Comments on: At National Conference, NJ Cited as Leader on Bike Policy http://blog.tstc.org/2008/09/10/at-national-conference-nj-cited-as-leader-on-bike-policy/ News and opinion from the Tri-State Transportation Campaign Sat, 11 Feb 2012 20:36:55 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 By: John Boyle http://blog.tstc.org/2008/09/10/at-national-conference-nj-cited-as-leader-on-bike-policy/comment-page-1/#comment-702 John Boyle Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:13:52 +0000 http://mobilizingtheregion.wordpress.com/?p=1167#comment-702 I think its more accurate to say that NJ is the 41st worst off state for bicycle friendliness. While there are some positive indicators the truth is that there is next to nothing on the ground. Instead of $4 million annually for bike projects we need more like $40 million to begin to make a difference. That money needs to fund on-road as well as off-road projects. I have yet to see a safe urban interchange anywhere in the state. Since the municipalities seem to dislike carrots, it's time to introduce some sticks. A complete streets policy that is tied to local aid money along with a requirement for a bicycle and pedestrian element in all municipal and county comp plans could move the mostly reluctant towns forward. I think its more accurate to say that NJ is the 41st worst off state for bicycle friendliness. While there are some positive indicators the truth is that there is next to nothing on the ground.

Instead of $4 million annually for bike projects we need more like $40 million to begin to make a difference. That money needs to fund on-road as well as off-road projects. I have yet to see a safe urban interchange anywhere in the state.

Since the municipalities seem to dislike carrots, it’s time to introduce some sticks. A complete streets policy that is tied to local aid money along with a requirement for a bicycle and pedestrian element in all municipal and county comp plans could move the mostly reluctant towns forward.

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