Summer 2009

TRANSPORTATION ISSUES IN THE NJTPA REGION Pedals & Pedestrians

ar more than a means of ing in new travel alternatives recreation, walking and that will improve the quality of bicycling are becoming a life in their towns. Fmajor mode of transporta- The North Jersey tion for a growing number of Transportation Planning New Jerseyans. Today, entire Authority (NJTPA) is committed new communities are being to making our region walkable planned around their pedestrian and bikable for all. In this issue, friendliness, a trend that’s been Mobility Matters highlights some fueled by rising energy costs, of the many projects, strategies environmental awareness and and programs that are easing greater commitments to physical travel for pedestrians and fitness. cyclists in northern and central Whether they’re transit-ori- New Jersey. ented developments near train stations or the kind of mixed- A Core use projects reviving the state’s urban cores, Main Street-style Investment Principle living arrangements have made The NJTPA oversees more than a comeback. A new wave of $2.5 billion a year in transporta- residents are eager to live tion investments, with more where they can leave the car than $30 million of that going A cyclist enjoys a spin through Sandy Hook. keys behind, and work, shop toward the construction and and dine within a few-block redesign of dedicated walking walk. and bicycling facilities. In fact, trian accessibility and safety In suburban and rural areas the 2005 Regional Capital into account. Next time you as well, local officials and resi- Investment Strategy—a docu- drive through your town, take dents are working hard to make ment which outlines eight broad notice of some of its pedestrian their communities more attrac- principles that guide the NJTPA’s and bicycle features—things tive to pedestrians and bicy- spending approach—placed like painted crosswalks, bus clists. Capital projects like hik- “support walking and bicycling” stop shelters, sidewalks, push- ing trails and sidewalk exten- among those priorities. button crossing beacons, street sions are helping to stitch The most visible examples of signs—and consider that they together neighborhoods, result- this principle in action might be often are the results of a con- a bike trail or a certed transportation planning pretty brick paver effort. walkway down- The NJTPA targets improve- town, projects that ments to areas with existing, often generate growing or strong potential for enthusiasm within walking and bicycle travel. It their communities. also seeks to invest in projects However, pedestri- that support walking by chil- an and bicycle dren, the elderly and those with planning goes limited motor vehicle access. In much deeper. any given year, the requests for Almost every kind bicycle and pedestrian funding far outweigh the amounts avail- The NJTPA Board of Trustees, chaired by Sussex of transportation project, from able. County Freeholder Susan Zellman (standing), In recent years, a greater guides the investment of over $30 million each designing bridges to emphasis has been placed on year on dedicated biking and walking facili- rebuilding high- ties. ways, takes pedes- Continued on page 2 2 Walking and Biking

Pedals & especially critical for our youth, the last five years, $7.6 million Pedestrians and protect the environment by has been allocated through Cont’d reducing our reliance on fossil these programs for upgrades from page 1 fuels. And in some cases, these like pedestrian signals and projects can also help foster reflective crosswalk striping. connecting bicy- smart growth and stimulate our Walkable Community clists to transit local economies.” Workshops, begun as NJTPA- hubs. NJ Transit moderated events, have grown currently provides Safe Travel in popularity to a point where parking for thou- counties are now holding them sands of bikes at Another of the NJTPA’s guiding on their own. During these its facilities, transportation principles, one half-day workshops, a group of including hun- that relates closely with the local officials, engineers, police, dreds of weather- topic of this publication, is residents and other stakehold- proof bike lockers “make travel safer.” Crash statis- ers tour trouble spots on foot that can be rented tics show that the most vulnera- Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney before holding brainstorming for a modest fee. ble travelers among us—pedes- helps promote the opening of the Hackensack sessions to come up with River Pathway in Hackensack. Bikes are general- trians and bicycle riders— potential solutions. The results ly allowed on NJ remain disproportionately at may be documented and sub- Transit trains and risk. Of 439 crash-related mitted to the NJTPA for funding light rail cars during non-rush deaths in the NJTPA region in consideration. hours, and at all times on 2007, almost 25 percent were And to protect future gener- buses with racks on the front pedestrians, even though walk- ations of pedestrians and bicy- or underfloor luggage compart- ing accounts for less than 10 clists, the NJTPA supports the ments. percent of all trips in the nationally acclaimed Safe “Investments in bicycle and region. Routes to School program (see pedestrian projects accomplish The Local Safety and High story on page 3). many of our goals as an Risk Rural Roads programs pro- For more information on the agency, as well as a society,” vide funds to the NJTPA subre- NJTPA’s efforts to improve said NJTPA Chairman Susan M. gions (13 counties and the walking and biking in the Zellman, a Sussex County cities of Newark and Jersey region, visit www.njtpa.org. l Freeholder. “They promote City) for relatively quick fixes healthier lifestyles, which is to hazardous conditions. Over

