The New Jersey Department of Transportation has still not revealed whether the 12.5-mile rebuild of Route 35, damaged during Super Storm Sandy, will include dedicated bike lanes, despite being previously touted as a Complete Streets project. The rebuild of Route 35 is long overdue, and in fact, has been on NJDOT’s radar for about 10 years. If designed properly, this project has the potential to greatly increase the Jersey Shore’s ability to resist damage from future storms, and to improve the quality of life and mobility for residents and tourists alike.

Our friends at the New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition and the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia are calling on NJDOT to ensure that designated bike lanes are part of the Complete Streets improvements in the 12.5 mile Route 35 reconstruction project. 

If you agree that we shouldn’t miss an opportunity to make our transportation infrastructure more resilient as the region rebuilds from Hurricane Sandy, let NJDOT Commissioner Jim Simpson know.

Governor Christie has promised to “rebuild better and stronger… improving on what we had before.” Implementing the state’s Complete Streets policy would do just that, providing economic benefits to towns along the corridor and dramatically increase the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable users of this roadway.