The facts speak for themselves. Despite a strong push to eliminate red light cameras here in New Jersey and elsewhere, crashes are down where red light cameras have been installed in Newark. Not only that but after the cameras have been up for a while, even the number of violations are down which seems to demonstrate a change in driver behavior and that's even more important.
Well maybe I should just let the video speak for itself and for the City of Newark.
Showing posts with label Newark. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Newark. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Two new videos feature East Coast Greenway in Newark and Cranford
Better news from the East Coast Greenway this go around. Two new videos from the East Coast Greenway Alliance (ECGA) feature sights that one can see as you travel along the East Coast Greenway in the towns of Newark and Cranford New Jersey.
In the first video from Newark you will hear about the history of Weequahic Park in the south of Newark (it once housed a Velodrome) and you will get a glimpse of the well engineered road diet and bike lanes on Irvine Turner Blvd that the ECGA was instrumental in getting built. Not only does the bike lane on Irvine Turner provide a critical bicycle connection between Downtown Newark and the Weequahic section of the city, it is also the first bike lane built on a street managed by Essex County and will surely act as a model to be repeated elsewhere in the county.
View Irvine Turner Blvd Bike Lanes in Larger Map
The second video is less eyeopening from a bicycle advocacy perspective but still VERY eyeopening demonstrating the beauty of Cranford which is representative of many of the older pre-war New Jersey suburbs.
Enjoy!
In the first video from Newark you will hear about the history of Weequahic Park in the south of Newark (it once housed a Velodrome) and you will get a glimpse of the well engineered road diet and bike lanes on Irvine Turner Blvd that the ECGA was instrumental in getting built. Not only does the bike lane on Irvine Turner provide a critical bicycle connection between Downtown Newark and the Weequahic section of the city, it is also the first bike lane built on a street managed by Essex County and will surely act as a model to be repeated elsewhere in the county.
View Irvine Turner Blvd Bike Lanes in Larger Map
The second video is less eyeopening from a bicycle advocacy perspective but still VERY eyeopening demonstrating the beauty of Cranford which is representative of many of the older pre-war New Jersey suburbs.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Could Brooklyn's loss be Newark's gain?
I don't know if you've been following the velodrome folly in Brooklyn lately. Joshua P. Rechnitz, a reclusive philanthropist and bicycle enthusiast offered $50 million to build a velodrome on the Brooklyn waterfront. Somehow Brooklyn was not able to turn this major gift into a reality, so the offer has been withdrawn, for now, and Rechnitz is looking for a new home for his gift. That could still be in New York City or it could be somewhere else in the Metro area.
But not far away from Brooklyn, a few miles west of the Hudson River, New Jersey's largest city has a long lost but storied past with regards to track cycling. Back in the early 20th Century, Newark was once the epicenter of bicycle racing the US and was home to several velodromes in its heyday. The most prominent were the Vailsberg Velodrome and the Newark Velodrome on South Orange avenue which was called the "cradle of cycling." All of the great American cyclists and many greats from around the world also raced in Newark.
One of the greatest of those early American greats was Frank L. Kramer, of East Orange, winner of 16 consecutive US Titles. He won most of those titles in Newark. And the one and only time Kramer won the UCI World Title, he rode to victory on the track in Newark. And one of the few times Kramer lost a US title, he lost to his good friend and the greatest African-American cyclist of all time. Equally legendary 'Major' Marshall Taylor beat Kramer at the Vailsberg Velodrome in 1900 (unconfirmed). And for those that don't know, it is likely that Taylor would have challenged Kramer for many more US Titles hadn't racism made it much more appealing to Taylor to race in Europe and elsewhere abroad.
So here is my simple proposal. Why not approach Mr. Rechnitz to bring his velodrome to Newark? His gift could go a lot further in the Brick City than it could in Brooklyn. It could also be a new focus of community reinvestment and sports culture in Newark. Despite the plague of doping in the professional sport, bicycle racing is bigger than ever with amateurs. A velodrome in Newark would bring hundreds if not thousands of cyclists to the city with money in hand. With Newark's and New Jersey's storied history as the epicenter of bicycle racing during the Golden Age of Bicycling a hundred years ago, Newark is the natural choice for Mr. Rechnitz' velodrome.
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| Frank Kramer. Photo - Bibliothèque nationale de France, département Estampes et photographie |
One of the greatest of those early American greats was Frank L. Kramer, of East Orange, winner of 16 consecutive US Titles. He won most of those titles in Newark. And the one and only time Kramer won the UCI World Title, he rode to victory on the track in Newark. And one of the few times Kramer lost a US title, he lost to his good friend and the greatest African-American cyclist of all time. Equally legendary 'Major' Marshall Taylor beat Kramer at the Vailsberg Velodrome in 1900 (unconfirmed). And for those that don't know, it is likely that Taylor would have challenged Kramer for many more US Titles hadn't racism made it much more appealing to Taylor to race in Europe and elsewhere abroad.
