Where are the missing links in North Jersey’s trail network? The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) is asking residents and trail users to help answer that question through a new online survey focused on improving connections in Morris, Passaic and Union counties.
The survey asks people who walk, bike or roll in these communities to identify gaps and share what would make connections between trails and nearby destinations safer, easier and more comfortable. That input will directly inform recommendations being developed through NJTPA studies of the Pompton Valley Rail Trail and Traction Line Recreation Trail.
The NJTPA is looking for feedback not only from regular trail users, but also from people who may want to walk or bike more but encounter barriers that make those trips difficult. Survey responses can help identify locations where missing connections, crossings or other conditions prevent people from comfortably continuing their trips.
Closing those gaps is important because a trail’s usefulness does not end at its boundaries. Better connections can help people use existing trails to reach other trails, neighborhoods, parks, open spaces, transit and other destinations, creating more opportunities for both recreation and everyday travel.
The survey is part of two NJTPA studies exploring potential improvements to the Pompton Valley Rail Trail and Traction Line Recreation Trail. The Pompton Valley Rail Trail Extension Study is exploring ways to connect the northern end of the trail in Pequannock Township and the southern end of the Highlands Rail Trail in Wanaque Borough, as well as connecting the trail to the Mountain View Train Station in Wayne. The Traction Line Recreation Trail Extension Study is exploring options for connecting the Traction Line to Patriot’s Path and the Rahway Valley Rail Trail.
The work is being completed in partnership with the North Jersey Trail Network initiative, led by the New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.
The NJTPA will also be at events in the region gathering input for these studies:
- August 20, 7 – 9:30 p.m. — Pompton Lakes Concert Series at the Public Library, 333 Wanaque Ave., Pompton Lakes (Rain date August 27)
- August 22, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Madison Farm & Artisan Market, 28 Prospect St. Lot, Madison (Rain date September 12)
- August 25, 2:30 – 6 p.m. — Riverdale Farmers Market at Glenburn, 211 Hamburg Turnpike, Riverdale, (Rain date September 1)
- August 30, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Summit Farmers Market, Park & Shop Lot #1, DeForest Avenue and Woodland Avenue, Summit (Rain date September 13)
Take the survey at https://bit.ly/nj-trails. For more information about the studies, visit https://njtpa.org/trails.