THE NJTPA The NJTPA is the federally authorized Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the 6.5 million people in the 13-county northern New Jersey region. Each year, the Hon. Cory A. Booker— NJTPA oversees over $2.5 Mobility Matters is published by the NJTPA Board of Trustees Mayor, City of Newark billion in transportation invest- North Jersey Transportation Planning Hon. Susan M. Zellman, ments. The NJTPA evaluates and Authority, Inc. with funding from Hon. James F. Lacey—Ocean County approves proposed transportation the Federal Transit Administration Chairman—Sussex County Freeholder Freeholder and the Federal Highway improvement projects and provides a Hon. Dennis McNerney, Hon. Pasquale “Pat” Lepore— Administration. The NJTPA is solely First Vice forum for interagency cooperation and Chairman—Bergen County Executive Passaic County Freeholder public input into funding decisions. It responsible for its contents. Hon. Gene F. Feyl, Hon. Peter S. Palmer—Somerset also sponsors and conducts studies, Second Vice Executive Editor: Mary K. Murphy, Chairman—Morris County Freeholder County Freeholder Director assists county planning agencies and NJTPA, Executive Director Director Hon. Daniel P. Sullivan—Union monitors compliance with national air David Behrend, Contributing Editors: Hon. Thomas DeGise, County Freeholder quality goals. The NJTPA serves the Ted Ritter, Mark Solof, Beverly Third Vice Chairman—Hudson County Executive Hon. Angelo Accetturo— fourth most populous MPO region in the Morris, Karl Vilacoba Warren Hon. Matthew Holt, County Freeholder country. The NJTPA Board consists of Design: Suzanne G. Bennett Secretary— Stephen Dilts— one elected official from each of the Host Agency: New Jersey Institute of Hunterdon County Freeholder Commissioner, region’s 13 counties and two largest Technology Hon. Joseph DiVincenzo—Essex NJDOT cities, Newark and Jersey City. The Board Richard R. Sarles— Inquiries should be addressed to: County Executive Executive also includes a Governor’s Represen- Hon. Jerramiah T. Healy— Director, NJ Transit Corporation tative, the Commissioner of the NJ The North Jersey Transportation Mayor, Jersey City Christopher O. Ward— Department of Transportation, the Planning Authority, Inc. Executive Executive Directors of NJ Transit and the One Newark Center, 17th Floor Hon. H. James Polos—Middlesex Director, Port Authority of NY & NJ Port Authority of NY & NJ and a Citizens’ Newark, New Jersey 07102 County Freeholder James A. Carey, Jr.—Director, Representative appointed by the Phone: 973.639.8400 Hon. John D’Amico Jr.—Monmouth Authorities Unit, Office of the Governor. NJTPA Board meetings are held Fax: 973.639.1953 County Freeholder Governor bi-monthly and are open to the public. www.njtpa.org Walking and Biking 3

Making the Walk to School Fun . . . and Safe

elping children get safely state’s 31 grants. to and from school is a In announcing the grants, The Walking Hkey goal of New Jersey’s Gov. Jon Corzine said the pro- School Bus successful Safe Routes to School gram enhances the state’s ongo- Program (SRTS). The state’s ver- ing efforts to improve pedestri- One increasingly popular compo- sion of the national program an safety. Three years ago, the nent of the Safe Routes to turns walking neighborhood kids provides grant funding for com- state developed a comprehen- School program is the Walking to school. In other locations, munities to develop and imple- sive, five-year $74 million initia- School Bus. These events gath- PTAs, schools, families and oth- ment projects – including the tive to improve pedestrian safe- er groups of children for a walk ers plan a more elaborate pro- popular “Walking School Bus” ty statewide. Twenty percent of to school with one or more gram, complete with a planned (see sidebar) – that encourage that funding was dedicated to adults coming along for “the route and timetables, “bus walking and bicycling to school the SRTS program. ride.” The idea is to combine stops” at which the line of walk- while also enhancing the safety “This program is a great ing bus “passengers” pauses to of these trips. example of how municipalities, safety and fun while encourag- allow others to join, specially SRTS projects not only counties, the NJTPA, and the ing kids (and parents) to walk, decorated posters and props, heighten pedestrian safety NJDOT can work together in a instead of riding a traditional awareness among motorists proactive and practical way to school bus or being driven to and a team of trained volunteers and schoolchildren, they also improve safety for schoolchild- school. to help supervise. An alternate improve environmental health ren and the rest of our resi- version of this concept is to and quality of life by reducing dents,” said NJTPA Chairman In some towns, the Walking organize bicycle trains along the traffic jams and air pollution. Susan M. Zellman, a Sussex School Bus simply involves a route to school. For more infor- In addition, the program County Freeholder. “The fact handful of parents who take mation visit, saferoutesinfo.org. encourages healthy lifestyles that most of the grants were among children by promoting awarded in the NJTPA region regular physical activity to shows there’s a real need and help offset the time spent in interest to get these safety front of video games, the com- projects done.” Program. puter or TV. The latest SRTS projects Monmouth County: In December of 2008, the “This program is a great funded in the NJTPA region Installation of Traffic-Calming New Jersey Department of example of how municipalities, include: Devices, Morningside Avenue, Transportation (NJDOT) award- counties, the NJTPA, and the Bergen County: Demarest Union Beach. ed $3.23 million in the second NJDOT can work together in a SRTS Project; Fort Lee Abbot Ocean County: Safe Routes round of federal SRTS funding proactive and practical way Boulevard Pedestrian Pathway; to Midstreams Elementary Hasbrouck Heights SRTS to projects in 23 towns in 10 to improve safety for School, Brick Township; SRTS Project; Ridgewood Village Get Initiative in Little Egg Harbor counties within the NJTPA schoolchildren and the rest region. NJTPA Central Staff to School Safely Project. Township. of our residents.” Essex County: Newark Sussex County: reviewed nearly 170 applica- —Susan Zellman tions for potential SRTS proj- Citywide SRTS Initiative. Ogdensburg Walk/Bicycle Safe NJTPA Chairman ects, coordinating the process Hudson County: Bayonne Access to School. with NJDOT staff. In the end, SRTS, Midtown Community Union County: Solar- the region received 23 of the School; Jersey City School Powered LED Pedestrian Crossing Safety Improvements; Crosswalk Beacon, Cranford West New York Safe Walk to Township; Center Street School. Sidewalk, Walnut Street Hunterdon Pedestrian Crossing Signs and County: Hunterdon Lincoln School Walking School County SRTS (10 Bus, Garwood Borough; New towns); Clinton Providence Walks to School. Township SRTS Warren County: SRTS ini- Circulation Plan; tiative for Oxford Township Milford Borough Central School. l Pedestrian Improvement Project for Hillside Avenue. Middlesex County: New Brunswick Infrastructure Grant; New Brunswick SRTS Enforcement 4 Walking and Biking

