New Jersey recognized as a Bicycle Friendly State by the League of American Bicyclists

Ranked as the 8th ‘friendliest’ state for bicyclists in the nation

(Trenton) - New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Jim Simpson today announced that New Jersey has received a Bronze award as a Bicycle Friendly State by the League of American Bicyclists. This is the first time that New Jersey has received such a designation.

To coincide with Bike to Work Week, the League of American Bicyclists released its third annual Bicycle Friendly State (BFS) rankings on Wednesday, May 19 and announced that New Jersey has achieved its highest ever ranking of 8th in the nation in regard to favorable conditions for bicyclists. The award recognizes New Jersey for its initiatives and progress to become more bicycle-friendly.

“NJDOT has made great strides to improve the conditions on our roadways for bicyclists as well as pedestrians,” Simpson said. “The Department continues to invest in intersection and roadway improvements statewide that are designed to keep our pedestrians and bicyclists safe.”

NJDOT is working to implement policies that consider the needs of pedestrians and bicyclists as well as motorists whenever a new road is constructed or an existing road is rebuilt. To further formalize and emphasize that commitment NJDOT has recently finalized a 'Complete Streets' policy to ensure that all future roadway improvement construction projects include safe accommodations for all users, including bicyclists, pedestrians, transit riders and the mobility impaired.

“We are delighted to report that states, and statewide bicycle advocates, are using this program to target legislative changes, adopt new policies and even start new advocacy groups in order to improve conditions for cyclists,” said Andy Clarke, League President. “Change at the state level is harder to see than in a community or business, but is no less important – and we are seeing real progress.”

The BFS program links the League’s work at the federal level and community advocacy throughout the nation and recognizes states that actively support bicycling. The state rankings, first released in 2008 are conducted annually. The BFS rankings are based on a 95-item questionnaire that evaluates a state’s commitment to bicycling and covers six key areas: legislation, policies and programs, infrastructure, education and encouragement, evaluation and planning, and enforcement. The League offers feedback and technical assistance to states in an effort to improve their ranking as well as overall conditions for bicycling. The rankings are used to create healthy competition among states and communities to become more bicycle friendly. The League also designates Bicycle Friendly Communities.

Visit our Biking in NJ website for more information.

Visit the League’s Bicycle Friendly State to learn more about the program.