Washington Blvd Protected Bike Lane in Jersey City, NJ. Photo – Urban Jersey Guy on X
In August, Jersey City Mayor and Gubernatorial Candidate, Steven Fulop published a transportation policy plan. The first declared candidate to release a policy statement that potentially sets the bar for other candidates to develop their own transportation campaign plan. We should note that the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia does not endorse political candidates but we do support many of the policies proposed in the candidate’s transportation plan.
The plan takes a lot from his experience of being a mayor of the state’s second-largest city. Under his administration, Jersey City adopted Vision Zero plan with a robust action plan that technically achieved zero traffic deaths in 2022*. Among the initiatives is a robust high-quality protected bike lane network and the pedestrianization of Newark Avenue. Jersey City is part of the Citibike bike share system and has installed Oonee Pod bike parking structures.
1. He promises to commit to the completion of the Camden County LINK Trail and the Essex-Hudson Greenway (now known as “The Greenway”).
2. He wants to improve public transit by adding bus service throughout New Jersey, with a focus on both frequent routes with limited stops, and local routes that run more frequently than they do now.
3. Fulop’s plan includes the creation of Priority Development Areas along transit routes, allowing developers to build bigger buildings in exchange for constructing more affordable housing units. Allowing denser mixed-use development around transit stations is one of the most effective ways to encourage bicycling and walking while increasing transit usage.
With the primary election more than 18 months away, we hope to engage all NJ Gubernatorial Candidates on their proposals to improve bicycling and walking and implement an effective Vision Zero policy in NJ.
*Jersey City recorded zero traffic deaths on municipal streets in 2022. However, 1 death occurred on a county-maintained road and 3 traffic deaths occurred on the New Jersey Turnpike inside the City limits.