So here is my simple proposal. Why not approach Mr. Rechnitz to bring his velodrome to Newark? His gift could go a lot further in the Brick City than it could in Brooklyn. It could also be a new focus of community reinvestment and sports culture in Newark. Despite the plague of doping in the professional sport, bicycle racing is bigger than ever with amateurs. A velodrome in Newark would bring hundreds if not thousands of cyclists to the city with money in hand. With Newark's and New Jersey's storied history as the epicenter of bicycle racing during the Golden Age of Bicycling a hundred years ago, Newark is the natural choice for Mr. Rechnitz' velodrome.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Press Release - Newark to Launch Complete Streets Program
INITIATIVE WILL MAKE STREETS FRIENDLY FOR ALL USERS OF ALL ABILITIES
Program designed to create street corridors and intersections that will be safe
for pedestrians, motorists, bicyclists, seniors, children, and the mobility-challenged
Newark, NJ – September 25, 2012 – Mayor Cory A. Booker and Engineering Director Mehdi Mohammadish announced today that the City of Newark adopted a Municipal Council Resolution creating a “Complete Streets Policy.” This policy was adopted by the Municipal Council on September 6, 2012, is designed to create street corridors and intersections that will be safe for pedestrians, motorists, bicyclists, seniors, children, and the mobility-challenged.
The Complete Streets Policy will create a comprehensive, integrated, connected multi-modal network by facilitating connections to bicycling and walking in all of the City’s street and sidewalk projects.
“We have taken a holistic approach to making our streets and sidewalks safe and accessible for all of our residents and visitors, whether they walk, drive, or bicycle. Newark’s streets will be the safest and most welcoming in the entire nation,” Mayor Booker said.
“We have always emphasized the highest levels of accessibility and safety in our efforts to maintain and improve our streets and sidewalks. The Complete Streets program will provide us with a comprehensive plan to achieve those goals,” said Director Mohammadish.
“Complete Streets is defined as a means to provide safe access for all users by designing and operating a comprehensive, integrated, connected multi-modal network of transportation options,” said Manager of Traffic and Signals Jack Nata. “Newark is committed to creating street corridors and intersections that safely accommodate all users of all abilities.”
The Complete Streets program calls for the following:
· Providing safe and accessible accommodations for existing and future pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities.
· Establishing a checklist of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit accommodations such as accessible sidewalks, curb ramps, crosswalks, countdown pedestrian signals, signs, curb extensions, pedestrian scale lighting, bike lanes, and shoulders.
· Transportation facilities constructed for long-term use shall anticipate likely future demand for bicycling and walking facilities and not preclude the provision of future improvements.
· Designs shall address the need for bicyclists and pedestrians to cross corridors, as well as travel along them, in a safe, accessible and convenient manner.
· Designs for intersections, interchanges, and bridges shall anticipate use by bicyclists and pedestrians.
· Bicycle and pedestrian facilities shall be designed and constructed to the best currently available standards and practices.
· Provisions shall be made for pedestrians and bicyclists when closing roads, bridges or sidewalks for construction projects.
· Improvements shall comply with Title VII Environmental Justice, Americans With Disabilities Act, and complement the context of the surrounding community.
Manager Nata noted that the City has already undertaken projects to enhance Newark’s accessibility for bicyclists and pedestrians, with a new bike lane on Washington Street, and new curb ramps and sidewalks as part of its Streetscaping efforts on Broad Street, Ferry Street, and other arteries.
The announcement drew praise from the Tri-State Transportation Campaign. The Campaign is a non-profit policy watchdog organization working for better transit and transportation policy in New Jersey, downstate New York, and Connecticut.
“Tri-State applauds the passage of a Complete Streets policy in Newark, the largest city in New Jersey. The adoption of this policy supports Newark’s other efforts, such as bike lanes and Go Bus, towards building a more green, sustainable, and progressive city. With its many green initiatives, Newark serves as an important model for sustainable streets that should be replicated elsewhere,” said Janna Chernetz, Esq., New Jersey Advocate for Tri-State Transportation Campaign.
Under the Booker administration, the Department of Engineering has begun a vigorous program of improving the City’s infrastructure. The City of Newark is close to completing the largest park expansion and rehabilitation initiative in more than a century. On July 28, 2009, Newark opened Nat Turner Park, the largest city-owned park. Through public-private partnerships, the City was able to secure $40 million for the parks initiative, in collaboration with GreenSpaces, a public/private partnership, and the Trust for Public Land. Thus far, the City has completed new parks and fields at St. Peter’s Park, Kasberger Field, Boys Park, First Street and Thomas Silk Parks, Ironbound B Field, and, in cooperation with Newark Public Schools, has built a new athletic complex at Weequahic High School. Parks have been renovated in every ward throughout the City.
