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Technical Specifications & Information for Bicycle and Pedestrian ProjectsThis section is where you'll find information on how to get technical assistance and funding for your bike/pedestrian project.
Planning & Project Assistance
Project Funding
State Funding
Other Funding Sourcess
NJ DOT Contacts
New Jersey Metropolitan Planning Agencies (MPOs)
Technical Specifications & Information for Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects
While you'll need professional help to properly design and build a bicycle or pedestrian project in your town, the documents mentioned below offer good information on the technical specifications necessary for these projects and examples of best practices, and will help you be an informed and educated consumer when your town's project comes to life.
Bikeway Planning & Design Guidance
www.state.nj.us/transportation/publicat/bike_guidelines.htm
This manual, written by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, provides good direction regarding how appropriate facilities for bicycling should be provided.
Pedestrian Compatible, Planning & Design Guidelines
www.state.nj.us/transportation/publicat/pedest_guide.htm
This manual addresses the needs of pedestrians for all of these trip purposes. They define appropriate facilities and design criteria to accommodate and foster pedestrian movement as well as to make it safer.
Traffic Signal Standards and Striping Schemes for Pedestrian Crossings
policy.rutgers.edu/tpi/pedbike/docs/signals.pdf
This document, a product of the Rutgers Voorhees Transportation Policy Institute's Pedestrian and Bicycle Resource Project (policy.rutgers.edu/tpi/pedbike/about.html), is part of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Project's Information Clearinghouse designed to address the needs of New Jersey's bicyclists and pedestrians.
This discussion paper is divided up into two sections:
- Section I: Provides a review of the traffic signal standards and striping schemes used in New Jersey for pedestrian crossings and compares them with guidance, standards and recommendations used elsewhere.
- Section II: Presents findings of enhanced and more innovative practices that could be applied throughout New Jersey.
policy.rutgers.edu/tpi/pedbike/docs/bicycle_review.pdf
This document, a product of the Rutgers Voorhees Transportation Policy Institute's Pedestrian and Bicycle Resource Project (policy.rutgers.edu/tpi/pedbike/about.html), is part of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Project's Information Clearinghouse designed to address the needs of New Jersey's bicyclists and pedestrians.
This discussion paper is divided up into two sections:
- Section I: Provides a review and comparison of the goals and objectives of the New Jersey Bicycle Planning and Design Guideline, the New Jersey Roadway Design Manual (RDM), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Official's (AASHTO) Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities and other national and international guidelines for accommodating bicycles. Based upon that analysis, section 1 further outlines recommendations to enhance practices and policies for bicycling in New Jersey.
- Section II: Presents the results of research that was specifically conducted on the issue of getting bicycles through intersections. Guidance and direction for this research was provided by an Advisory Committee consisting of NJDOT, - county, - local - and consulting engineers. The Committee was appointed at the beginning of the project to review draft work products, provide assistance and contribute ideas from their own experience and expertise.
This paper begins with a general overview of cycling conditions and facilities used in New Jersey and comparing them with conditions and facilities used in various other places, where cycling is a more common mode for general travel and commuting. The VTPI team believes that some of the problems New Jersey faces in promoting bicycling are missing links and clarifications among its manuals and guidelines. More importantly, the existing guidelines do not recognize the complexity of New Jersey's roadways and traffic conditions and thus do not allow local officials, planners and engineers to choose optimal alternatives for their particular situations. Providing more detailed guidelines for a variety of facilities and prioritizing investments in missing infrastructure will improve cycling conditions throughout the state and create more opportunities to establish bicycling as a viable means of transportation. Considering that many safety hazards and conflicts occur at intersections where all the different modes converge, the second part of this paper specifically focuses on design issues related to getting bicyclists through intersections based upon previous findings and recommendations within the first section of this paper.
Accommodating Pedestrians
policy.rutgers.edu/tpi/pedbike/docs/accommodating.pdf
This document, a product of the Rutgers Voorhees Transportation Policy Institute's Pedestrian and Bicycle Resource Project (policy.rutgers.edu/tpi/pedbike/about.html), is part of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Project's Information Clearinghouse designed to address the needs of New Jersey's bicyclists and pedestrians.