NJ to Debut Cutting-Edge Traffic Technologies azing out the window of delays, it’s an issue,” Nassi an English pub, a light A study of HAWKs in Tucson said, “but if you’re worried Gbulb went on in Richard showed crashes were about pedestrian safety, it Nassi’s head—three actually, in reduced by 30 percent and doesn’t hurt one bit.” an arrangement that would the compliance rate by Unfortunately, a fatal acci- become one of the most statis- drivers was 97 percent, dent took place at what will tically effective traffic signals in better than any other be the first HAWK site in New America. American traffic signal. Jersey. About three years ago, Nassi was traveling with his a mother and two children wife, who was in the U.K. on were struck by a motorist business, but his mind was on Manual on Uniform Traffic while crossing Route 27 in a terrible crash that occurred Control Devices, the standard Roselle, killing one of the back home in Tucson, Ariz. for signs, signals and pavement youths, according to Debbie Photo Courtesy City of St. Photo Petersburg Courtesy City of St. Five youths were struck by a markings in the U.S. Kingsland, a project engineer vehicle while crossing a street The HAWK consists of three at the New Jersey Department Florida Department of in 1998, killing two of them. lights that overhang traffic, typ- of Transportation (NJDOT). A The driver fled the scene and, crosswalk and standard flash- Transportation and St. Petersburg ically at mid-block crosswalks officials cross a street with the despite the best efforts of and unsignalized intersections. ing beacon were installed at aid of an “Enhancer.” police, was never caught. The HAWK remains dark until the site a few months later, Nassi, Tucson’s traffic activated by a bicyclist or but drivers still weren’t yield- administrator at the time, pedestrian. The beacon initially ing to pedestrians on the busy caught a glimpse of an uncon- flashes yellow, then shines four-lane highway, according ventional beacon the English solid yellow, warning drivers to Kingsland. A HAWK is call a “level crossing signal,” to prepare to stop. It then expected to be installed on and began jotting down notes turns solid red while showing the site soon, helping people on how it might be adapted to the pedestrian a “Walk” sign. walk and bike across safely. prevent future tragedies in Finally, alternating flashing red Another new pedestrian Tucson. “It started there on the lights indicate that drivers can crossing technology that will back of a napkin and flew proceed if the pedestrian has soon see action in New across the Atlantic with me to safely crossed. Jersey is the Rectangular the U.S.,” he said. A study of HAWKs in Rapid Flashing Beacon The High-Intensity Activated Tucson showed crashes were (RRFB), sometimes called the Crosswalk (HAWK) debuted a reduced by 30 percent and the Enhancer. The RRFB was first year later in Tucson and has compliance rate by drivers was piloted in St. Petersburg, Fla., since spread to several other 97 percent, better than any in 2004, and was approved states, including an upcoming other American traffic signal, for interim use at crossings site in New Jersey. Although it Nassi said. The only apparent by the FHWA last summer. is still considered an experi- confusion by motorists—some “The RRFB’s very high com- mental technology, the HAWK remained stopped as the red pliance rates are previously Enhancer beacons feature super will soon be listed in the lights flashed. unheard of for any device bright, rapidly flashing LED lights that are hard for drivers to Federal Highway “If you’re worried about other than a full traffic signal Administration’s (FHWA) and a ‘HAWK’ hybrid signal, miss. both of which stop traffic with steady red signal indica- tions,” the FHWA noted in a Metropark train station in memo on the beacon’s Edison and on Route 4 in approval. Elmwood Park. l The mid-block crossing beacons feature super bright LED lights that flash rapidly in a “stuttering” pattern that’s hard for motorists to miss. St. Petersburg reports a 17 per- cent drop in pedestrian crash- es since they started using RRFBs, and in observations at 19 test locations in the city, 82 percent of drivers stopped once the system was activated. Photo Courtesy Tucson DOT Photo Tucson Courtesy In the NJTPA region, RRFBs A High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) beacon in Tucson, Ariz. will be installed near the Walking and Biking 5