In May 2008, the Department of Engineering won the New Jersey Concrete Committee’s Merit Award in the Decorative Category for the first phase of the Broad Street Streetscaping, which saw massive renovations to denote the historic nature of the historic “Four Corners” intersection at Broad and Market Streets. The project reconstructed sidewalks, created fence panels, installed new street furniture and traffic lights to promote pedestrian safety.
In November 2009, the Department won the New Jersey Society of Municipal Engineers Honor Place Award in the Municipal Construction Management Projects “F” Category for the first phase of the Ferry Street Streetscaping Project. The $1.9 million project, funded by the City of Newark and the New Jersey Department of Transportation, was a partnership with the Ironbound Business Improvement District, designed to enhance the Ironbound’s central artery and gateway to businesses and restaurants in the East Ward, as well as improve safety conditions for pedestrians crossing the busy thoroughfares. Under the program, state-of-the-art sidewalks with planters and decorative lighting were placed down Ferry Street from Union to Madison Streets. These sidewalks improved safety for motorists and pedestrians. The project also reconstructed sidewalks, utilities and drainage, created fence panels and utilized already existing bike paths. New street furniture, signage and traffic lights also enhanced safety for pedestrians.
The Department of Engineering has also undertaken a number of pedestrian safety improvements, highlighted by “Project Red Light,” a partnership with the Police Department, the Municipal Court, and RedFlex Systems. This automated photo enforcement system snaps pictures of license plates of cars that run red lights at key intersections and automatically sends tickets to the cars’ owners. Operating since December 2009, this system has made these intersections safer for both motorists and pedestrians.
In 2012, the Department launched $27 million worth of streetscaping, road re-surfacing, traffic calming, and traffic signal installations. The projects will improve the City’s infrastructure and enhance safety on its roads for motorists and pedestrians alike. Among the projects is the largest traffic-calming program in Newark’s history, currently underway in the West Ward.
The Department has also launched a comprehensive rehabilitation of the City’s Recreation centers, Police precincts, firehouses, and other facilities. At the same time, the Department of Engineering has opened new repair facilities for City-owned vehicles, added environmentally-friendly electric cars to its motor fleet, launched green initiatives, and is continuing the restoration of historic City Hall.
For information about this or any other City of Newark policy or program, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.
Contact: Newark Press Information Office: (973) 733-8004.
E-mail: Pressoffice@ci.newark.nj.us
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Newark's Irvine Turner Blvd gets a road diet and bike lane
New bikes lanes and a road diet are almost complete on Irvine Turner Blvd in Newark south of West Market St. These bike lanes are conventional, well designed and provide the first usable north / south route for the less than bold and fearless bicyclists wishing to travel from University Heights and the Downtown to the Weequahic section of Newark and towns to the south. The finishing touches are not done yet but the lanes are already very useful for even this bold but not exactly fearless bicyclist (I rode them yesterday. So much better!).
Irvine Turner was a designated permanent on-street route for the East Coast Greenway years ago and route signs have been in place on the street for several years. This is a great example of how a route designation by the East Coast Greenway has been the catalyst for bicycle (and pedestrian) amenity construction. Hopefully here in Newark, the likely success of this bike lane and road diet will prove to local leaders of the viability of the road diet / bike lane combo. This simple and well proven street design could be reproduced on at least a half dozen major streets in the city, if not more. And is Essex County there are at least a dozen more potential applications for this facility design.
Also, construction should begin very soon on a revamp of Broadway that will include some interesting innovations new to New Jersey.
Go Newark!!
Irvine Turner was a designated permanent on-street route for the East Coast Greenway years ago and route signs have been in place on the street for several years. This is a great example of how a route designation by the East Coast Greenway has been the catalyst for bicycle (and pedestrian) amenity construction. Hopefully here in Newark, the likely success of this bike lane and road diet will prove to local leaders of the viability of the road diet / bike lane combo. This simple and well proven street design could be reproduced on at least a half dozen major streets in the city, if not more. And is Essex County there are at least a dozen more potential applications for this facility design.
Also, construction should begin very soon on a revamp of Broadway that will include some interesting innovations new to New Jersey.
Go Newark!!
Monday, April 16, 2012
$27 million for Newark streets but barely a dime for bicyclists
Show me the bike lanes!
It's hard to believe that in this day and age, in New Jersey with the nations best Completes Streets policy no less, that a massive sum of money could be spent on improving the traffic safety in a major city and save for one small exception, bicycle facilities are left off the table.
On April 10th, the Newark Patch reported on a the infusion of $27 million to be spent on over a dozen roadway projects in the city. While almost every one of these projects make major improvements in pedestrian safety, only a single project, the Irving Turner / Jones / Norfolk corridor will receive bike lanes and that's likely only because the roadway is part of the East Coast Greenway. With the 12 other projects listed, there is no mention about the installation of a bike lane, bike path, bike parking or a bike route. I find it highly unlikely that there are no other streets on this project list that couldn't use some bicycle infrastructure. This is a real shame considering that every one of the streets impacted by this massive injection of capital improvement funds will likely not be looked at for another 10 years, if not more.