This discussion paper is divided up into two sections:
- Section 1: Provides a review of NJDOT guidelines, policies and other national and international guidelines relative to accommodating pedestrians based on road function, traffic volumes and speeds. This includes a review of the New Jersey Residential Site Improvement Standards (RSIS).
- Section 2: Presents recommendations to the New Jersey Pedestrian Guideline, New Jersey Roadway Design Manual (NJ RDM), Residential Site Improvement Standards (RSIS) and also the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) regarding the critical elements of an effective walking environment.
Planning & Project Assistance
Professional Resource Directory for Pedestrian and Bicycle Consulting, Service and Expertise
Stay tuned the directory is coming soon!
Funding Sources
There are a number of funding sources available for towns that are interested in creating bicycle or pedestrian projects. Below is a list of where financial help is available to fund such projects.
Much of this information has been compiled by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign (www.tstc.org), Bill Feldman at NJ DOT, and the Voorhees Transportation Policy Institute (policy.rutgers.edu/tpi/).
Planning & Program Funding
Technical Studies Program
This program provides federal grants for consultant-based planning, engineering, design, and evaluation of transportation projects. The funding is for studies, not capital improvements or operating costs. Applicants for grants can include state or local governmental entities. Funding can be, and has been, used to fund pedestrian and bicycle planning activities. For example, Monmouth County has received approval to carry out a planning study to address pedestrian needs and opportunities in several major corridors in the County. Additionally, Somerset County has received funding for a traffic calming study of selected locations in the county.
In New Jersey, these grants are administered by the three metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). Your county or municipal planning office will likely have to make the request that such a grant be considered.
- North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority
www.njtpa.org/
The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) serves 15 sub-regions consisting of 13 counties: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren; and two cities: Newark and Jersey City. - Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
www.dvrpc.org/
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) region includes Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania; and Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer in New Jersey. - South Jersey Transportation Planning Org.
www.sjtpo.org/
The South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization (SJTPO) is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) serving Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem counties in South Jersey.
TMAs are non-profit membership associations that are supported by and work directly with area employers, developers and the public sector to solve transportation and commuting problems. Services include information on Park and Ride, ridesharing and transit, advice on local and corridor traffic, telecommuting advice, guaranteed rides home, networking sessions, and rideshare matching.
In New Jersey, the TMAs receive substantial funding assistance through the Department of Transportation. In recent years, these funds have been from federal sources (Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ), or Surface Transportation (STP)) although in the past, funding came from state sources. TMAs have considerable latitude in developing annual work programs to implement Travel Demand Management strategies. TMAs have carried out and are encouraged to continue to develop and undertake work program elements involving the promotion of bicycling and walking, development of bicycling suitability maps, promotional efforts aimed at increasing bicycling and walking, effective cycling presentations and other activities.
New Jersey's TMAs:
- Cross County Connection
www.transportationchoices.com/
Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester & Salem Counties - Hudson Transportation Management Association
hudsontma.org/
Hudson County - Hunterdon Area Rural Transit
www.hart-tma.com/
Hunterdon County - Meadowlink Ridesharing
www.meadowlink.org/
Bergen & Urban Passaic Counties - Greater Mercer TMA
www.gmtma.org/
Mercer County - Keep Middlesex Moving
www.kmm.org/
Middlesex, Monmouth & Ocean Counties - Ridewise of Raritan Valley
www.ridewise.org/
Somerset County - TransOptions Commuter Services
www.transoptions.org/
Morris, Sussex, Warren, Suburban Essex, Passaic & Union Counties
This program provides funding to retain consultant assistance for the purpose of fostering sound transportation planning at the local level. NJ DOT partners with municipalities who want to develop Access Management Plans, local circulation plans and other transportation related plans. SDRP designated centers and target neighborhoods under the Governor's Urban Strategies Initiatives receive priority. This funding source could be used to develop local pedestrian/bicycle circulation plans and facilities inventories. This program is administered by the Division of Transportation Systems Planning, Bureau of Mobility Strategies, New Jersey Department of Transportation.
