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The NJTPA is committed to promoting walking and biking in its region. Its goal is to make these two travel modes convenient, safe, efficient, and attractive as viable alternatives to cars for shorter trips.
Much of this commitment is made through direct investment in bicycle pedestrian facilities. In addition, various transportation projects, such as bridge replacements and intersection improvements incorporate features to make walking and biking safer and more attractive travel options in the region.
The NJTPA’s Regional Capital Investment Strategy (RCIS) calls for allocating 1.25 percent of available funds to build and redesign facilities for walking and biking.
NJTPA Bike-Ped Recommendations
In the 2030 Regional Transportation Plan, the NJTPA recommends the following measures be implemented throughout the region to improve bicycle and pedestrian travel:
- Revision of municipal zoning ordinances to permit more mixed-use and infill development, with higher densities while requiring developers to install quality bicycle and pedestrian improvements.
- Promotion of safe biking and walking through information campaigns to school children, law enforcement agencies and community organizations.
- Incorporation of walking and biking in community planning and redevelopment efforts throughout the region. Planned improvements should conform to the best practices specified by NJDOT.
- Incorporation of sidewalks and bike routes into the transportation network of all urban and suburban communities.
- Improved access to existing and new transit stations and stops, retail/commercial centers, schools and parks.
- Completion of links between residential areas and nearby shopping, employment and recreational centers by towns and counties.
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Beyond its ongoing participation in workshops and other programs designed to improve the effectiveness bicycle/pedestrian planning, the NJTPA Central Staff also has worked with the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and other agencies in the development of a State Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan which was adopted in 2004.
One of the key projects included in the Master Plan is the completion of New Jersey’s portion of the East Coast Greenway. This is a 2,600-mile planned route that combines connected on-road and off-road facilities from Maine to Florida. The Greenway’s very first section is located in part of the NJTPA region: the 28-mile trail in the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park in Somerset and Mercer counties. Other planned sections will link through Middlesex, Union, Essex, and Hudson counties totaling 92 miles.
In addition, as part of its commitments to the state’s Master Plan, the NJTPA in the near-term has scheduled 10 specific bicycle and pedestrian projects for the region. These include distinct bicycle and pedestrian trails, pedestrian overpasses, and other improvements to roads with significant bicycle or pedestrian activities. A similar number of projects have been identified for the mid-term time frame, including major waterfront walkways and other projects.
In fall 2006, the NJTPA – with the help of its consultant The RBA Group – began a series of Walkable Community Workshops to identify measures that will help towns support increased walking trips. Workshops are being held with planners, engineers, local officials, and pedestrian advocates in each of the NJTPA’s 15 subregions. Work includes examining assets and safety deficiencies and providing examples of solutions for missing sidewalk links, traffic signals, crosswalks, signage, and traffic calming measures.
The NJTPA is also supporting the Safe Routes to School program administered by NJDOT.