To put the poor state of "bicycling level of service" in the Brick City into perspective, I need to tell you a story. Recently, I made an unlikely bicycle journey from New Brunswick all the way up to the Bike NY offices just off Columbia University in Manhattan. No mass transit. No ferry. Just the GWB. The trip was remarkably easy up until I entered the City of Newark. From New Brunswick to Elizabeth, I was able to use quite residential streets and overly wide county roads that only have one lane in each direction, relatively light traffic and little parking.
Oddly enough, while Newark was built on a modified grid network, the are no clear north/south or east/west routes that are light on traffic and easy for cyclists to navigate. Once I left relative calm of Weequahic Park, I was thrust onto mean Elizabeth Ave that was packed with rush-hour traffic. It took all my speed (with a 30mph tailwind) and all my vehicular cycling skills for me to safely navigate up to Lincoln Park and then over to the relative safety of Iron Bound backstreets. Once I made it across Truck 1&9 (on the new and "soon to improved some more" sidewalk) and into Jersey City, the riding again became relatively easy and enjoyable. Riding across Jersey City, into Hoboken and northward to Fort Lee was fairly easy because the roadway network naturally has options that aren't choked with traffic. Even major streets leading up to the Jersey City Waterfront were nearly deserted, even during rush-hour, due to smart planning policies long in development in Jersey City that are now proving their benefits by allowing residents to get to work by other means.
Again, I hope my judgement is off-base. Maybe I just don't have all the facts. Yes, the traffic calming measures will indirectly improve bicyclist safety by slowing down traffic. However some of these could put bicyclists into jeopardy if the needs of bicyclists are not expertly and competently considered when these traffic calming measures are designed. However, I still find it very unlikely that none of the other projects, besides the one listed above, couldn't benefit from some, if not a whole host of bicycle amenities.
It's hard to believe that in this day and age, in New Jersey with the nations best Completes Streets policy no less, that a massive sum of money could be spent on improving the traffic safety in a major city and save for one small exception, bicycle facilities are left off the table.
On April 10th, the Newark Patch reported on a the infusion of $27 million to be spent on over a dozen roadway projects in the city. While almost every one of these projects make major improvements in pedestrian safety, only a single project, the Irving Turner / Jones / Norfolk corridor will receive bike lanes and that's likely only because the roadway is part of the East Coast Greenway. With the 12 other projects listed, there is no mention about the installation of a bike lane, bike path, bike parking or a bike route. I find it highly unlikely that there are no other streets on this project list that couldn't use some bicycle infrastructure. This is a real shame considering that every one of the streets impacted by this massive injection of capital improvement funds will likely not be looked at for another 10 years, if not more.
To put the poor state of "bicycling level of service" in the Brick City into perspective, I need to tell you a story. Recently, I made an unlikely bicycle journey from New Brunswick all the way up to the Bike NY offices just off Columbia University in Manhattan. No mass transit. No ferry. Just the GWB. The trip was remarkably easy up until I entered the City of Newark. From New Brunswick to Elizabeth, I was able to use quite residential streets and overly wide county roads that only have one lane in each direction, relatively light traffic and little parking.
Oddly enough, while Newark was built on a modified grid network, the are no clear north/south or east/west routes that are light on traffic and easy for cyclists to navigate. Once I left relative calm of Weequahic Park, I was thrust onto mean Elizabeth Ave that was packed with rush-hour traffic. It took all my speed (with a 30mph tailwind) and all my vehicular cycling skills for me to safely navigate up to Lincoln Park and then over to the relative safety of Iron Bound backstreets. Once I made it across Truck 1&9 (on the new and "soon to improved some more" sidewalk) and into Jersey City, the riding again became relatively easy and enjoyable. Riding across Jersey City, into Hoboken and northward to Fort Lee was fairly easy because the roadway network naturally has options that aren't choked with traffic. Even major streets leading up to the Jersey City Waterfront were nearly deserted, even during rush-hour, due to smart planning policies long in development in Jersey City that are now proving their benefits by allowing residents to get to work by other means.
Again, I hope my judgement is off-base. Maybe I just don't have all the facts. Yes, the traffic calming measures will indirectly improve bicyclist safety by slowing down traffic. However some of these could put bicyclists into jeopardy if the needs of bicyclists are not expertly and competently considered when these traffic calming measures are designed. However, I still find it very unlikely that none of the other projects, besides the one listed above, couldn't benefit from some, if not a whole host of bicycle amenities.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
"Art Cycle" exhibit begins with reception this Saturday in Newark
Our good friends at the Brick City Bike Collective along with the Index Art Center are proud to present:
ART CYCLE! - An exhibition of bicycle inspired art.
IAC is revisiting one of our favorite subjects, and hopefully yours BICYCLES!
Marcel Duchamp created his most famous "Readymade" Bicycle Wheel in 1913. Over the last century the influence of the bicycle on art is as diverse and far reaching as the two wheel machine itself.