Local Planning Assistance, DOT Office of Mobility Strategies
www.state.nj.us/dot
James Pivovar (609) 530-2873
The Office of Mobility Strategies provides technical assistance to municipalities for circulation plans, access management plans and bicycle/pedestrian plans.
Local Bicycle/Pedestrian Planning Assistance
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has retained the services of consultant teams with expertise in pedestrian and bicycle planning. The consultants are available to provide technical planning assistance to counties and municipalities who wish to develop pedestrian and bicycle local circulation plans and other related studies. Guidelines for participation in the program are available from the Department's Bicycle/Pedestrian Advocate. This program is administered by Division of Transportation Systems Planning, Bureau of Mobility Strategies, New Jersey Department of Transportation.
Local Planning Assistance, DOT Office of Mobility Strategies
www.state.nj.us/dot
James Pivovar (609) 530-2873
The Office of Mobility Strategies provides technical assistance to municipalities for circulation plans, access management plans and bicycle/pedestrian plans.
Corridor and Regional Planning Studies (Travel Demand Management Component)
The NJDOT Division of Transportation Systems Planning carries out numerous corridor and regional planning studies to determine transportation needs and develop project proposals to address those needs. It is the current policy of the Division to take a multi-modal approach in all planning activities in the Division. The Department has retained the services of consultant teams with expertise in Travel Demand Management (TDM) strategies, including walking and bicycling, to participate in and support other planning activities in the Division. These consultant teams are available to undertake planning studies which examine multi-modal solutions to transportation needs. This could include the accommodation of bicycle and/or pedestrian travel needs. This program is administered by Division of Transportation Systems Planning, Bureau of Mobility Strategies, New Jersey Department of Transportation.
DOT Office of Mobility Strategies
www.state.nj.us/dot
James Pivovar (609) 530-2873
The Office of Mobility Strategies provides technical assistance to municipalities for circulation plans, access management plans and bicycle/pedestrian plans.
Other sources of funding
Bicycle and pedestrian planning activities and programs can and have been funded through local funds budgeted through county and municipal budgets.
Project Funding
Federal Funding Under TEA-21
All the major funding programs under TEA-21 include bicycle and pedestrian facilities and programs as eligible activities. TEA-21, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, is a six-year funding bill (FY 1998 - FY 2003) that authorizes $217 billion in Federal gas-tax revenue and other federal funds for all modes of surface transportation, including highways, bus and rail transit, bicycling and walking. More than half of these funds are made available through programs for which bicycling and walking activities are eligible expenditures; however, none of these funds are dedicated solely for bicycle or pedestrian facilities or programs. Overall, the Federal Highway Administration estimates that ISTEA has been directly responsible for providing more than $1 billion dollars for bicycle projects and programs.
Within TEA-21's guidelines, NJDOT and NJ Transit, with input from three Metropolitan Planning Organizations, control and spend almost all of the federal transportation aid received by New Jersey.
Click on these links to learn more about TEA-21
- From the FHWA: www.fhwa.dot.gov/tea21/
- From the Surface Transportation Policy Project: www.transact.org/
- From TEA3.org: www.tea3.org/
www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep10/nhs/index.html
The NHS is comprised of the 42,000-mile Interstate system and another 113,000 miles of roads identified by the states based on their importance to the national and regional economy, and their connectivity. NHS funding for projects on NHS roadways can be used for bicycle and pedestrian improvements on NHS systems highways, or on land adjacent to any NHS system highway, including interstate highways. This includes incidental improvements within larger projects which enable bicycle compatibility such as paved shoulders and bicycle safe drainage grates, designated bicycle facilities such as bikeways, signed routes, bike lanes and paths, and pedestrian accommodations such as sidewalks, signals, overpasses and crosswalks. It also includes funding of independent bicycle and pedestrian projects (projects that are initiated primarily to benefit bicycle and pedestrian travel) along or in the vicinity of NHS roadways. Projects could include shoulder paving, bicycle safe drainage grates, construction of sidewalks or bikeways, installation of pedestrian signals, crosswalks or overpasses.
