Edgemont Becomes First School in NJ to Launch Boltage

This week, Edgemont School became the first school in New Jersey to launch Boltage, an innovative technology that aids in making walking and biking a way of life.

Each child who bikes or walks to school receives their unique radio frequency ID tag. When the children walk under the ZAP, the data is stored in an online database that allows parents and kids to view their mileage. It also serves as a tool to provide rewards for participation.

Edgemont School was awarded a Healthy Community Development Grant from the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services to support the development of a bike-and-walk-to-school program. Local partners who have supported the initiative are Mayor Jerry Fried, Bike and Walk Monclair, Monclair Public Schools Health and Wellness Partnerships, and the YMCA.

Elise Bremer-Nei, coordinator of the New Jersey Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School program, spoke at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the school Wednesday, as well as Principal Dr. Adunni Anderson, and Jennifer Hanawald, Edgemont's Health and Wellness liaison.

Bremer-Nei had encouraging things to say about Montclair. She noted that Montclair is the first town in New Jersey to have a complete streets policy, host a bike tour, and be awarded three Safe Routes to School grants.

Bremer-Nei also went on to say "Everybody gets involved in Montclair—the YMCA, the Mayor's office—you guys have the whole package. The New Jersey Deptartment of Transportation is delighted to see that Edgemont has stepped forward with this program, because this is what we envisioned. It's all for you guys because we want kids to be healthy and safe."