“I dont find the roads there that bad (I dont drive much on route 9 as I usually come from the parkway). its the lack of Sidewalks and adequte street lights that scare em a bit (I was a bit scared walking in the street in an unlighted street)”
You have not driven through Lakewood if you can make this comment.
Traffic is crippling. In town. Whether or not you go by the Parkway to get to Lakewood. Try crossing the Lake.