Contact your appropriate NJ DOT District Manager for more information.Surface Transportation Program (STP) Funds
The program is broadly defined and gives states flexibility to invest in a wide variety of transportation activities. Bicycle and Pedestrian facilities and walkways are specifically listed as eligible activities under this program. As with NHS, pedestrian and bicycle improvements may be incidental improvements within larger projects which establish bicycle compatibility or designated bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. The funds can also be used for independent bicycle and pedestrian projects along or in the vicinity of roadways. Projects could include shoulder paving, bicycle safe drainage grates, construction of sidewalks or bikeways, installation of pedestrian signals, crosswalks or overpasses. Under TEA-21, it is specified that these funds may be used for the modification of sidewalks to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It should be noted that STP funds may be used for non-construction projects (such as maps, brochures, public service announcements) related to safe bicycle use and walking.
Contact your appropriate NJ DOT District Manager for more information.
- Local Scoping and Local Lead Projects
The Local Scoping program (in the MPOs) provides a set aside of federal (STP) funds directly to the sub regions for the advancement of project proposals through the NEPA process, ultimately making that project eligible for inclusion in the TIP (as a Local Lead project). Subregions (counties) apply for inclusion in the program, which are screened through a competitive selection process. Once scoping is completed, projects may advance as local lead projects. Projects that clearly have no significant adverse environmental impacts may be eligible to move directly to the Local Lead program. Counties (or municipalities partnering with counties) can receive STP funds for final design and construction of projects that are included in the TIP. Local Lead projects are selected via a competitive selection process. Each of these sources of funds can be used to advance bicycle or pedestrian projects. As yet, only a handful of Local Scoping/Local Lead projects have directly addressed non-motorized needs as independent projects. Local Scoping/Local Lead projects can also benefit the non-motorized modes if they incorporate, incidentally, features that address bicycle and pedestrian travel needs.
Contact your appropriate NJ DOT District Manager for more information.
- Transportation Enhancements
This is probably the best-known source of federal funds available for pedestrian and bicycle improvements. In each state, ten percent of STP funds must be allocated to a set of 12 specific types of projects known as Transportation Enhancements. Pedestrian and bicycle projects and the conversion of abandoned railway corridors to trails are two of the 12 project types. Other project types include landscaping/scenic beautification, rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation facilities, such as canals, tow paths, bridges or viaducts may directly benefit, or provide for, bicyclists and pedestrians. A multi-discipline Committee reviews the projects and makes recommendations to the Commissioner of Transportation who makes final selections.
For more information contact NJ DOT's Division of Local Government Services: Robert Goslin (609) 530-3641
- Hazard Elimination Program
Ten percent of the STP program is to be used to fund safety projects. Funding is provided for safety-oriented improvements. Improvements that either directly or indirectly improve conditions for pedestrians can be funded. In New Jersey, the program is administered by the NJDOT Bureau of Safety Programs. In general, projects are selected on the basis of excessive occurrence of a particular accident type at a given location. This often involves some sort of intersection modification, such as resurfacing with a skid resistant pavement surface. In some cases safety improvements have included the installation of pedestrian signal heads. NJDOT is revising its project selection process. The new process will include specific accident categories for which projects are to be funded. One of these categories will be pedestrian-related accidents.
Contact your appropriate NJ DOT District Manager for more information.
- Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ)
Under TEA-21, pedestrian and bicycle improvements are among the types of projects eligible for CMAQ funding. In New Jersey, for FY97, the NJDOT initiated approximately a dozen independent bicycle and pedestrian projects utilizing CMAQ funding. Later phases of the projects were funded with STP funds.
Contact your appropriate NJ DOT District Manager for more information.
An annual sum is apportioned to the states for use in developing trails related projects, many of which benefit bicyclists and pedestrians. Funding is from federal motor fuels taxes collected on sale of fuel for motorized recreational vehicles (ATVs, off road motor cycles, snowmobiles). The program, including solicitation of projects and project selection, is administered by the Office of Natural Lands Management in the Department of Environmental Protection. State, county, local governments, and non-profit organizations are eligible for funds.
