We would love to compile a list of local elected officials in New Jersey who have made active living a part of their agenda. If you know of a link or a quote from a current elected official please send us info in the comments section.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Another Mayor Booker Presents His Active Living Agenda
In Burlington County, Edgewater Park's new Mayor Darrell J. Booker published his welcome message in the January 2011 edition of the Beverly Bee. The Mayor wished to make health a major priority of during his tenure noting that poor nutrition and that the "lack of access to safe and well maintained parks and recreational space" were barriers for some to healthy living. He went on to say that "We need safe streets, bike lanes, parks and recreational facilities to make physical fitness an achievable goal"
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Passaic County wants your feedback about possible Morris Canal Greenway
According to an article in The Record newspaper, the Passaic County Planning department will be holding a series of five open house meetings starting next week in an effort to get the public's input about a possible multiuse trail for bicyclists and pedestrians along the old Morris Canal. There will be a meeting in each one of the towns that the canal route runs. Those meetings are as follows:
More information about the history of the Morris Canal and the Greenway planning process can be found here and here respectively.
- Clifton - Wednesday, January 5th, at 7pm, Clifton City Hall, 900 Clifton Ave
- Paterson - Wednesday, January 12th, at 6:30pm, Paterson Free Public Library, 250 Broadway
- Pompton Lakes - Thursday, January 13th, at 7pm, Borough Hall, 25 Lenox Ave
- Little Falls & Woodland Park - Tuesday, January 25th, Little Falls Civic Center, Warren Street
- Wayne - Wednesday, January 26th, at 6:30pm,Wayne Public Library, 461 Valley Road
More information about the history of the Morris Canal and the Greenway planning process can be found here and here respectively.
Bergen County Prosecutor calls hit & run pedestrian crash "vehicular homicide"
In an interview on NJN News on Monday, January 3rd, the Bergen County Prosecutor, John Molinelli is calling the hit-and-run crash that killed Dr. Paul Kudowitz "vehicular homicide." According to the report, Dr. Kudowitz was crossing Broad Avenue at 5:30 on December 24th as he was walking home from a Friday night prayer service at his daughters house for the Jewish sabbath. Police found parts from the vehicle that hit Dr. Kudowitz and are looking for a mid 1990's Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban or extended cab truck that is either white or cream in color.
It is interesting to note that the Prosecutor is talking vehicular homicide at this moment without even knowing much about the driver. Usually the only time this charge is used in a fatal pedestrian or bicycle crash is when the driver is drunk, otherwise impaired or in the act of committing a crime. The NJN report says that Broad Ave were Dr. Kudowitz was struck and killed, is marked at only 25mph but that drivers routinely speed on this roadway. This would seem to indicate that the prosecutor may be taking the likely speed of the vehicle into account in considering such a charge (pedestrians hit at 25mph are very likely to survive a crash). Undoubtedly the driver will also be charged with hit-and-run along with any other charges.
All too often in the past, drivers who speed and kill pedestrians, are usually not even charged with anything or are given a slap on the wrist when they are charged with "failing to yield to a pedestrian," which is a couple of points and a few hundred dollar fine. This is truly a cheap price to pay for taking a life. In hit-and-run situations, if there is no other criminality, the driver will usually just be facing the hit-and-run charges with the minor "failing to yield to a pedestrian" charge. While hit-and-run is a serious crime, it is secondary to the primary offense. If the driver stops, they usually weren't charged with anything in the past, even if they were speeding. It seems as if attitudes are changing, at least when pedestrians are rundown by motorists.
To see the NJN News report for yourself follow this link, click on "Monday" and advance to time stamp 14min 15sec. The link will only be good for a week as there are no longterm online archives for NJN News and there is no way to directly embed the video here.
It is interesting to note that the Prosecutor is talking vehicular homicide at this moment without even knowing much about the driver. Usually the only time this charge is used in a fatal pedestrian or bicycle crash is when the driver is drunk, otherwise impaired or in the act of committing a crime. The NJN report says that Broad Ave were Dr. Kudowitz was struck and killed, is marked at only 25mph but that drivers routinely speed on this roadway. This would seem to indicate that the prosecutor may be taking the likely speed of the vehicle into account in considering such a charge (pedestrians hit at 25mph are very likely to survive a crash). Undoubtedly the driver will also be charged with hit-and-run along with any other charges.