Bikes have been used as kinetic sculptures, muses for painters and photographers, and as a blank canvas for artists and innovators alike. This exhibition, once again, hopes to capture the spirit of the bicycle, and its place in contemporary art.
WORKS By:
Rob Barth, Daniel Brophy, Ron Brown, Beatriz Burgos, Lawrence Cappiello, Christine Vidal Da Cruz, Danielle Auriemma D’Amico, Dominique Duroseau, David Dziemian, Sara Friedman, Michael C Gabriele, Andrea Geller, Samantha Katehis, Hannah Kirshner, Kaitilin Knoblick, Arthur Kobin, Kevin Merkel, Marco Munoz, Raisa Nosova, Reginald Perry, James Prez, Amy Puccio, Arthur Really, Tony Rendeiro, Larry Ross, Don Sichler, Kelly Vetter, Vazquez, Sergio Villamizar, Lee Allen Wells, Adrienne Wheeler
Video works by:
Robert Ladislas Derr, Natalie McKeever, Alessandro Perini, Joey Wright
March 10 through April 1, 2012
Reception: Saturday, March 10, 7 to 11pm
Also exhibiting:
Index Reception Room: Lisa Conrad.
27 Mix: Works by Sophia Sobers
After Party at 27 Mix
Gallery hours:
Thur: 6 - 9 pm
Fri: 1 - 4 pm
Sat: 1 - 4 pm
Viewing appointments are welcome
IAC
585 Broad Street
Newark, NJ 07102
www.indexartcenter.org
index.gallery@gmail.com
862-218-0278
ART CYCLE! - An exhibition of bicycle inspired art.
IAC is revisiting one of our favorite subjects, and hopefully yours BICYCLES!
Marcel Duchamp created his most famous "Readymade" Bicycle Wheel in 1913. Over the last century the influence of the bicycle on art is as diverse and far reaching as the two wheel machine itself.
Bikes have been used as kinetic sculptures, muses for painters and photographers, and as a blank canvas for artists and innovators alike. This exhibition, once again, hopes to capture the spirit of the bicycle, and its place in contemporary art.
WORKS By:
Rob Barth, Daniel Brophy, Ron Brown, Beatriz Burgos, Lawrence Cappiello, Christine Vidal Da Cruz, Danielle Auriemma D’Amico, Dominique Duroseau, David Dziemian, Sara Friedman, Michael C Gabriele, Andrea Geller, Samantha Katehis, Hannah Kirshner, Kaitilin Knoblick, Arthur Kobin, Kevin Merkel, Marco Munoz, Raisa Nosova, Reginald Perry, James Prez, Amy Puccio, Arthur Really, Tony Rendeiro, Larry Ross, Don Sichler, Kelly Vetter, Vazquez, Sergio Villamizar, Lee Allen Wells, Adrienne Wheeler
Video works by:
Robert Ladislas Derr, Natalie McKeever, Alessandro Perini, Joey Wright
March 10 through April 1, 2012
Reception: Saturday, March 10, 7 to 11pm
Also exhibiting:
Index Reception Room: Lisa Conrad.
27 Mix: Works by Sophia Sobers
After Party at 27 Mix
Gallery hours:
Thur: 6 - 9 pm
Fri: 1 - 4 pm
Sat: 1 - 4 pm
Viewing appointments are welcome
IAC
585 Broad Street
Newark, NJ 07102
www.indexartcenter.org
index.gallery@gmail.com
862-218-0278
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Bicycle art show coming to Newark - Submissions Wanted!
The lead for this story comes to us from our friends at the Brick City Bike Collective via their Facebook Page. The following message comes from the Index Art Center via their FB call for submissions.
Open Call for submissions:
ART CYCLE: An exhibition of bicycle inspired art.
Deadline to submit: 2/10/12
Artists reception: 3/10/12
IAC is revisiting one of our favorite subjects, and hopefully yours BICYCLES!
Marcel Duchamp created his most famous "Readymade" Bicycle Wheel in 1913. Over the last century the influence of the bicycle on art is as diverse and far reaching as the two wheel machine itself.
Bikes have been used as kinetic sculptures, muses for painters and photographers, and as a blank canvas for artists and innovators alike. This exhibition, once again, hopes to capture the spirit of the bicycle, and its place in contemporary art.
Submit your proposals, jpeg images, or video links to Index Art Center : index.gallery@gmail.com
Please write “Art Cycle” in the subject line.
- Include your full name and all contact info
- Brief description and dimensions of work or installation.
- All mediums will be considered.
- No submission fee.
Deadline for submissions and proposals: February 10, 2012
Opening reception: Saturday, March 10, 7 to 11pm
IAC
585 Broad Street
Newark, NJ 07102
www.indexartcenter.org
index.gallery@gmail.com
862-218-0278
ART CYCLE: An exhibition of bicycle inspired art.