Complete Streets: Roads Designed for All Users treets are for more than Congress. “With each ‘improve- automobiles. A “complete ment’ to make roads safer for Sstreet” encourages walk- vehicles, we made them more ing, bicycling and transit use hostile to pedestrians, bicyclists by all users, including chil- and transit users.” dren, seniors and the disabled. The complete streets move- That’s the message of a grow- ment encourages both physical ing national movement led by modifications and aesthetic citizens and local officials enhancements to make streets determined to make their better fit their communities. communities more livable Among the changes many com- through better-designed munities have implemented: streets. new bicycle lanes; curb cuts; Rooted in the efforts of wider sidewalks; pedestrian California bicyclists who urged medians; roadside improve- local governments to accom- ments for public transportation, modate their safe travel, the including bus shelters and bus complete streets movement priority traffic signals; traffic- has come to encompass a set calming measures, such as The complete streets movement advocates that sidewalks like this one of principles and approaches speed humps; improved land- be extended to the next block to make the neighborhood more pedes- that encourages communities scape features like roadside trian-friendly. to design their streets to meet trees, benches and street light- the needs of all users and ing; and new countdown lights advocating complete streets by Gov. Jon Corzine. modes. for pedestrians at crosswalks. policies throughout the region. The New Jersey Department “For too many years, we The National Complete “Complete streets policies of Transportation since 1999 have taken it as an article of Streets Coalition was recently improve safety, bolster eco- has integrated “context-sensi- faith in the transportation formed by the nonprofit Smart nomic growth and help take tive design” into its project design profession that our sole Growth America to advocate cars off our roads, among other development process. In keep- purpose was to move vehicles these principles across the benefits,” Zellman said. “But ing with the complete streets quickly and safely, so we built country. The Washington, D.C.- there may be no greater upside approach, it encourages trans- roadways ever wider and based coalition consists of a than their direct link to healthy portation officials to collaborate encouraged higher speeds,” broad range of transportation lifestyles.” with community stakeholders said Les Sterman, Executive professionals, advocacy groups New Jersey’s smart growth on the design of safe, efficient Director of the St. Louis-based and local governments. policies, including the State projects that blend in with and East-West Gateway Council of More than 80 jurisdictions Development and preserve their area’s unique Governments, in testimony to nationwide, including 14 states, Redevelopment Act, are very aesthetic and historic character. have adopted complete streets much in keeping with complete The need for Complete policies through legislation, streets principles. Streets was underlined by the internal agency policies and Many communities have pur- spike in gasoline prices in design manuals. Two bills are sued complete streets 2008. According to pending in Congress to require approaches. Through a public- Congressional testimony by complete streets approaches in private partnership, Newark Barbara McCann, Coordinator the use of federal infrastructure recently began a $17.5 million of the National Complete funding. streetscape improvement pro- Streets Coalition, the spike “led The philosophy is gaining gram in its downtown, the many people to realize their ground in New Jersey. largest such project in state his- options for cutting back on Sussex County was one of 17 tory. Once finished, 56 blocks transportation expenses were communities nationwide chosen in the area of Penn Station and severely limited. Too many to take part in the Activate the Prudential Center arena will Americans live in places where America: Pioneering Healthier have been remade with they cannot walk because side- Communities initiative in 2008. improved sidewalks, lighting, walks are crumbling, they can- The YMCA-led effort gathers signs, plantings, benches, trash not ride a bicycle because public, nonprofit and private bins and other pedestrian- roads are too fast and narrow, sector leaders to craft policy friendly features. and they cannot take the bus and environmental change Projects for complete streets because public transportation is Morris County Freeholder Gene strategies that encourage have made use of funding from inaccessible or infrequent.” Feyl stands beside the new increased exercise and healthy the NJTPA grant programs (as For more information on the Inamere Road Bridge in Morris eating. The team, which highlighted in this publication) complete streets movement or Township, which includes a includes Sussex County as well as a five-year, $74 mil- the National Complete Streets walkway that connects with the Freeholder and NJTPA lion initiative to improve pedes- Coalition, visit www.com- Patriots' Path. Chairman Susan Zellman, is trian safety established in 2006 pletestreets.org. l 1 Walking and Biking in the Garden State 19 SUSSEX 11 10 PASSAIC 1 High Point to Cape May Bike Route: A 238- 9 11 BERGEN mile route running from the northernmost to the southern- most reaches of the state— WARREN MORRIS 6 High Point Monument in Sussex County and the Cape 6 ESSEX 17 May Lighthouse in Cape May County. HUDSON For more: NJDOT Bicycle and 21 2 Pedestrian Coordinator UNION [email protected] www.njdot.nj.gov/commuter/bike

