New Jersey named 7th ‘friendliest’ state for bicyclists in the nation by the League of American Bicyclists
(Trenton) - NJDOT officials today announced that New Jersey has been recognized as a Bicycle Friendly State for its initiatives and progress to become more bicycle-friendly by the League of American Bicyclists. This is the third consecutive year that New Jersey has received such a designation.
The League of American Bicyclists released its annual Bicycle Friendly State (BFS) rankings on May 22 and announced that New Jersey has achieved another strong ranking, coming in as 7th 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 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. NJDOT 'Complete Streets' policy strives to ensure that all future roadway improvement construction projects include safe accommodations for all users, including bicyclists, pedestrians, transit riders and the mobility impaired.
The Department is just now winding down a series of Complete Streets workshops held at twelve locations around the state to educate local governments on the basic concepts of Complete Streets policy, including policy adoption, design and implementation.
“When it comes to Complete Streets, New Jersey is leading the way toward safety for all who share the road,” said Commissioner James Simpson. “Our Department-wide policy, adopted by NJDOT in 2009, has earned high praise for New Jersey and is being used as a model by other states and communities as they craft their own policies.”
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.
For more information on biking in New Jersey, please visit www.nj.gov/transportation/commuter/bike
To learn more about the League’s Bicycle Friendly State program visit www.bicyclefriendlystate.org.
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