Deadline to submit: 2/10/12
Artists reception: 3/10/12
IAC is revisiting one of our favorite subjects, and hopefully yours BICYCLES!
Marcel Duchamp created his most famous "Readymade" Bicycle Wheel in 1913. Over the last century the influence of the bicycle on art is as diverse and far reaching as the two wheel machine itself.
Bikes have been used as kinetic sculptures, muses for painters and photographers, and as a blank canvas for artists and innovators alike. This exhibition, once again, hopes to capture the spirit of the bicycle, and its place in contemporary art.
Submit your proposals, jpeg images, or video links to Index Art Center : index.gallery@gmail.com
Please write “Art Cycle” in the subject line.
- Include your full name and all contact info
- Brief description and dimensions of work or installation.
- All mediums will be considered.
- No submission fee.
Deadline for submissions and proposals: February 10, 2012
Opening reception: Saturday, March 10, 7 to 11pm
IAC
585 Broad Street
Newark, NJ 07102
www.indexartcenter.org
index.gallery@gmail.com
862-218-0278
Friday, December 23, 2011
East Coast Greenway Alliance announces major advancement in New Jersey
The East Coast Greenway Alliance made this announcement in its December Newsletter about a major breakthrough that has closed the gap between Newark and Jersey City.
The largest gap in the alignment of the East Coast Greenway as it passes through New Jersey has just been completed! For the first time, pedestrians can walk along sidewalks between Jersey City and Newark – two of New Jersey’s largest cities. New Jersey Department of Transportation recently constructed sidewalk along the ECG alignment of Truck Route 1 & 9 in Newark and Kearny. This links Lincoln Park in Jersey City, across Kearny, through the Ironbound section of Newark to Newark’s Penn Station. There are already ECG wayfinding signs in place the rest of the way across New Jersey, between Newark and Trenton.
Now that this new segment of sidewalk is available, ECG travelers will finally be able to travel 100% of the way across New Jersey under their own power – no trains needed! There is still advocacy work to do as we continue to improve this important secion of the Greenway. However, this is a huge step forward as there is finally a continuous sidewalk network between Newark and Jersey City for everyone to use!
The above was written by Mike Dannemiller, East Coast Greenway Alliance New Jersey State Committee Co-Chair
Now that this new segment of sidewalk is available, ECG travelers will finally be able to travel 100% of the way across New Jersey under their own power – no trains needed! There is still advocacy work to do as we continue to improve this important secion of the Greenway. However, this is a huge step forward as there is finally a continuous sidewalk network between Newark and Jersey City for everyone to use!
The above was written by Mike Dannemiller, East Coast Greenway Alliance New Jersey State Committee Co-Chair
Thursday, November 3, 2011
BCBC Halloween bicycle scavenger hunt this Saturday
Our really cool friends at the Brick City Bicycle Collective in Newark along with City Councilman Augusto Amador and Grove Street Bicycles of Jersey City will be hosting their 3rd Annual Halloween Bicycle Scavenger Hunt starting at 11:30 this Saturday. For more information including a registration form please go to their webpage for the event.
I sure wish I could make this event!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Folk Engineered, Newark charter school kids participate in Oregon Manifest
Late last month Folk Engineered, New Jersey's only bicycle makers, made the long trip Portland to participate in Oregon Manifest. Billed as "A competition to design and build the ultimate modern utility bicycle," the event attracts the nation's and the world's best bicycle artisans such as perennial bike show winner Tony Pereira and industry icon Chris King and is Cielo Bicycles. Being true to their unwritten mission to give back to the City of Newark that is their home, Ryan and Marie teamed up with some of the kids from the Discovery Charter School to produce their utilitarian entry.
While they did not win, just being invited to the competition is quite an honor in itself. Making it all the way out to Portland, Oregon with the participating students and a beautiful bike in tow, surely had to be all the reward they needed. Ryan and Marie, who are married, always have a glow about them as it is clear that they have found their callings in building beautifully crafted bicycles in Newark and sharing their passions and talents with the kids of the Brick City whether at the the Discovery School or at the newly opened Newark Bike Exchange (more on that soon on WBJ).
For more about Folk Engineered's entry with many more pictures (and a number of their other projects) see the following links (1, 2).
Our cycling caps are off to Folk Engineered and the kids of the Discover Charter School for representing Newark and all of New Jersey at this highly regarded bicycle industry event.
 |
| Source: Oregon Manifest. |
For more about Folk Engineered's entry with many more pictures (and a number of their other projects) see the following links (1, 2).