For more information, contact:Scenic Byways
NJ DEP Division of Parks & Forestry
Office of Natural Lands Management
(609) 984-1339
www.scenicbyways.com/
Scenic Byways is a small grant program under which pedestrian projects may be funded if they are in fulfillment of a management plan for a designated scenic byway. Designation of the scenic byway must be in accordance with a Scenic Byways program developed and adopted by the state. New Jersey has adopted a Scenic Byways program, and, as a case study, a management plan for the first proposed scenic byway in the state (State Route 29, in Mercer and Hunterdon Counties, along the Delaware River). Benefits of adoption as a Scenic Byway under the Program could include direct funding of projects (assuming the passage of federal transportation legislation which includes Scenic Byways funding); and, through preferential treatment in the funding/selection process for other funding sources administered by the Department, for projects that fulfill a scenic byways management plan.
For more information, contact:
- State Coordinator:
David Byers
New Jersey DOT-Landscape and Urban Design
609-530-5673
Fax: 609-530-5526
david.byers@dot.state.nj.us - FHWA Division Office:
Amy Fox
Environmental Specialist, FHWA - New Jersey Division
609-637-4238
Fax: 609-538-4913
amy.fox@fhwa.dot.gov - State Office of Tourism:
Noreen Bodman
Executive Director, New Jersey Commerce Commission, Travel & Tourism
(609) 292-6963
Fax: (609) 633-7418
cetbodm@commerce.state.nj.us
www.njsaferoads.com/grants.html#402
These funds are administered by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to be spent on non-construction activities to improve the safety of the traveling public. Pedestrian and bicycle projects are on the NHTSA priority list. In each state, the program is administered by a designated Highway Safety representative. In New Jersey, the designated representative is the Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety in the Department of Law and Public Safety. Pedestrian projects have been funded, including the development and dissemination of brochures and public service announcements promoting safe pedestrian practices and a 3-E (Engineering, Enforcement, Education) program in cooperation with the City of Trenton which includes road signs and crosswalk marking. Recently, cooperative pedestrian safety programs have been implemented with Jersey City and Elizabeth. This program may be repeated in other communities with high pedestrian accident experiences, where there is local support.
For more information, contact:Federal Transit Administration Funds
Division of Highway Traffic Safety
www.njsaferoads.com
Gary Poedubicky
(609) 633-9014 or (609) 633-9300
225 East State Street
CN-048
Trenton, NJ 08625
Title 49 U.S.C. (as amended by TEA-21) allows the Urbanized Area Formula Grants, Capital Investment Grants and Loans, and Formula Program for Other than Urbanized Area transit funds to be used for improving bicycle and pedestrian access to transit facilities and vehicles. TEA-21 also created a Transit Enhancement Activity program with a 1% set-aside of Urbanized Area Formula Grant funds designated for, among other things, pedestrian access and walkways and bicycle access, including storage equipment and installing equipment for transporting bicycles on mass transit vehicles.
For more information contact:Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
New Jersey Transit
Rick Mariani
973-491-7208
www.hud.gov/progdesc/cdbgent.cfm
Federal block grant funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development can and has been used to fund pedestrian improvements. Projects must occur in eligible low- or moderate-income areas (as defined by HUD) or benefit special needs groups. Funding flows directly to counties and municipalities. In Monmouth County, for example, a compact of 49 of the 53 municipalities works together to identify and select eligible projects (in 1997, $ 3.854 million was available to fund projects). Some municipalities receive funding directly. Examples of funded projects that benefit pedestrians include streetscape improvements, sidewalk installation, curb ramps, and building modifications to meets ADA access requirements.
For more information contact:
- HUD Newark Field Office
Diane Johnson, Field Office Director
One Newark Center, 13th Floor
Newark, NJ 07102-5260
(973) 622-7619
FAX (973) 645-2323 - HUD Camden Field Office
Michael Worth, Field Office Director
Hudson Bldg. 2nd Floor
800 Hudson Square
Camden, NJ 08102-1156
(856) 757-5081
FAX (856) 757-5373
State Funding
State Aid Handbook
www.state.nj.us/transportation/lgs/files/pdf/stateaidhandbook.pdf
This booklet, written by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, is intended to be used as a guide by County and Municipal Officials and Engineers in the processing of State Aid projects. It provides information on funding, how to apply, engineering requirements, and the procurement process.
Much of the information contained in the State Aid Handbook is also noted, in detail, below.
