Hundreds Push For Safer Streets, Honor Late 11-Year-Old In West Orange

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Nikhil Badlani Foundation. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Hundreds of participants came together for the 15th annual STOP For Nikhil Run/Walk/Bike Ride, honoring the memory of Nikhil Badlani while advocating for safer streets across New Jersey. The event featured community members, youth leaders, and elected officials, highlighting both remembrance and the progress being made in traffic safety.

Thanks to the generosity of the sponsors and participants, the event raised over $55,000 to support traffic safety programs and empower the next generation—ensuring that Nikhil’s legacy continues to inspire positive change in our communities.

This year’s event carried special significance following the passage of two landmark traffic safety laws in New Jersey. The Target Zero Commission, chaired by NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor, is developing a statewide plan to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2040. A new law also requires that drivers be educated and tested on how to safely approach and pass pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vulnerable road users, with this information now included in the New Jersey Driver’s Manual.

Distinguished officials in attendance included Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, a representative from Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill’s office, Senator John McKeon, NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor, Assemblywomen Alixon Collazos-Gill, Essex County Commissioner Leonard Luciano, and West Orange Mayor Susan McCartney, who welcomed participants. Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie, sponsor of the Traffic Crash Victims Bill of Rights, was represented by a member of her office. Rep. Sherrill’s office also presented a commemorative certificate in recognition of the event.

The morning began with a ride of remembrance, as cyclists pedaled from Newark and Millburn to the starting line. Their ride symbolized both the joy of cycling and the urgency of creating safer infrastructure for all who use the roads. It was a tribute to Nikhil’s legacy and a reminder of our shared responsibility to keep every road user safe.

“When I look around, I’m reminded that we are not alone in this journey. Today, we gather with purpose—to run, walk, and bike in honor of lives tragically cut short in preventable crashes. Each of us carries the power to create change, and together, we can move closer to a future with zero traffic deaths,” said Sangeeta Badlani, Founder of the Nikhil Badlani Foundation.

“It was an honor to stand with the Nikhil Badlani Foundation at the 15th Annual STOP For Nikhil Run/Walk/Bike Ride. This event is a powerful reminder of what’s at stake when our roads, policies, and priorities fall short of protecting lives,” said Congresswoman LaMonice McIver. “This event is a testament to the pain that can be turned into purpose and the concrete action a group of friends, neighbors, and loved ones can take, in fellowship with each other, to protect each other. I am proud to champion the work of making our communities more safe and be a partner in this fight.”

“I was proud to help kick off the 15th Annual STOP For Nikhil Run/Walk. Thanks to the Badlani family, who remain deeply committed to advocacy and raising awareness of traffic safety, we are making progress toward a safer future,” said Senator John F. McKeon. “ In New Jersey, where our roadways remain far too dangerous for pedestrians, we are committed to working together to pass commonsense legislation that will help us achieve our shared vision of zero traffic deaths by 2040.”

“We share the same vision for our roadways – one where safe driving is a way of life, and roadway fatalities are a thing of the past,” said NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor. “Governor Murphy’s Target Zero initiative calls for eliminating roadway deaths and serious injuries in New Jersey by 2040. Real progress is being made to meet this ambitious goal, and by year’s end we expect to have the draft action plan ready.”

The ceremony opened with the Pledge of Allegiance by Nikhil’s Scout Troop 6 and the national anthem sung by Natalie Tobar, a West Orange High School senior. Mayor Susan McCartney welcomed participants, saying, “Welcoming the NJDOT Commissioner and State legislators to the Stop for Nikhil event gave the Township an important platform to advance pedestrian and traffic safety in partnership with the Nikhil Badlani Foundation, the Pedestrian Safety Youth Advisory Board, and through our Vision Zero Action Plan.”

The Traffic Safety Youth Advisory Board then led the participants in taking the STOP For Nikhil Safety pledge, a cornerstone of Nikhil’s Law. Participants took part in a 5K run, 3K walk, and Kids Fun Run, with Bollywood warm-ups, raffles, food, and face painting. Awards were presented to the top male and female runners.

The Nikhil Badlani Inspiration Award was presented to Wendy Kukowski, a member of Families for Safe Streets NJ, for her courage and resilience after the loss of her partner, Oscar Zanoni. Wendy has transformed tragedy into advocacy—helping to advance the NJ Safe Passing Law and the Target Zero Commission.

Badlani also recognized local and state leaders for their support, noting their leadership in advancing traffic safety legislation and emphasized the ongoing mission to achieve zero traffic deaths:

“Every step we take brings us closer to streets where no one has to suffer the loss of a loved one. These new laws are a start, but real change requires all of us—community members, leaders, and lawmakers—to stay committed to safety. Together, we can make zero traffic deaths a reality.”

The Nikhil Badlani Foundation was established in 2011 in memory of an 11-year-old boy, Nikhil Badlani, who was killed in a car crash by a distracted driver. The mission of the Foundation is to raise traffic safety awareness and help children realize their dreams in academics and music.

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