Our cycling caps are off to Folk Engineered and the kids of the Discover Charter School for representing Newark and all of New Jersey at this highly regarded bicycle industry event.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
New Jersey bicycling photo of 2011
A bit of Portland / Amsterdam comes to Newark
While passing through Newark's Branch Brook Park on Sunday as part of the Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey's 2nd (or 3rd?) Annual Cherry Blossom Bike Tour (which shouldn't be confused with the Brick City Bike Collective's ride of the same name), I came across this most beautiful vision of cycling perfection:
There were just so many things right about this sight which I assume was a mother and her three kids. Seeing them brought such joy to me that day as it does again as I write about this two days later. When I first passed the quartet, one couldn't help but notice the wide smiles on all of their faces. It was clear that they were all having a blast. When I stopped to take a picture of them, I asked if they were from the city or just passing through. "Captain Mom" replied, "Right here in Newark!" to which I said, "Perfect! Even better!"
And before you reply telling me all about Bakfiets, cargobikes, and the Danish/Dutch minivan, I'm way ahead of you. I just hope that sights like this become more common in New Jersey and all around the USA. With gas prices climbing ever higher I feel its inevitable.
While passing through Newark's Branch Brook Park on Sunday as part of the Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey's 2nd (or 3rd?) Annual Cherry Blossom Bike Tour (which shouldn't be confused with the Brick City Bike Collective's ride of the same name), I came across this most beautiful vision of cycling perfection:
And before you reply telling me all about Bakfiets, cargobikes, and the Danish/Dutch minivan, I'm way ahead of you. I just hope that sights like this become more common in New Jersey and all around the USA. With gas prices climbing ever higher I feel its inevitable.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Star-Ledger covers cycling at Rutgers Newark
As a two time alumni of Rutgers, New Brunswick, it would be great to see the Department of Parking and Transportation get more proactive in promoting cycling in and around the five campuses in New Brunswick. I personally think that while the bus system is fantastic between the campuses, there is really no reason why many of the trips currently taken by bus, couldn't be done by bike. And reducing bus demand would obviously reduce costs to students in an era of out of control student fees. I think to do this Rutgers should look to hire a bicycle and pedestrian coordinator (hint, hint - I know some one who would be perfect for the job - wink, wink). And it would be really, really special to see Rutgers try to become a League of American Bicyclists, Bicycle Friendly University.
Come on Jack! I know your up to it!
Monday, April 4, 2011
This Sunday - Branchbrook Park Cherry Blossom Bike Tour!
So anyway, The Brick City Bike Collective is having their Cherry Blossom Bike Tour once again. It looks like the timing for the Cherry Blossoms will be right on schedule as the weather has been cool and the event is a little earlier this year. Last years event was one of the best fun bike rides I attended in all of 2010.
I was hoping that this years event could also be turned into New Jersey's "Tweed Ride" for those that voluntarily wish to play dress-up but my suggestioned was turned down for this year. Well too bad! I'm going to turn this into my own personal Tweed Ride. To find me on Sunday, just look for the the sharply dressed lad on the 3-speed.
Check out BCBC post for more details about the event and directions on how to get there. And for a taste of the event, check out this video short from the good folks at StreetFilms that attended last years event.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Pedestrian deaths are always more than just statistics
I was reading The Star-Ledger today (yes, real newsprint) and came across the tragic story of the life and death of Joao Silva written by columnist Barry Carter. It was so touching that I felt must be shared with you all. Stories like this, that put a real human face on the statistics we hear about everyday, are important to remind us what's at stake.
Silva was the chef at St. Philip's Academy who had a knack for sneaking healthy vegetables into the school lunches without the kids ever noticing. He was hit and killed while crossing Central Ave in a crosswalk directly in front of the school, as he walked to work back in early November.
Barry Carter's story about Joao Silva and his memorial service can be found here.
The original story about the fatal crash can be found here.
Silva was the chef at St. Philip's Academy who had a knack for sneaking healthy vegetables into the school lunches without the kids ever noticing. He was hit and killed while crossing Central Ave in a crosswalk directly in front of the school, as he walked to work back in early November.
Barry Carter's story about Joao Silva and his memorial service can be found here.
The original story about the fatal crash can be found here.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Newark to build New Jersey's first protected bicycle lane; West Windsor state's first Woonerf
I hate getting scooped but then again its great that there are so many people in New Jersey concerned about bicycle and pedestrian issues and are willing to spend the time writing about it.
NJ Future's blog Garden State Smart Growth has this great write-up about a proposal for a protected bike lane in Newark's Forest Hill Neighborhood. I snagged the image off their blog of the proposed improvements from the City and Sam Schwartz Engineering to whet your appetite to read and inquire further. Cyclists, take a close look at the proposed intersection improvements. What do you think?
Further down the Northeast Corridor, Jerry Foster at the West Windsor Bike/Ped Alliance writes today about a possible "woonerf" in the proposed transit village at Princeton Junction. Very interesting stuff. If you don't know about woonerfs read Jerry's quick description or follow his links to the more in-depth discussions.