Local Aid for Centers of Place
This funding is a NJDOT program designed to assist municipalities who have formally participated in implementation of the New Jersey State Development and Redevelopment Plan (SDRP). Such participation entails designation as a Center by the State Planning Commission, preparation of a Strategic Revitalization Plan and Program, which has been approved by the Commission, or entrance into an Urban Complex, which has been approved by the Commission. The program provides the opportunity to apply for funds to support non-traditional transportation improvements that advance municipal growth management objectives as outlined in the action planning agenda of the municipality. Participation of municipalities in the SDRP ensures eligibility to compete for funds in the program.
Typical projects include:
- pedestrian and bicycle improvements
- adaptive reuse of abandoned railway corridors (pedestrian and bicycle trails)
- scenic or historic transportation improvements
- landscaping/beautification of transportation related facilities (streetscape improvements)
- rehabilitation of transportation structures
For more information contact:
- DOT Local Government Services
Robert Goslin
(609) 530-3641 - DOT Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator
Bill Feldman
(609) 530-8062
This program provides funding to counties for transportation projects. These funds are allocated to New Jersey's 21 counties by a formula that takes into account road mileage and population. Annually, each county develops a Capital Transportation Program that identifies all projects to be undertaken and their estimated cost. Projects may include improvements to public roads and bridges under county jurisdiction, public transportation or other transportation related work. Funding can be used for design, ROW, and constriction.
Independent pedestrian and bicycle projects can be funded under the county aid program; however, few independent pedestrian and bicycle projects have been funded. However, counties should include such projects in the list of those proposed for funding. As state funded projects, all projects funded under the county aid program are subject to the NJDOT policy that requires that all bicycle and pedestrian traffic should be incorporated into the planning, design, construction and operation of all projects and programs funded or processed by the NJDOT. The Department of Transportation will continue efforts to encourage counties to comply with this policy mandate.
For more information contact:
- DOT Local Government Services
Robert Goslin
(609) 530-3641 - DOT Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator
Bill Feldman
(609) 530-8062
The Municipal Aid Program provides funding to municipalities for transportation projects. Funding is made available for municipalities in each county based on a formula that takes into account municipal road mileage within the county and county population. These funds are allocated to individual projects within various municipalities through a competitive process. Funding is allotted to municipalities that qualify for Urban Aid under N.J.S.A. 52:D-178 et seq. All 566 municipalities may apply. Projects may be improvements to public roads and bridges under municipal jurisdiction. Applications are solicited, evaluated, and rated by NJDOT staff. The results are presented to a Screening Committee comprised of Municipal Engineers and Department Staff, appointed by the Commissioner. The Committee evaluates the projects and makes recommendations to the Commissioner for approval. The Department will pay 75% of the award amount at the time that the award of construction is approved by the Department. The remaining amount is paid upon project completion. As is the case with the County aid program, independent pedestrian and bicycle projects can be funded under the municipal aid program; however, few if any independent pedestrian and bicycle projects have been funded through this program. Municipalities need to be encouraged to include pedestrian and bicycle projects among those which they propose to fund, and make such adjustments in the program and project selection process so that these projects are ultimately selected and funded. As with county aid projects, all projects funded under the municipal aid program are subject to the NJDOT policy which requires that all bicycle and pedestrian traffic should be incorporated into the planning, design, construction and operation of all projects and programs funded or processed by the NJDOT.
For more information contact:
- DOT Local Government Services
Robert Goslin
(609) 530-3641 - DOT Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator
Bill Feldman
(609) 530-8062
The Discretionary Aid Program provides funding to address emergency or regional needs throughout the state. Any county or municipality may apply at any time. These projects are approved at the discretion of the Commissioner.
As state funded projects, all projects funded under the discretionary aid program are subject to NJDOT policy which requires that all bicycle and pedestrian traffic should be incorporated into the planning, design, construction and operation of all projects and programs funded or processed by the NJDOT. The Department will pay 75% of the award amount at the time of the award of construction with the remaining amount to be paid upon project completion.