HUNTERDON SOMERSET 2 East Coast Greenway: 3 The 3,000-mile greenway runs 18 from the Florida Keys to MIDDLESEX 2 5 Maine’s border with Canada, 3 passing through New Jersey 13 for over 90 miles (see page 9 12 for related story). MERCER MONMOUTH 8 3 D&R Canal: Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is 7 1 8 home to a pair of major trails. 4 The 34-mile main route from Trenton to New Brunswick parallels a historic canal con- necting the Delaware and Raritan rivers. A feeder route 14 stretches 31 miles from Frenchtown, Hunterdon BURLINGTON OCEAN County, to Ewing, Mercer County. CAMDEN For more: D&R Canal State Park www.dandrcanal.com [email protected] GLOUCESTER (609) 924-5705 20 4 Delaware River SALEM Heritage Trail: Currently under development, the trail runs on and off-road from 16 ATLANTIC Trenton to Palmyra, Burlington County, and extends into Pennsylvania. For more: NJDOT Bicycle and CUMBERLAND Pedestrian Coordinator [email protected] www.njdot.nj.gov/commuter/bike 1 Adapted from NJDOT New Jersey CAPE MAY Henry Hudson Trail: Bicycle Network Map. Includes routes 5 mapped in published NJDOT tour The original 10-mile path was guides (available online at built on a former railroad that www.nj.gov/transportation/com- crossed the Monmouth muter/bike/tours.shtm) and others County Bayshore from deemed long enough by NJDOT to hold statewide significance. 15 Safety 7 A Sample of the State’s Longest Routes Walking and Biking in the Garden State

Aberdeen to Atlantic through the New Jersey mile route connects Holmdel miles in Morris and Somerset Highlands. A southern exten- Skylands region in Warren and County Park and Monmouth counties. sion from Aberdeen to down- Sussex counties. Battlefield State Park, passing For more: NJDOT Bicycle and town Freehold Borough is For more: NJDOT Bicycle and through scenic Monmouth Pedestrian Coordinator [email protected] under construction and will Pedestrian Coordinator County countryside along the [email protected] www.njdot.nj.gov/commuter/bike double its size. way. www.njdot.nj.gov/commuter/bike For more: Monmouth County Park For more: NJDOT Bicycle and Last Covered Bridge System Pedestrian Coordinator 18 www.monmouthcountyparks.com 10 Paulinskill Valley [email protected] Ride: Named after Green [email protected] Trail: The 27-mile trail, www.njdot.nj.gov/commuter/bike Sergeant’s Covered Bridge, the (732) 842-4000 administered by Kittatinny state’s only remaining 19th Valley State Park, snakes 14 Burlington County century covered bridge. The 6 Patriots’ Path: A net- through rural landscapes, Bikeways: The Star Bicycle ride can be divided into three work of trails linking dozens forests, wetlands and small Factory Loop and Burlington looping routes (15, 24 and 48 of parks and historic sites towns in Warren and Sussex Pinelands Loop combine for a miles long), all of which pass throughout Morris County. counties. 60-mile tour of the Pine the Hunterdon County struc- Sections of the path run along For more: Kittatinny Valley State Barrens and historic sites in the ture. the scenic banks of the Black, Park www.nj.gov/dep/parksand- region. System comes within a For more: NJDOT Bicycle and forests/parks/kittval.html Whippany and Raritan rivers. mile of the High Point to Cape Pedestrian Coordinator [email protected] [email protected] For more: Morris County Park May Bike Route to the east. Commission (973) 786-6445 www.njdot.nj.gov/commuter/bike For more: NJDOT Bicycle and www.morrisparks.net Pedestrian Coordinator [email protected] Sussex Branch Trail: 11 [email protected] 19 Old Mine Road Ride: (973) 326-7600 This 20-mile trail weaves www.njdot.nj.gov/commuter/bike Follows the Delaware River 42 through several small communi- miles from the Delaware 7 Route 29 Bikeway: ties and natural areas in Sussex 15 Cape May Shoreline Water Gap to Port Jervis, N.Y., Currently under development, County, including Allamuchy Ride: Offers riders a 48-mile along Old Mine Road, built by the bikeway will link several Mountain State Park. Like the glimpse of the cape’s Dutch settlers in the 1600s. trails and waterfront facilities Paulinskill Valley Train, the renowned lighthouses, For more: NJDOT Bicycle and along the Delaware River in route was built along a defunct Victorian homes, beaches, Pedestrian Coordinator [email protected] Mercer County. railroad and is a part of boardwalks and natural beauty. For more: NJDOT Bicycle and www.njdot.nj.gov/commuter/bike Kittatinny Valley State Park. For more: NJDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator For more: Kittatinny Valley State Pedestrian Coordinator [email protected] Park [email protected] 20 Pine Barrens River www.njdot.nj.gov/commuter/bike www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/pa www.njdot.nj.gov/commuter/bike Ramble: Tour begins at his- rks/kittval.html toric Batsto Village and passes 8 Capitol to the Coast [email protected] Cumberland Salem through the 1.1 million-acre (973) 786-6445 16 Trail: Once complete, this Revolution: Starts at Fort Mott Pine Barrens National Reserve 50-mile route will stretch from State Park, built on the for 42 miles. Lawrence Hopewell Trenton to the shore in 12 Delaware River before the For more: NJDOT Bicycle and Trail: The 20-mile trail is Manasquan, Monmouth Spanish-American war to guard Pedestrian Coordinator being developed for recreation [email protected] County. The trail is under against a European invasion. and commuting along public www.njdot.nj.gov/commuter/bike development, with some seg- The 52-mile route also passes and private lands in Lawrence ments open to the public. Revolutionary War historic For more: NJDOT Bicycle and and Hopewell townships, 21 Round Valley sites, the 500-year-old Salem Pedestrian Coordinator Mercer County. Roundabout: The 29-mile [email protected] For more: Lawrence Hopewell Trail Oak and a prison and ceme- roundabout circles the Round www.njdot.nj.gov/commuter/bike Corporation tery for Confederate soldiers. Valley Reservoir and some of [email protected] For more: NJDOT Bicycle and northeastern Hunterdon Pedestrian Coordinator 9 Allamuchy Allegory (609) 734-5254 County’s serene countryside. Ride: Some of the dramatic www.lhtrail.org [email protected] www.njdot.nj.gov/commuter/bike For more: NJDOT Bicycle and road names along this route Pedestrian Coordinator (Hope, Shades of Death, 13 Battle of Monmouth [email protected] Ride: Tours the area of one 17 Great Swamp Ride: A www.njdot.nj.gov/commuter/bike Tranquility) inspired its off- pair of looping trails that ride beat name. Winds 42 miles of George Washington’s most critical victories of the through and around the Great American Revolution. The 28- Swamp National Wildlife Refuge for a combined 42 8 Walking and Biking

