop forces walkers onto the highway. Across the street, Lakeview lacks a sidewalk but there is a grassy area to walk on. But next door at the Methodist cemetery there is a steep incline which walkers onto RT. 130.
I realize the highway is run by the state but our township committee must put pressure on the state to require sidewalks.
When the township agreed to contribute towards Wal-Mart’s jug handle we should not have forked over a dime until a sidewalk was agreed upon.
How does the township plan on saying we are sorry to a parent that has lost a child walking on 130. Or to a husband or wife?

Comment_arrow

Silvia

2:57 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012

“The overpass will not be used by most (99%)” Really? Every time I drive that intersection, I always see people, especially kids using that overpass. In fact, I can’t recall a time where I saw someone not using it. I would like to see if the township or the state would consider putting another one at the Church/Cinnaminson Ave intersection.

@ Ric, I would hope responsible parents would tell their kids or love ones not to walk on Rt. 130. Even on sidewalks, it is still not a safe place for anyone because of the highway speeds.

Comment_arrow

Ric

3:17 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012

Sylvia. All those killed walking on Rt. 130 had irresponsible parents?

Instead of being part of the problem, why don't you contribute to the solution?
No matter how you look at, too many are getting killed walking on Rt. 130.

Comment_arrow

Silvia

3:45 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012

No thanks Ric, like you and everyone else here, I prefer being a part of the problem by spending my time moaning and groaning about those in charge. JK and sorry for my sarcasm. I know what you are saying but I always told my kids to staff off Rt. 130 except for crossing at the intersections. It’s just common sense.

Comment_arrow

Steve Fowles

3:59 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012

Fine Sylvia, I only lived here my whole life and was a police officer here for 25 years. I don't know what came over me. You're right, all the kids will go out of their way, cross Riverton Road twice to get from DD/7-11 to Sonic/Speed Raceway. What was I thinking? Think about that now too, crossing Riverton Rd twice. Pick your poison I guess. Let's just ignore that there might be a problem, and like Winston said, it will be a "gotcha" situation.

Comment_arrow

Silvia

4:03 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012

Steve, The more you write the more I get to see your true colors and what you are all about. I am sure nothing would make you happier than a gotcha moment. Very Sad. I am glad no other opinions matter but yours.....what was i thinking?

Comment_arrow

Steve Fowles

9:27 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012

@Sylvia "nothing would make me happier"? That is an absolutely horrible, ridiculous, stupid and ignorant statement. I am sorry if a barrier fence might hinder the beautiful appearance of our precious 130 corridor. It is not "my opinion", I am speaking from years of experience. But you believe what you want. Sorry for trying to prevent a tragedy.

Comment_arrow

Silvia

10:20 am on Friday, March 16, 2012

I’ll agree that if it is an easy fix and something that could saves lives than it is always worth it. I just don’t know if it is going to be as bad as you think regarding foot traffic and jumping the median instead of crossing at the light 100 feet away from Sonic. But this is my opinion and the last I checked I am still entitled to offer my opinion! Let’s see what the “powers that be” think and do regarding Rt. 130 and safety.

I do find it funny that you are such a strong supporter of something that could save a life yet you were so adamantly opposed to the Riverton Road Circle project. Remember: “this is absolutely the stupidest idea ever” I believe was your quote. Interesting or maybe it was just stupid because YOU didn’t come up with the idea!

PS: I hope for your sake that you would never enjoy a gotcha moment as I implied but you come across in these comment sections and on fb as an opportunist who loves to broadcast negative things like business closing, people getting hurt in our parks, vacant properties along rt. 130, and possibly yes, a kid getting hurt after you called it could happen. If the shoe fits Steve…….

Comment_arrow

Nancy VanTwistern

1:12 pm on Sunday, March 18, 2012

I'm with you, Steve and have commented about this several times. Hardly anyone used that 'overpass'...it's too slow for the young and the stairs to hard to climb for the elderly (like me). Fortunately, I drive to stores etc. and when I'm not able to drive will use the help afforded for the elderly. Too many kids, after school and in the summer, use the 7/11 walking or biking AND they almost all cross Rt.130 and not using the overpass.......more places for kids to congregate around 130!!

Steve Fowles

2:34 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012

Winston, I have offered a solution in a previous post. Its not failproof, but it would surely help. My friend and neighbor was struck and killed years ago when kids used to cross from Burger King to Friendlys. (by jumping the barrier). Of course I want to see these businesses open, I'm not opposed to them, I just want our kids to be safe. We as parents can tell them a million times, "don't jump the barrier", but you know how that goes. My suggestion is to put a barrier fence on top of the median from Riverton Rd to Wynwood Drive, so the barrier can not be jumped. It is much safer at the lighted intersection. (although still a little dangerous). We are talking about 12 year olds up to 17, who just happen to know everything. There is no "gotcha" intent whatsoever, just a suggestion from someone who cares, and does have some knowledge and experience in public safety.

