This week was a busy one for transportation advocates in Trenton. Tri-State, along with New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition, AAA Northeast, Environment New Jersey, New Jersey Chapter Sierra Club, Morris Area Freewheelers, and Major Taylor Cycle Club, appeared before the New Jersey Assembly’s Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee on Monday providing testimony in support of a wide range of bills, from pedestrian and bicyclist safety to the public notice regarding NJ Transit schedule changes.

A1348 (sponsored by Assemblywoman Grace Spencer) was released favorably with one abstention, and requires motorists operating vehicles to maintain a reasonable and safe distance when overtaking pedestrians and people on bicycles.

Committee Substitute A1461 (sponsored by Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt) was unanimously released favorably, and establishes the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Advisory Council.

A1919 (sponsored by Assemblyman John Wisniewski) which would add two public voting members to the NJ Transit board was pulled from the board agenda.

A227 (sponsored by Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo) was released favorably with one abstention, and requires NJ Transit to hold public hearing and provide notice prior to any curtailment of certain bus and rail services. 

A2205 (sponsored by Assemblyman Tim Eustace) was released favorably with four abstentions, and requires NJ Transit to provide locations at bus terminals and rail stations where bicycles may be safely secured.

Next stop for these bills (with the exception of A1919) will be a vote in the full Assembly–although none are scheduled just yet.