Ocean County Trail to Retrace Tracks of Historic Railroad

his rail-trail has a tale to strained the line. tell. While passenger service TOcean County is making struggled, a series of freight strides on its Barnegat Branch jobs kept the railroad busy Trail, a 15.6-mile pedestrian/ enough to stay solvent. Clients bike route that will link included farmers shipping Barnegat Township to Toms cranberries, tomatoes and River along an abandoned other produce; sand mining freight and passenger railroad. operations; the Toms River The trail will be lined with Chemical Company (later interpretive signs sharing the Ceiba-Geigy), which opened in colorful history of the railroad, 1952; and construction of the as well as the unique towns, Oyster Creek nuclear plant in environmental features and Lacey in the 1960s. However, landmarks it passes. trucks steadily took the trains’ According to an historical place with the help of the involved in the railroad’s regu- be developed by the spring of chronology included in the county’s developing road sys- lar operations. 2010. Dashti said this will help trail’s 2007 Conceptual Plan, tem. “Tons of people are using the county build momentum the Toms River & Waretown Conrail took control of the the trail now and they’re proba- for the project in the north and Railroad (TR&W) was founded railroad in 1974 and tore out bly not even aware of its histo- provide additional time to in the 1870s by Toms River most of its tracks a few years ry, so we’re really excited to come up with safe designs for investors who banked on the later. Today, little evidence of get that out there,” Ocean sections close to Route 9. pine-lined villages around the the railroad’s century of service County Assistant Planner Lee Next, the county will proba- Barnegat Bay ballooning into remains. According to the Dashti said. bly return to the trail’s current wildly popular resorts and Conceptual Plan, an old freight Visitor centers along the trail end in Waretown and continue industrial towns. They didn’t. depot, built in downtown will include historical exhibits, building north, Dashti said, The Central Railroad of New Toms River in 1868, is the only restrooms, parking, picnic areas moving ahead one phase at a Jersey (CNJ) bought the TR&W remaining structure once and other amenities. According time each year. The rail-trail at a foreclosure sale to plans, facilities on the trail will eventually link to an exist- in 1893 and operated will be designed in a style rem- ing municipal path in the line as its iniscent of the passenger and Beachwood, continue north for Barnegat Branch freight stations that once served a half-mile on dedicated bike Division. CNJ ran the railroad. Beyond the trail’s lanes through South Toms passenger service role as a recreational asset, River Borough and finish in with mixed success county officials feel it will boost downtown Toms River. until 1953, stopping the economy. In March, the NJTPA Board at stations like “The Barnegat Branch Trail of Trustees authorized a Beachwood, is readily accessible to the $150,000 study that will focus Pinewald, Waretown, almost 170,000 residents of the on the Barnegat Branch Trail Forked River and “As the county’s population grows, seven host municipalities and and another rail-trail plan in Lanoka. But like so the Barnegat Branch Trail will play an will be within a short drive of New Egypt. The study will many other railroads increasingly vital role in meeting Ocean County’s population of examine how pedestrian and of the era, the emer- recreational and alternative almost 600,000,” Ocean County bicycle traffic from the Freeholder and NJTPA Board gence of the automo- transportation objectives.” Barnegat Branch Trail’s bile—and Route 9, in member James Lacey said. “As entrance/exit in Toms River this case—financially —James Lacey the county’s population grows, will impact the area’s busy Ocean County Freeholder the Barnegat Branch Trail will main roads, and determine play an increasingly vital role in whether alternative traffic pat- meeting recreational and alter- terns or calming measures will native transportation objec- be necessary to ensure trail tives.” users’ safety. About 3 miles of the trail are For more on the Barnegat now complete. Phase I, a 2- Branch Trail, visit www.plan- mile segment from Barnegat to ning.co.ocean.nj.us/transp-rail- Waretown, opened in October trail.htm, call the Ocean of 2007, and the trail was later County Department of Planning extended another mile north to at (732) 929-2054 or e-mail Route 532. For Phase III, the [email protected] county plans to skip ahead a few miles north to Berkeley, where a 1.3-mile segment will Walking and Biking 9