Reply
Comment_arrow

Silvia

3:09 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012

Steve, I think those barrier fences look horrible and kids will still jump them if they want to. Like I said, kids seem to enjoy using the overpass so I don’t see this being an issue. Well let’s just say I hope it never becomes an issue or turns out to be that “gotcha” moment that you will throw in township committee faces should something unfortunate happen.

Comment_arrow

FbS

8:31 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012

This is actually a good idea, Steve. It will be relatively inexpensive and pretty effective at stopping the kids from jumping the barriers.

Comment_arrow

Nancy VanTwistern

1:16 pm on Sunday, March 18, 2012

Good idea for a barrier Steve!! As for Sylvia......how often is she crossing/driving where the overpass is..........IT IS NOT USED MUCH AT ALL!!!!!! I live not too far away and I KNOW!!

Comment_arrow

Nancy VanTwistern

1:18 pm on Sunday, March 18, 2012

And Sylvia..........isn't UGLY better than DEAD....seems you values are screwed up some............ALSO, barriers don't have to be 'ugly' but the entire question is mote, I guess as wouldn't the state have to put them up??? AND we all know how effecient and quickly things are done by the 'state'.......
I guess we will ALL have to 'wait and see' when all these events take place...when the Raceway and Sonic are done and any other business is added.

Ric

2:43 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012

Winston, you are a smart man. What do you think should be done? It is one thing to be part of the problem but another to be part of the solution. I am ready to listen to you.

Reply

Winston Wolf

4:13 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012

Ric, I am not part of any problem (poor analogy); I wasn't the one who posted that this could be a problem and that something should be done; actually, your comment is another way of saying what I originally said. But since you asked, perhaps having the police speak to the school students about it and let everyone know police will strictly enforce jaywalking (i.e. not crossing at a light where there is no cross walk, crossing against a light, etc. Are there DARE officers in the schools who could do it?). The police station is right there, so police presence to enforce shouldn't be too difficult, they are going by all the time. As an aside, there seemed to be good education with the Riverline; I haven't heard of any school kids (only drunk adults) getting hit by the train. The fences on the jersey barrier would help, but everyone says 130 is ugly enough; however the ones by the CH Mall seemed to help. Also, it sounds like red light cameras may be coming, you can be assured that will get people to slow down TO the speed limit, making it easier to slow/stop for those who do cross illegally. So, although I don't pretend to have all or any answers, it comes down to the three "E's"; education, enforcement and engineering.

Reply
Comment_arrow

Nancy VanTwistern

1:20 pm on Sunday, March 18, 2012

Mr. Wolf, good post and logical....

Jamie Lyons

4:13 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012

Is there anyway the Township could reduce the speed limit from Target to the intersection at the new Shoprite? Reducing it to 35 with "Strictly Enforced" sign could go a long way in reducing fatalities. This would be really good considering the new go-cart track, skatepark, and Sonic are going to be coming to town. Just a thought...

Reply
Comment_arrow

Phil

11:53 am on Friday, March 16, 2012

I believe the state dictates the speed limit on the road and it would never get below 45, especially considering that's the lowest speed limit on 130 in Pennsauken where Rt. 130, at least from a driving standpoint, is pretty dangerous.

Cindy Pierson

7:52 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012

When I was a kid, we called the highway "Bloody 130". It has been a dangerous road for decades, some years worse than others. Personally, I think that sidewalks, on both sides of the highway, and clearly marked pedestrian crossings, would help. Does anyone know how much sidewalks cost to install? I am just curious as to how many linear feet of sidewalk $350,000 would buy. And wouldn't sidewalks be a perfect fit into the plan to improve the Route 130 corridor? I would rather see sidewalks instead of a glorified bus stop -although if you read the ordinance, the twp can change their mind about how to use the property -and I quote: "Introduction of Ordinance 2012-9 Authorizing the Acquisition of 503 Rt. 130, also known as Block 1305, Lot 1 in the Township of Cinnaminson Purpose: To improve the property for safer use as a bus stop and such other purposes as Committee may decide advance the interests of the municipality." For the full notice or more information (my personal view/interpretation/etc as per instructions from the powers that be) email me at turtlelady527@comcast.net

Reply
Comment_arrow

Nancy VanTwistern

1:24 pm on Sunday, March 18, 2012

Cindy, Sidewalks would be a great help. Too often I see people walking on the side of Rt. 130 in areas where there are none. Especially by the cemetary across from the area before the cemetary. Many people get off a bus and walk to Walmart, crossing RT. 130 there. I know, it's an additional expense and would, no doubt, raise our taxes again as sidewalks are costly.......I really don't have any answers...just thinking......................................

Cindy Pierson

7:54 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012

the public hearing on ordinance 2012-9 is this coming Monday 3/19/2012 at 7:30PM at the municipal building - I hope everyone commenting here will make an effort to attend!

Reply

Thomas p

8:10 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012

I would think a small fence on top of center median is a very cost effective way to deter people from trying to cross 130. Maybe township could try to get state or county to install something like this. Uncertain why some think this would be eyesore.

