It’s hard to believe that not a single protected bike lane exists in the state of New Jersey, but it’s true. All that is about to change, though: the City of Newark is working on what will be the state’s first protected bike lane. The lane, which will run on Mt. Prospect Avenue in the city’s Forest Hill District between Branch Brook Park and the Heller Parkway, is part of a larger effort that will include new sidewalks, flower planters, trash receptacles, trees, traffic signals, and benches along the stretch. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2011. Let’s hope that this project paves the way for a continued focus on safe accessible streets for all users, not just automobile drivers.
Read more about Newark’s new bike lane on New Jersey Future’s blog.