NJDOT awards $3 million in municipal Bikeways grants

(Trenton) - Commissioner Kris Kolluri today announced that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) will award $3 million in grants for bicycle compatible transportation projects throughout the state. The funds will be allocated through NJDOT’s Fiscal Year 2008 Bikeways program.

“The Bikeways grant program can help improve quality of life by reducing congestion, improving air qualityand encouraging residents to exercise in New Jersey’s communities,” said Commissioner Kolluri.

“The program illustrates NJDOT’s commitment to partner with towns to create 1,000 miles of dedicated bikeways statewide.”

The Bikeways program awards grants to municipalities to help increase the number of bicycle trips and improve bicycle safety in the state of New Jersey. NJDOT provides funds for local projects that will result in the creation of new, independent bicycle facilities. NJDOT encourages municipalities to apply for funding for bikeways that are physically separated from vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier.

All municipalities and counties are eligible to apply for Bikeway funds. Bikeways program funding is provided by the state’s Transportation Trust Fund.



Fiscal Year 2008 NJDOT Bikeways Grants:

Buena Borough, Atlantic County

$90,000

Montvale Borough, Bergenc County

$195,000

BordentownTownship, Burlington County

$350,000

GloucesterTownship, Camden County

$108,000

UpperTownship, Cape May County

$125,000

MillvilleCity, Cumberland County

$187,000

South OrangeVillage, Essex County

$210,000

MonroeTownship, Gloucester County

$200,000

PrincetonTownship, Mercer County

$190,000

AtlanticHighlands, Monmouth County

$300,000

ChathamTownship, Morris County

$95,000

SomervilleBorough, Somerset County

$450,000

KenilworthBorough, Union County

$500,000

Farewell Quick Release Bill

The end of the 2006 - 2007 Legislative Session on January 7 marked the demise of the dreaded Quick Release Bill. It remains to be seen if Rep. Paul "Can You Believe It" Moriarity tries to reintroduce the bill in the 2008 session, but the outcry of bicyclists and the bicycle industry assures that this bill will not be sneak through the Assembly as it did in 2007.

In response to the bill bicycling interests came together in the state as they never have done before, it's now our turn to keep the momentum going. If you live in NJ we urge you to support WALKBIKEjersey. The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia is sponsoring the fledgling organization and we are accepting tax deductable donations on its behalf. It's important to follow these instructions to make sure your donation goes to WALKBIKEjersey.