In FY98 and FY99 this program was used as a significant funding source for independent pedestrian and bicycle projects. In FY98, the Commissioner has earmarked a minimum of $1.5 million of Discretionary Aid to be used for pedestrian projects. In FY99 $1.5 million was earmarked for pedestrian projects, and $10.0 million was earmarked for bicycle projects. Now, two new state funded programs, described below, are available for locally initiated bicycle and pedestrian projects.
- DOT Local Government Services
Robert Goslin
(609) 530-3641 - DOT Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator
Bill Feldman
(609) 530-8062
This is a new program for FY2000 which provides funds for municipalities and counties for the construction of bicycle projects. These could include roadway improvements, which enable a roadway or street to safely accommodate bicycle traffic, or designated bikeways (signed bike routes, bike lanes or multi-use trails). The solicitation for project applications occurs at the same time as the solicitation for municipal aid projects. Applications are solicited, evaluated, and rated by NJDOT staff. Based on this evaluation, a list of recommended projects is proposed to the Commissioner of Transportation, who makes the final selection. The program is administered by NJDOT's Division of Local Government Services.
- DOT Local Government Services
Robert Goslin
(609) 530-3641 - DOT Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator
Bill Feldman
(609) 530-8062
This program provides funds for municipalities and counties for the construction of pedestrian access and safety improvements. The solicitation for project applications occurs at the same time as the solicitation for municipal aid projects. Applications are solicited, evaluated, and rated by NJDOT staff. Based on this evaluation, a list of recommended projects is proposed to the Commissioner of Transportation, who makes the final selection. The program is administered by NJDOT's Division of Local Government Services.
- DOT Local Government Services
Robert Goslin
(609) 530-3641 - DOT Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator
Bill Feldman
(609) 530-8062
County or Municipal funding can be used to fund pedestrian improvements including sidewalks, trails, crosswalks signals, traffic calming and other projects on rights of way under county or municipal jurisdiction, by including the project in the municipal (or county) budget, or bonding for it in the same way bonds are used to fund the construction and rehabilitation of roadway improvements for cars. Pedestrian improvements can be fully or partially assessed against the property owners along whose frontage the improvement (ordinarily a sidewalk) is placed.
As with other categories of funding, bicycle and pedestrian improvements may be incidental to larger roadway projects; or they can be independent and solely to address pedestrian needs. Even small amounts of funding in county or municipal sources can be very important since they may be used to leverage or show local commitment in applications for other funding sources (e.g., TE, Local Aid For Centers, etc.).
- DOT Local Government Services
Robert Goslin
(609) 530-3641 - DOT Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator
Bill Feldman
(609) 530-8062
Another form of municipal funding is through the creation of a local Special Assessment District. The Borough of Fair Lawn (for example) established a Special Improvement District in which assessments are made on those seeking to develop or improve property. The Borough provided $100,000 in matching funds. The funding is used for infrastructure improvements, including pedestrian improvements within the district. This form of funding can be used to leverage or show local commitment in applications for other funding sources.
Contact your appropriate NJ DOT District Manager for more information.Transportation Development Districts (TDD)
TDDs are joint state/county programs in New Jersey in which transportation improvements within a defined growth area are funded through a combination of public funding and developer contributions (for new developments) within the district. Independent pedestrian improvements can be included in the infrastructure improvement plan developed through a joint planning process for the district, and funded through the TDD.
Contact your appropriate NJ DOT District Manager for more information.Green Acres
www.state.nj.us/dep/greenacres/
State Green Acres grants and loans can and have been used to fund pedestrian projects such as multiuse trails and trail head facilities. Funding for state, county and local governments is available for land acquisition and facilities development. Non-profits can participate in order to acquire land, but with only a 50% match. The source of these funds is state bond issues. The program is administered by the Green Acres Office in the Department of Environmental Protection.
For more information, contact the appropriate Green Acres staff person: www.state.nj.us/dep/greenacres/staff.htm
Developer Provided Facilities
The Residential Site Improvement Standards currently in effect in New Jersey require new residential developments to include sidewalks. Other municipal and state zoning or access code regulations have been used to require developers to provide both onsite and offsite improvements to benefit bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
Contact your appropriate NJ DOT District Manager for more information.