NJ Among Greenest States on East Coast Greenway

rom Key West to Calais, Maine, a 2,900-mile bike Froute—one that cuts through the heart of the Garden State—is taking shape

to link the east coast’s major Photo Courtesy ECGA cities. New Jersey has joined 14 states and the District of Columbia in working to com- plete the East Coast Greenway (ECG), described on its web- site as “the nation’s most ambi- tious long-distance urban trail project.” The route winds 95 miles through New Jersey, from Trenton northeast to Jersey Signs with the East Coast Greenway logo, like this one in front City. Mike Kruimer, chair of of the Lincoln Memorial, are becoming more common along the route. the New Jersey Committee for the East Coast Greenway, recently rode every mile of it. gets you away from the people off-road segments, then ride About 47 percent of New On a 53-day trip with his wife, — the East Coast Greenway the PATH train to Jersey City Anne, the Edison resident brings you to the people.” (plans are in place to develop Jersey’s trail route has been experienced the ambiance of About 47 percent of New a pathway between the two constructed, the second-highest small towns, vibrant city cores Jersey’s trail route has been cities). According to Kruimer, rate of any participating state. and plenty of nature’s majestic constructed, the second-highest the installation of signs scenery, but said it was the rate of any participating state. throughout the New Jersey people who left the greatest New Jersey also boasts the route is almost complete. Morrisville, Pa. impression. nation’s longest completed off- Kruimer said New Jersey is “As the greenway develops, it “It’s unbelievable the people road ECG segment to date, the one of the most enjoyable will continue to draw tourism to you’ll meet, who stop and talk 34-mile Delaware & Raritan states to ride along the ECG. our region,” said Hudson County to you. All of the different Canal Towpath, which stretches He sometimes escorts riders Executive Thomas DeGise, a lifestyles, the way they look at from Trenton to New along the trail and finds that member of the NJTPA Board of you—these are the things that Brunswick. From there to the local beauty challenges the Trustees. “Already it is generating stand out the most,” Kruimer Newark, users currently alter- impressions people hold of the business for the towns it passes said. “The Appalachian Trail nate between public roads and state. through and showing people Those continuing the trek to from around the country sides of New York City and points New Jersey they may never have known about.” “As the greenway develops, it The trail’s development has will continue to draw tourism been spearheaded by the non- to our region. Already it is profit East Coast Greenway generating business for the Alliance, based in Rhode Island. towns it passes through and As of November 2008, about 20 showing people from around percent of the ECG’s spine route was comprised of off-road trails the country sides of New ready for public use. For the sec- Jersey they may never have tions awaiting completion, care- known about.” fully selected roadways are cur- —Thomas DeGise rently used to link adjoining Hudson County Executive trails, according to the Alliance. The group hopes another 2,000 miles of alternate routes will one north presently cross the day supplement the spine route. Hudson River via ferry or the For more information on the George Washington Bridge, East Coast Greenway, including while riders heading south trip planners, maps and volun- Edison’s Mike Kruimer (center) and fellow cyclists show Hudson over the Delaware River at teer opportunities, visit green- County Executive Thomas DeGise (right) badges reflecting their travel Trenton should use the way.org or e-mail info@green- route along the East Coast Greenway while at Lincoln Park, Jersey bike/pedestrian-friendly way.org. l City. DeGise honored the riders with citations for their efforts to con- Calhoun Street Bridge to vince planners to include Hudson County in the scope of the trail. 10 Walking and Biking

