NJDOT releases new
tour routes as part of Bike Month

Safe Passage program messages
will promote bicycle and pedestrian safety

(Trenton) - New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced the release of three new bicycling tour routes and are reminding motorists to watch for bicycles and pedestrians in conjunction with Bike Month. The effort is in support of Governor Christie’s proclamation of May as Bike Month.

The three new tour routes are in addition to the 25 diverse regional bicycle guides and feature rides for cyclists of all ages and levels.  The new routes include:

• The Jersey City to Hoboken Waterfront Tour, which is a 14-mile loop that takes you through historic and diverse neighborhoods, lively downtowns, and spectacular waterfronts

• The Gloucester County Country Tour is a 17-mile loop that connects Pitman, Rowan University, Glassboro Wildlife Management Area, and Scotland Run Park 

• A Gorgeous Ride: The Columbia Trail is a 15-mile multi-use path from High Bridge in Hunterdon County to the border of Washington Township in Morris County

Cyclists can use their smartphone or GPS to view the tour guide cue sheets and track their progress in real time.  The guides have information on nearby attractions and clickable links for more information. The maps also can be downloaded and printed from the NJDOT website. Go to www.njcommuter.com and click on Biking in New Jersey from the dropdown menu.

Safe Passage Program
As part of a new Safe Passage program, NJDOT will be using fixed and portable Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) this week to remind motorists of bicycle and pedestrian safety throughout the state.

“More and more people are using bicycles for recreation and commuting than ever before, so please ‘Share the Road’ and give bicyclists a few feet to pass them safely,” NJDOT State Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Debbie Kingsland said.

Millions of New Jerseyans will experience the joys of bicycling during the month of May through educational programs, races, commuting events, trail work days, helmet promotion, charity events or just getting out and going for a ride. New Jersey’s numerous bike routes and trails attract thousands of bicyclists each year, providing health and quality of life benefits to residents and visitors.

Bicycling has a positive impact on New Jersey’s economy and tourism industry by making the state attractive to businesses, residents, and tourists who enjoy the outdoors and a healthy lifestyle. The League of American Bicyclists this year ranked New Jersey 11th in the nation as a Bicycle Friendly State.

Since 2010, NJDOT has maintained a top ranked Complete Streets policy, helping build or fund hundreds of miles of bike paths around the state. NJDOT’s Office of Bicycle and Pedestrian Programs coordinates and ensures all roadway projects, including safe accommodations for biking and walking for users of all ages and abilities.