Reply
Comment_arrow

Nancy VanTwistern

10:28 am on Monday, March 19, 2012

A fence atop the barrier 'does not' have to be an eyesore at all!! I've traveled a lot in my long life and have seen many that weren't ugly, as someone said. isn't it better for something to be somewhat ugly than a dead child/person????

Dan Reynolds

8:13 am on Friday, March 16, 2012

Fence, or razor wire, or quad rotor attack drones.

But seriously that intersection is only pedestrian friendly with the bridge... But getting to the bridge involves crossing too many busy intersections..

130 is not pedestrian friendly anywhere the whole road is filled with bad intersections.

What it really needs is a "walking path" on both sides opposite of the roadway, with perpendicular pedestrian tunnels. But that will never happen.

Reply

Nancy VanTwistern

8:48 am on Friday, March 16, 2012

Kids will be kids............awhile back someone posted that most kids use the overpass........well, that's not true at all! I am in my car crossing over Rt. 130 frequently to go the the Library, Boro Hall AND also up and down Rt. 130. There are "always" kids AND adults jumping the barrier. ALSO, the lights for 'walkers' are timed way too short in time to allow you to cross Rt. 130 safely when walking but that's not Cinnaminsons responsibility. We'll just have to 'wait and see' now that the raceway thingo and Sonic will be in the mall......I'm just happy that I don't have to worry about my kids anymore ... but I do have concern for my neighbors!.

Reply

Jennifer

9:31 am on Friday, March 16, 2012

I think a barrier fence is an excellent idea, with good intent. Better lighting along the corridor is a thought as well. I’d prefer these two options to spend $$ over a glorified bus stop any day of the week. That’s if the money allotted for the bus stop can be used for this instead. But, I don’t know if that’s an option, so maybe someone can enlighten me.

Reply
Patch_comments_icon

Lauren Burgoon

11:40 am on Friday, March 16, 2012

We embedded Tri-State Transportation Campaign's Burlington County map showing pedestrian fatalities in 2008-2010. As you can see, several were on Route 130.

Reply

Christina Paciolla

12:11 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012

I am writing a story today on this acquisition of Barone's, however I must clear something up—the first reading was NOT behind closed doors. The first reading of the ordinance was done in open session, after the executive session. You can see that in the minutes after they are approved at the March 19 meeting.

And the project is not for a bus stop.

I will have a story on this today.

Reply
Comment_arrow

Winston Wolf

12:39 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012

Aquiring any real estate that used to be a gas station is a risky proposition, as there is almost always contamination which the NJDEP will require be remediated, usually at great cost to the buyer. I look forward to reading the article to see what environomental issues there are. As for bus stops in town, I feel sorry for Dr. Reda and mess bus riders leave at the stop in front of his building. I've seen people sitting on the hoods of cars in his lot, having a snack, waiting for their bus.

Mark

12:40 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012

Regardless of when the reading was performed, I like many of the other taxpayers of this town still want to know, why does the township commitee feel the need to buy a piece of land located on a major highway and in the middle of a jug handle? Call me foolish, but I think for what they are paying for this piece of property thay is money that can be spent better elsewhere in town. Like some of the side streets for instance in the extension area. They have not been paved in years and are falling apart around the folks who live in that area, yet Villinger ave seems to get milled and repaved every ten years whether it needs it or not.

Reply

Christina Paciolla

12:44 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012

Any questions or concerns can be commented on the article I'm gong to post later.

This article is about Route 130 and its recent "Most Dangerous Road for Pedestrians" recognition.

Anyone with questions for me regarding the story I'm writing can call or e-mail me directly. I respond to everyone!

Reply

Mark

12:59 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012

Thank you Christina for your efforts here at Patch. Although we may not agree all the time, I will say that you do always get back to me when I have a question or concern.

Reply

doubler

4:05 pm on Sunday, March 18, 2012

Well hopefully everyone will use the cross -walk but they really should have redone it like the one by the Cherry Hill mall which is update to today's standards after a truck hit it.. How about getting it done now guys now that Sonic will open in a week it needs concrete and and overhead fence, you know what it needs.

Reply

Cindy Pierson

9:58 am on Monday, March 19, 2012

I urge everyone to attend the twp committee meeting tonight, 7:30PM at the municipal building. The public is given the opportunity to make comments and ask questions of the committee, please take advantage of it! Venting on the Patch and other on-line forums is great, but none of it really matters. We need to have our opinions on all of the issues (regardless of what those opinions are) jeard by the committee and made part of the public record. PLEASE try to come out to the meeting this evening! And my offer to spring for coffee at the Harvest Diner afterwards still stands!!

Reply

Den

10:16 am on Monday, March 19, 2012

Walking path ,it's really that simple.Just walk it and you will see .P.S make sure your life insurance is paid ..

Reply

Leave a comment

 

The Cinnaminson Patch
Valentine's Shopping Guide

See the full guide!

Patch Picks