Action Alert - Trails projects suspended by NJDEP

This action alert was issued by the New Jersey Bike Walk Coalition to save Rec Trails Funding. We at WalkBikeJersey suggest that NJDOT's Local Aid Office would be an excellent steward for this federal transportation funding program.

Nearly $2 million of federal funds that are earmarked for trails projects in New Jersey for 2013 and 2014 have been suspended by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection.

The $2 million in trail funding comes from the Federal Highway Administration's Recreational Trails Program (RTP) which is provided for under MAP-21, the nation's current transportation law.

Since the trails program began in 1993, more than $17 million has been awarded to state, county and local government agencies and nonprofits in New Jersey.

The multi-use trail "haul road" at Franklin Parker Preserve near Chatsworth

Burlington County Cuts The Ribbon On The Delaware River Heritage Trail

The following post is reproduced with permission from the Crossing Paths Blog. The official news source of the Circuit - Greater Philadelphia's regional trail network.

The Burlington County Freeholders will cut the ribbon for the new on road section of the Delaware River Heritage Trail at the DRHT Bordentown Beach Trailhead on Sunday September 8th at 2:30 PM. Bordentown Beach is located at end of W. Park Street in Bordentown City and is adjacent to the Bordentown RiverLINE station.

The new segment stretches from Route 130 in Bordentown Township, through Fieldsboro and Bordentown City and includes new signage, information kiosks, sharrows, sidewalks and bike lanes.

Take a bike ride following the Delaware River Heritage Trail starting from Camden and traveling to scenic waterfronts in towns along the river. Pedal with Maria Tranguch, New Jersey Conservation Foundation's Camden Regional Manager, members of the Rails to Trails Conservancy and WEB (Watershed Education on Bikes) for this on-road bicycle trip for approximately 30 miles. The ride begins at 9AM at NJ Conservation's Camden Office and arrive at sometime before the 2:30 Ribbon Cutting. Cyclists will picnic at the trailhead and will return to Camden by light rail.

Participants must supply their own bike and helmet - this is mandatory. Also, bring your own water, lunch and money for the return train fare ($1.50 for passengers ages 12 & up, credit and debit cards accepted). Since the route is primarily on roads shared with cars and other vehicles, participants should have experience with on-road cycling. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Registration is $10/per adult. Free for children under 18. You can register for the ride here.

Ribbon Cutting will take place at the DRHT's Bordentown Trailhead

The Burlington County Bike Plan - Map Your Comments

Have you ever come across something in your travels and say to yourself - "They really need to fix this". If you bicycle on a regular basis you almost certainly have.  But who are "They"???

The Burlington County’s Bicycle Master Plan team wants your participation. Following public meetings held in January, Cross County Connection TMA has released an online comment map and survey for you to sound off on where you want bikeways in the county. They want to hear where you want to go, your concerns and suggestions. Both the map and survey can be found on the project homepage:

driveless.com/BurlingtonCountyBikePlan

Is there a road in Burlington County that can be made better for bikes? Just Map It!

"The Circuit" Promises To Make Trail Connections Beyond The Philadelphia Region

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and dignitaries from both sides of the Delaware River made the formal announcement for "The Circuit". A 750 mile regional trail network that cover all of the Greater Philadelphia Region including Mercer, Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties.