12 YO Killed By 90 YO Driver in Cumberland County

Car, bike collision leaves one dead, one injured
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
By SANDRA JOHNSON-BOHANNAN
Staff Writer

COMMERCIAL TWP. -- Investigation is ongoing in a car and two bicycle accident that killed one gir Laurel Lake girl and injured another on Battle Lane and Point Breeze Road Sunday afternoon.

Melanie Spinelli, 12, who was airlifted by South Star to Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center for head injuries and was in critical condition Sunday, died at the hospital, according to state police reports from Port Norris barracks.

The 11-year-old, whose name was not released, was also flown to Cooper but was in stable condition as of Sunday night, Trooper Joseph Walters reported.

Both girls were riding their bikes on Battle Lane when they were struck by a Ford mini van, driven by James Plummer, 90, of Millville.

The impact knocked both girls off of their bikes, according to reports.

Walters said that the exact cause of the accident is still under investigation.

He noted that the investigation, which is being handled by Trooper John Traini, has shown thus far that Plummer was not speeding and a witness said his vehicle did not leave the roadway.

The accident occurred at 12:48 p.m.

© 2006 Bridgeton News
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Once Again Elected Officials Oppose Road Diet

An article in the Asbury Park Press noted that Ocean County Freeholders turned down one part of a walkable communty plan — the reduction of travel lanes on Highland Blvd in Toms River to accommodate a road shoulder for bicycles.

"If there's anything that's going to relieve traffic congestion in downtown Toms River, it's going to be that road (Highland) going down to Herflicker Boulevard" and the new bridge, Bartlett said.

How many times has that claim been made? Somehow I doubt that anything they do on one street will relieve traffic in the long term. Ocean County Freeholders should make the road safer for bicycles and pedestrians by reducing the traffic lanes and adding bike lanes to Highland.

Union County Bike Plan Meeting 12-12, 2-4pm

Union County Will Hold Meeting to Discuss
County-wide Bicycle Master Plan, Dec. 12

ELIZABETH— A meeting to focus on planning new bicycle routes in Union County will be held December 12, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced today.

Union County Division of Planning and Community Development has scheduled the public meeting for Tuesday, December 12, at the Cranford Recreation and Parks Department, Room 204, 220 Walnut Avenue, Cranford from 2-4pm. Parking is available at the site. The building is located 2 blocks south of the Cranford Train Station.

“The existing bicycle map and guide is almost 25 years old,” said Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, Transportation Advisory Board liaison. “This meeting will focus on how to update the map and guide and create safer routes for all county residents regardless of how they use a bicycle.”

This is the second meeting of the Union County Comprehensive Bicycle Master Plan Project. In addition to planning various bicycle routes, the planners will discuss challenges in creating the new routes and the development of an integrated bikeway system that includes on-road and off-road facilities.

“We are encouraging the public to be a part of this meeting.” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Resident input is critical in the planning process; we need to know what their needs and concerns are.”

The Union County Comprehensive Bicycle Master Plan Project is designed to encourage the functional and recreational use of bicycles in Union County.

Upon completion, residents will have access to new routes and a new map. Guidelines will also be offered that can be used to encourage the safe use of bicycles in the future. The completed project will create yet another means for all residents to commute in Union County. Residents both young and old will have access to on-road and off-road facilities, enabling them to travel or recreate throughout the county.

Funding for the project is provided by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority and the County Of Union. A consultant team led by The RBA Group has been awarded this contract.