All too often in the past, drivers who speed and kill pedestrians, are usually not even charged with anything or are given a slap on the wrist when they are charged with "failing to yield to a pedestrian," which is a couple of points and a few hundred dollar fine. This is truly a cheap price to pay for taking a life. In hit-and-run situations, if there is no other criminality, the driver will usually just be facing the hit-and-run charges with the minor "failing to yield to a pedestrian" charge. While hit-and-run is a serious crime, it is secondary to the primary offense. If the driver stops, they usually weren't charged with anything in the past, even if they were speeding. It seems as if attitudes are changing, at least when pedestrians are rundown by motorists.
To see the NJN News report for yourself follow this link, click on "Monday" and advance to time stamp 14min 15sec. The link will only be good for a week as there are no longterm online archives for NJN News and there is no way to directly embed the video here.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Christmas comes to Second Life Bikes in Asbury Park
It shouldn’t come as such a surprise that even Santa looked exceptionally fit. Every couple moments Santa had to lift his big black belt to keep his red pants from coming down due to the lack of a belly. That’s what happens when Santa rides a bike.
The Spirit of Christmas came early to Second Life Bikes in Asbury Park on the Thursday before Christmas, and dozens of local kids were the beneficiaries of some of the best bicycle love found in New Jersey. Bike lights and locks were given to the older children and the younger kids were the lucky recipients of great bikes with plenty of life left in them. All the while everyone was well fed with dozens of pizzas, a six foot sub sandwich and great cookies and snacks. And while Kerri Martin, Second Life’s founder was definitely the master of ceremonies, she was far from the only source of the charity and joy found that day. For this holiday party, Kerri and her band of volunteer elves had some help.
Even from tragedy can come joy. Back in October of this year Rodd Secrist died in a tragic accident. According to his mother Lori Gaffney, Rodd loved cycling along with helping others, especially children. In lieu of flowers at Rodd’s funeral, his mother asked that donations be given to Second Life Bikes because of the youth program Kerri runs to teach the local kids the joys working on and riding bikes. With the donations Lori received she was able to provide the food and drink for all those in attendance. Along with the food, Lori was able to provide gifts for the older kids in attendance including locks, front and rear bicycle lights and helmets.
However, Second Life Bikes and all those in attendance were doubly blessed this year with tidings of good will. A group of young women called the W Girls, Coastal New Jersey Chapter also stepped up to help out. The W Girls focuses there charity to help disadvantaged women and children and that evening the W Girls provided gift certificates to a local book store and more.
Not to be outdone, Kerri also had a trick up her sleeve to bring the evening to a climatic end. She and her merry band of volunteer elves were able to put together and give away 20+ small children’s bikes to local kids of needy families. She was only able to do this due to the many bicycle donations she receives. And while the adult bicycles tend to sell rather quickly, Kerri had been accruing a rather large surplus of the smaller kid’s bikes (hint, she has many more for sale). All in attendance were smiling ear to ear as many of the young kids joyously received what in many cases were their first bikes.
Overall, the Christmas Party was a rousing success. There was much to celebrate for all involved and all are looking for a great 2011 at Second Life Bikes as Kerri’s (not so) little bicycle operation will be staying in its 21 Main Street location for another year.
For more photos check out the photo album below. (Unfortunately I didn't get a good picture of Kerri this time around. Sorry.)
 |
Skinny Santa with Rodd Secrist's mom Lori, handing out food. |
Even from tragedy can come joy. Back in October of this year Rodd Secrist died in a tragic accident. According to his mother Lori Gaffney, Rodd loved cycling along with helping others, especially children. In lieu of flowers at Rodd’s funeral, his mother asked that donations be given to Second Life Bikes because of the youth program Kerri runs to teach the local kids the joys working on and riding bikes. With the donations Lori received she was able to provide the food and drink for all those in attendance. Along with the food, Lori was able to provide gifts for the older kids in attendance including locks, front and rear bicycle lights and helmets.
 |
| The W Girls of Coastal New Jersey! |
Not to be outdone, Kerri also had a trick up her sleeve to bring the evening to a climatic end. She and her merry band of volunteer elves were able to put together and give away 20+ small children’s bikes to local kids of needy families. She was only able to do this due to the many bicycle donations she receives. And while the adult bicycles tend to sell rather quickly, Kerri had been accruing a rather large surplus of the smaller kid’s bikes (hint, she has many more for sale). All in attendance were smiling ear to ear as many of the young kids joyously received what in many cases were their first bikes.
 |
| Few things in life bring bigger smiles than a bike. Ear to ear! |
For more photos check out the photo album below. (Unfortunately I didn't get a good picture of Kerri this time around. Sorry.)