NJ Future's blog Garden State Smart Growth has this great write-up about a proposal for a protected bike lane in Newark's Forest Hill Neighborhood. I snagged the image off their blog of the proposed improvements from the City and Sam Schwartz Engineering to whet your appetite to read and inquire further. Cyclists, take a close look at the proposed intersection improvements. What do you think?Further down the Northeast Corridor, Jerry Foster at the West Windsor Bike/Ped Alliance writes today about a possible "woonerf" in the proposed transit village at Princeton Junction. Very interesting stuff. If you don't know about woonerfs read Jerry's quick description or follow his links to the more in-depth discussions.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Brick City Bike Collective’s Egg-Mazing Race this Saturday
All Roads Lead to Fun in Newark’s Ironbound this Saturday for Brick City Bike Collective’s Egg-Mazing Race.
WHEN: Saturday, April 24, 2010, 10:30am – 1:30pm. Meet at 10:30am at Peter Francisco Park next to Penn Station. End for an awards ceremony at 1:30pm at Hell’s Kitchen Lounge, 150 Lafayette Street.
WHO: Brick City Bike Collective, East Ward Councilman Amador, Ironbound Improvement District, and you!
WHAT: The "Egg-Mazing Race" will be a free two-hour, five-mile bicycle challenge. Riders use a map to find checkpoints, where they solve clues,
complete challenges, and gain points to win prizes. The event ends at Hell’s Kitchen for a closing and awards ceremony, refreshments, and light lunch.
Prizes for both youth and adult riders.
WHERE: The checkpoints and challenges are all located within the Ironbound. The ride begins at Peter Francisco Park (small triangle park next to Penn Station) and ends at Hell’s Kitchen Lounge.
INFO: For more information, or to pre-register, visit www.brickcitybikecollective.org, or call us at 973.937.8443.
WHEN: Saturday, April 24, 2010, 10:30am – 1:30pm. Meet at 10:30am at Peter Francisco Park next to Penn Station. End for an awards ceremony at 1:30pm at Hell’s Kitchen Lounge, 150 Lafayette Street.
WHO: Brick City Bike Collective, East Ward Councilman Amador, Ironbound Improvement District, and you!
WHAT: The "Egg-Mazing Race" will be a free two-hour, five-mile bicycle challenge. Riders use a map to find checkpoints, where they solve clues,
complete challenges, and gain points to win prizes. The event ends at Hell’s Kitchen for a closing and awards ceremony, refreshments, and light lunch.
Prizes for both youth and adult riders.
WHERE: The checkpoints and challenges are all located within the Ironbound. The ride begins at Peter Francisco Park (small triangle park next to Penn Station) and ends at Hell’s Kitchen Lounge.
INFO: For more information, or to pre-register, visit www.brickcitybikecollective.org, or call us at 973.937.8443.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Cherry Blossom Rides (yes plural) & Bike Share all in Newark!
I had the pleasure of taking the train up to Newark and joining up with our friends from the Brick City Bike Collective this past Sunday for their Cherry Blossom Bike Tour. The ride was a smashing success with nearly 100 people in attendance, way more then anyone expected. Included in the mix was Kendra and Dave from the Morristown Pedal Pushers Blog. Elizabeth Press from Streetfilms who I invited on a last minute lark came with her camera along with some of her friends at Transportation Alternatives. We were all very glad she could make it and her Streetflims "shorty" below really captures the family friendly fun of the afternoon, despite the fact that most of the cherry blossoms were done blooming due to last week's heat.
Some of the sights along the way include Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the ever elegant Forest Hill Neighborhood, the old Tiffany Factory (smartly converted into apartments) amongst many others and of course, 4,000 cherry trees in beautiful Branch Brook Park.
With this ride such a success, I was surprised to find out that the folks at the Brick City Bike Collective had done another Cherry Blossom Ride the week before with the transportation folks at Rutgers Newark. They too brought a film crew and in the below video of the event they even talk about Rutgers Newark's new Bike Share Program! My God! Who would have thunk it!
Some of the sights along the way include Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the ever elegant Forest Hill Neighborhood, the old Tiffany Factory (smartly converted into apartments) amongst many others and of course, 4,000 cherry trees in beautiful Branch Brook Park.
With this ride such a success, I was surprised to find out that the folks at the Brick City Bike Collective had done another Cherry Blossom Ride the week before with the transportation folks at Rutgers Newark. They too brought a film crew and in the below video of the event they even talk about Rutgers Newark's new Bike Share Program! My God! Who would have thunk it!
Friday, April 2, 2010
BCBC Announces 2010 Cherry Blossom Bike Tour
Our friends over at the Brick City Bike Collective have announced there 2010 Cherry Blossom Bike Tour in Newark’s spectacular Branch Brook Park. The ride is on Sunday April 11th, starts a 1pm and is easily accessible by NJ Transit.
For more info please be sure to check out their announcement.
I can think of no better way to see one of the worlds greatest cherry blossom collections (said to be even bigger then the more famous collection in Washington DC) then by bike!
For more info please be sure to check out their announcement.I can think of no better way to see one of the worlds greatest cherry blossom collections (said to be even bigger then the more famous collection in Washington DC) then by bike!
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