Other Funding Sources
Bicycles Belong
www.bikesbelong.org
The Bikes Belong Coalition is sponsored by member companies of the American bicycle industry. The Coalition's stated goal is to put more people on bikes more often through the implementation of TEA-21. One of the Coalition's primary activities is the funding of local bicycle advocacy organizations that are trying to ensure that TEA-21-funded bicycle or trail facilities get built. Grants are awarded for up to $10,000 on a rolling basis. By June 2000, almost $200,000 has been awarded to advocacy organizations in the District of Columbia, Marin County, CA, Milwaukee, WI, Dallas, TX, Los Angeles, New York City, Portland, Maine, and others.
Information, including grant applications and related information, can be found at:The National Institutes of Health
Bikes Belong
www.bikesbelong.org
1368 Beacon Street, Suite 102
Brookline, MA 02446-2800
617-734-2800
Fax: 617-734-2810
grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DK-02-021.html
The National Institutes of Health released a request for applications (RFA) on October 26th for projects that "study primary and secondary prevention approaches targeting environmental factors that contribute to inappropriate weight gain in children, adolescents, and adults." Applications may be submitted by for-profit and non-profit organizations (e.g., universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, units of State and local governments, and eligible agencies of the Federal government). For the initial year, approximately $4,000,000 will be committed to fund successful applications and NIH anticipates making 5 to 12 awards. In addition to a variety of other suggested project goals, including many that involve nutrition, here are some from the application guidelines that apply to pedestrian and bicycle work:
- Promoting walking or bicycling to school or to worksites
- Increasing physical activity during before and after school care
- Decreasing sedentary behaviors in children and adolescents
- Promoting physical activity at worksites
- Increasing family participation in physical activity
NJ DOT Contacts
Local Government Services
Robert Goslin
(609) 530-3641
DOT Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator
Bill Feldman
(609) 530-8062
Division of Local Aid and Economic Development
Main Office
James Snyder, Director, Division of Local Aid and Economic Development
jamessnyder@dot.state.nj.us
1035 Parkway Avenue
Trenton, NJ 08625
Fax: (609) 530-8044
Phone: (609) 530-3640
District 1
www.state.nj.us/transportation/lgs/district1.htm
The District office in Mt. Arlington covers Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Sussex and Warren Counties.
Joseph Jagniatkowski, Manager
josephjagniatkowski@dot.state.nj.us
Roxbury Corporate Center
200 Stierli Court
Mount Arlington, N.J. 07856
Phone: (973) 770-5070/5068
Fax: (973) 770-5172
District 2
www.state.nj.us/transportation/lgs/district2.htm
The District office in Newark covers Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, and Union Counties.
Al Maiocchi, Manager
albertmaiocchi@dot.state.nj.us
153 Halsey Street
Newark, NJ 07102
5th floor
Phone: (973) 877-1500
Fax: (973) 877-1556
District 3
www.state.nj.us/transportation/lgs/district3.htm
The District office in Freehold covers Mercer, Ocean, Middlesex, and Monmouth Counties.
Robert Werkmeister, Manager
robertwerkmeister@dot.state.nj.us
Route 79 and Daniels Way
Freehold, N.J. 07728
Phone: (732) 308-4002
Fax: (732) 308-4003
District 4
www.state.nj.us/transportation/lgs/district4.htm
The District office in Cherry Hill covers Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties.
Stephen Moy, Manager
stephenmoy@dot.state.nj.us
One Executive Campus
Route 70 West, 3rd Floor
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Phone: (856) 486-6618
Fax: (856) 486-6771
New Jersey Metropolitan Planning Agencies (MPOs)
Federal highway and transit statutes require, as a condition for spending federal highway or transit funds in urbanized areas, the designation of MPOs which have responsibility for planning, programming and coordination of federal highway and transit investments. MPOs can be very helpful with finding out about possible project funding.
- North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority
www.njtpa.org/
The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) serves 15 sub-regions consisting of 13 counties: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren; and two cities: Newark and Jersey City.
- Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
www.dvrpc.org/
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) region includes Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania; and Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer in New Jersey.
- South Jersey Transportation Planning Org.
www.sjtpo.org/
The South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization (SJTPO) is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) serving Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem counties in South Jersey.