Tri State Transportation Campaign Seeks A South Jersey Advocate
The Tri-State Transportation Campaign seeks a dynamic and effective advocate to advance sustainable transportation policies in southern New Jersey.
The Tri-State Transportation Campaign conducts advocacy to promote a more balanced and equitable transportation system in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. We were formed in 1994 by the region’s major environmental and planning organizations to reduce the impacts of car dependency and sprawl development. Since our founding, we have stopped wasteful road expansion projects and won millions more in funding for mass transit, bicycle, and pedestrian projects.
The South Jersey Advocate is a new position. Responsibilities of the advocate will include:
· Conducting outreach about sustainable transportation policies with southern NJ elected and agency officials, civic leaders, businesses, non-profits.
· Conducting walking tours and outreach with civic leaders, municipal officials, and local residents in southern NJ with a goal of fixing dangerous roadway conditions.
· Serving as a liason for environmental, smart growth, transit and bicycle advocates in southern New Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia area.
· Conducting media outreach regarding TSTC reports and positions.
· Writing and reading testimony for sustainable transportation policies at agency and committee hearings.
· Organizing meetings with various stakeholders and events such as conferences, symposiums, workshops, etc.
· Frequent travel throughout New Jersey and to our Manhattan office.
Location of the position is flexible, but is likely to be located in Camden, Gloucester, Burlington, or Ocean counties. TSTC is headquarted in Midtown Manhattan and maintains an office in Trenton, NJ and Albany, NY.
Requirements:
B.A. in political science, environmental policy, urban planning or related field required. Community organizing experience a plus. Three years of work experience preferred. The person must have a passion for environmental issues, be politically savvy, energetic, highly motivated and have excellent analytical, research and writing skills. New Jersey residency and media experience strongly preferred.
Salary/Benefits:
Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Tri-State Transportation Campaign offers full health insurance, TransitChek, 3 weeks paid vacation, a retirement plan, and bike parking. Women and people of color encouraged to apply.
To apply, email resume and cover letter by January 17, 2011 to Veronica Vanterpool, Associate Director, Tri-State Transportation Campaign at Vvanterpool@tstc.org. No phone calls please.
The Tri-State Transportation Campaign conducts advocacy to promote a more balanced and equitable transportation system in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. We were formed in 1994 by the region’s major environmental and planning organizations to reduce the impacts of car dependency and sprawl development. Since our founding, we have stopped wasteful road expansion projects and won millions more in funding for mass transit, bicycle, and pedestrian projects.
The South Jersey Advocate is a new position. Responsibilities of the advocate will include:
· Conducting outreach about sustainable transportation policies with southern NJ elected and agency officials, civic leaders, businesses, non-profits.
· Conducting walking tours and outreach with civic leaders, municipal officials, and local residents in southern NJ with a goal of fixing dangerous roadway conditions.
· Serving as a liason for environmental, smart growth, transit and bicycle advocates in southern New Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia area.
· Conducting media outreach regarding TSTC reports and positions.
· Writing and reading testimony for sustainable transportation policies at agency and committee hearings.
· Organizing meetings with various stakeholders and events such as conferences, symposiums, workshops, etc.
· Frequent travel throughout New Jersey and to our Manhattan office.
Location of the position is flexible, but is likely to be located in Camden, Gloucester, Burlington, or Ocean counties. TSTC is headquarted in Midtown Manhattan and maintains an office in Trenton, NJ and Albany, NY.
Requirements:
B.A. in political science, environmental policy, urban planning or related field required. Community organizing experience a plus. Three years of work experience preferred. The person must have a passion for environmental issues, be politically savvy, energetic, highly motivated and have excellent analytical, research and writing skills. New Jersey residency and media experience strongly preferred.