Bicycle and Pedestrian Rules of Engagement

Now that the warmer weather is here, and given the price of 6. As a pedestrian, under state law, you must . . . gasoline, this could be the perfect time to incorporate biking a. Assume drivers are watching out for you, and walking into at least some part of your daily routine. (It since you always have the right of way will also minimize the time you waste getting stuck in traffic!) no matter what However, New Jersey is the most densely populated state, and b. Take care not to suddenly move into the people seem to move faster than ever around here. path of a closely approaching vehicle that does not have sufficient time to yield to a pedestrians So before you pedal off on your bike or stride over a cross- c. Wear garish clothing so motorists will be sure to see walk, take a moment to brush up on what you need to know to you help you arrive safely. Here’s a little quiz you can use to help get you started (also, see next page for links and resources). 7. In New Jersey, the law states a bicyclist must obey all state Biking and walking can be a fun, green and healthy mode of and local automobile driving laws. In addition, every person travel, especially for shorter trips. But just like when you’re riding a bicycle on a roadway shall ride . . . behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, it’s your responsibility to a. As near to the left roadside as practicable, exercising know the “rules of the road.” due care when passing a standing vehicle or one pro- ceeding in the opposite direction For each question, select one answer. Answer key is at bottom b. As near to the right roadside as practicable, exercising of page. due care when passing a standing vehicle or one pro- ceeding in the same direction 1. If there’s no sidewalk, state law requires pedestrians, when- c. With reckless abandon or however they wish ever possible, to walk along which side of the roadway? a. With the flow of traffic 8. When driving, you may not overtake or pass any vehicle b. Against the flow of traffic that has stopped at an intersection or crosswalk to permit a c. Either is permitted pedestrian or bicyclist to safely cross the roadway. a. False 2. When are standard-frame bicycles* permitted on NJ b. True Transit trains? c. Could you repeat that? I just blew through the last a. They’re not intersection because I was on my cell phone. b. At the discretion of train crews during off-peak hours, non-holidays 9. When permitted by NJ Transit, only two bikes are allowed c. All the time per train car. If space is not available, bicyclists must . . . a. Flip a coin to decide who rides and who doesn’t 3. As a pedestrian, state law requires you to yield to drivers b. Wait for the next available train (they must also move when you’re crossing the road where there’s no intersection or to another car or wait for the next train if a person crosswalk. True or false? with a disability requests the accessible space) a. False c. Ride on the roof b. True 10. Bonus question: Are the following facts true or false? Half 4. State law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians who … of NJ Transit’s bus fleet is now bike-friendly; NJ Transit current- a. Are drunk, impaired or sleepwalking ly provides parking capacity for about 2,300 bikes at its public b. Are in the process of crossing a sidewalk or driveway, facilities, with bike racks located at about 90 percent of its train or are crossing a roadway at an intersection where stations; in a typical year, about 150 pedestrian fatalities are there are no traffic signals and/or crosswalks recorded in New Jersey. c. Are texting furiously on their Blackberries and walking a. All are false into traffic without a clue b. All are true c. I would prefer not to answer; I don’t do very well on 5. NJ Transit has a program called “Rack n’ Roll.” This tests. program . . . a. Allows commuters to organize “open mic” * Folding/collapsible bikes will be accommodated on NJ events on trains or buses Transit trains at all times. b. Offers bike racks on the front of many buses, except non-articulated buses (those

long buses which bend in the middle)

c. Allows commuters to hang bikes from luggage racks in resources. and facts mation,

standard train cars infor- additional of lots for websites NJDOT and Transit NJ the Answer key: The correct answer for each question is “b.” Visit “b.” is question each for answer correct The key: Answer Walking and Biking 11

Additional Links and Resources Bicycle-Pedestrian Planning NJDOT’s Biking Resources at the NJTPA www.state.nj.us/transportation/ www.njtpa.org commuter/bike/ (links to NJDOT’s “Biking in New Jersey The NJTPA is committed to promoting walking and biking in the Overview” page) 13-county northern and central New Jersey region. Its goal is New Jersey encourages adults and children to take to make these two travel modes convenient, safe, efficient and advantage of the many opportunities to bicycle for both attractive as viable alternatives to cars for shorter trips. Much commuting and recreation. The New Jersey Department of of this commitment is made through direct investment in bicycle Transportation (NJDOT) website offers children, parents pedestrian facilities. In addition, various transportation and teachers information on safe biking events around the projects, such as bridge replacements and intersection state, downloadable tour guides and related publications. improvements, incorporate features to make walking and This site also offers additional resources for use by biking safer and more attractive travel options in the region. transportation professionals in planning projects to Visit njtpa.org point the cursor to the “Planning for the Future” promote biking. tab, then scroll down to “Planning Topics” and across to “Bicycle/Pedestrian” for more information. New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety www.state.nj.us/lps/hts/bike.html (links to Division’s Pedestrian and “Bicycle Safety” page) Bicycle Information Center The Division of Highway Traffic Safety assists county, municipal and law enforcement agencies with education, www.pedbikeinfo.org public awareness and enforcement of the bicycle helmet This federally funded site offers a comprehensive and practical law and other bicycle safety issues. Each year, bicyclists are Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center. Pedbikeinfo.org’s killed or injured in New Jersey due to bicycle crashes. mission is to improve the quality of life in communities through Many bicycle deaths result from bicycle-motor vehicle the promotion of safe walking and bicycling as a viable means collisions. However, injuries can happen anywhere, of transportation and physical activity. Through a group of including parks, bike paths and driveways, and often do comprehensive websites, it offers information and training to not involve motor vehicles. This site not only features safety diverse audiences about health and safety, engineering, tips for bicyclists, it also collects a series of useful links to advocacy, education, enforcement, access and mobility as it additional resources. relates to pedestrians and bicyclists.

NJ Transit’s Bike Programs NJDOT's Pedestrian www.njtransit.com Safety Resources NJ Transit supports access to its facilities and transportation services by bicycle, as well as by walking, www.state.nj.us/transportation/commuter/pedsafety driving or drop-off. The “Bike Aboard” program, instituted / (links to “Pedestrian Safety Overview” page) in 1992, has been continually improved. The “Rack n’ Roll” The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has program, offering bike racks on the front of transit buses, made pedestrian safety a top priority. Through this website, was launched in southern New Jersey in 2000 and has pedestrians can increase awareness of general safety, the since widened in scope. NJTransit.com’s Bike Program safest use of pedestrian traffic signals and crosswalks, and page can be accessed by clicking on the “Rider Guide” tab the state’s rules governing the responsibilities of pedestrians at the top, then clicking “Bike Program.” This page outlines and drivers. Links to national statistics found on other sites the rules for bringing bikes on trains, buses and light rail. are also provided. It also provides helpful information on bike parking and safety.

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