Send an email to Commissioner Simpson
In conversations with the various project team members responses pertaining to the inclusion of bike lanes ranged from "they will probably go in some places" to "we're talking to the communities" to "there's not enough room", although no one ruled them out. However time is running out, if bike lanes are not included in the construction drawings then they won't be marked. NJDOT's Bicycle and Pedestrian office has recommended bike lanes for sections of Route 35 with available right of way. However this project is not subject to the DOT's Bicycle Pedestrian Office sign off, as it is considered an emergency repair, so the recommendation is just that.
The reconstruction of Route 35 is a litmus test for New Jersey’s Complete Streets policy. There are few, if any, New Jersey state highways that have the same available right of way, volume of bicycle and pedestrian traffic, opportunity for economic impact and increase in pedestrian safety as Route 35 in Ocean County. If bike lanes are not included in this project, then we have to question the validity, ability and intention of the state to fully implement its Complete Streets policy.
So if you have not written to the DOT then do it now! Your email will go straight to Commissioner Simpson.
Our concept (bottom) vs the current design of Route 35 at the Herbert Road intersection in Mantoloking. Even the crosswalks look like an afterthought. |
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