Salary/Benefits:
Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Tri-State Transportation Campaign offers full health insurance, TransitChek, 3 weeks paid vacation, a retirement plan, and bike parking. Women and people of color encouraged to apply.
To apply, email resume and cover letter by January 17, 2011 to Veronica Vanterpool, Associate Director, Tri-State Transportation Campaign at Vvanterpool@tstc.org. No phone calls please.
Revisit (correction) on AAA's stance on Bike/Ped funding.
I was reviewing this blog and the features of Blogger in detail today and realized that a number of comments by AAA staff regarding the Wednesday, September 22, 2010 post titled "AAA Pushes to Cut Bike & Ped Funding. Speak Up Now!" were ID'd as Spam by Blogger without my knowledge until Jan, 3rd 2011.
In the interest of fairness to those at AAA and others who took the time to express their views on this topic, I felt it was only proper to revisit this issue now. The post with all its comments can be seen by following the above link.
Our apologies go out to those that took the time to express their concerns in the comments section of this blog, only to have them not show up. Again, those of us at WalkBikeJersey were totally unaware that these comments were treated as spam by Blogger until just a few moments before this posting.
In the interest of fairness to those at AAA and others who took the time to express their views on this topic, I felt it was only proper to revisit this issue now. The post with all its comments can be seen by following the above link.
Our apologies go out to those that took the time to express their concerns in the comments section of this blog, only to have them not show up. Again, those of us at WalkBikeJersey were totally unaware that these comments were treated as spam by Blogger until just a few moments before this posting.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
NJDOT video of proposed Rt 72 Manahawkin Bay Bridge now shows barrier protected walkway
Last June, WalkBikeJersey broke the story about the initial proposal for Rt 72 Manahawkin Bay Bridge to Long Beach Island having less then desirable bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The NJDOT website for the project still says that the proposed bicycle and pedestrian improvements will include a six foot wide sidewalk and a bicycle lanes that will be as little as 5 feet wide in places.
Route 72 Manahawkin Bay Bridge
View Larger Map
However, a video for the project on the same NJDOT website now shows the proposed bridge having a protected pedestrian walkway (multiuse path?) that appears to be nearly the same width as one motor vehicle lane.
Video screengrabs of the proposed Rt 72 Bridge clearly show a barrier protected
walkway on the main western span. Source: NJDOT / Parsons Brinkerhoff
View Larger Map
However, a video for the project on the same NJDOT website now shows the proposed bridge having a protected pedestrian walkway (multiuse path?) that appears to be nearly the same width as one motor vehicle lane.
Video screengrabs of the proposed Rt 72 Bridge clearly show a barrier protected walkway on the main western span. Source: NJDOT / Parsons Brinkerhoff
WalkBikeJersey has been monitoring this project since it will be the first major bridge replacement by NJDOT since it adopted a Complete Streets Policy last year. If the video is to be believed and actually shows a revised proposal for the bike/ped amenities, this is indeed welcomed news and clearly has NJDOT starting 2011 on a welcomed note.
Still, this edition of the video is relatively new as an older version of the video of this project did not clearly show a protected walkway. It also only shows the larger western span (the Manahawkin Bay Bridge is actually a series of 3 bridges) and does not show the eastern 2 spans where bicyclists are proposed to be accommodated by 5 foot wide bicycle lanes. Also not shown are the approaches to the bridge on either side which can make or break the usability of the facility for more cautious non-motorized users.
Stay tuned the WalkBikeJersey for continuing updates on this project.
The RT 72 Manahawkin Bay Bridge video can be seen in its entirety on the NJDOT website here.
Still, this edition of the video is relatively new as an older version of the video of this project did not clearly show a protected walkway. It also only shows the larger western span (the Manahawkin Bay Bridge is actually a series of 3 bridges) and does not show the eastern 2 spans where bicyclists are proposed to be accommodated by 5 foot wide bicycle lanes. Also not shown are the approaches to the bridge on either side which can make or break the usability of the facility for more cautious non-motorized users.
Stay tuned the WalkBikeJersey for continuing updates on this project.
The RT 72 Manahawkin Bay Bridge video can be seen in its entirety on the NJDOT website here.
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