Acting Governor DiFrancesco Proclaims May Bike Month

"Bicycling in New Jersey is not only a viable means of personal transportation, but it is an excellent form of exercise and recreation," the Acting Governor said. "It is an inexpensive, environmentally sound and enjoyable way of seeing our beautiful state.

"We will continue to do all we can to promote bicycle safety while expanding and developing cycling programs and bike paths for our citizens," he added.

"The New Jersey Department of Transportation has been actively and aggressively providing the funding and support for programs and projects that give bicyclists an ability to "share the road" with vehicles," Transportation Commissioner James Weinstein said.

Efforts and accomplishments include:

--1,250 miles of bike paths in the pipeline, funded and committed to be built. The goal set by former Governor Whitman is 2,000 miles by 2008.

-- 100 miles of new bike paths have been constructed.

-- $43 million in grants have been provided in the last three fiscal years to bike projects.

-- Planning is under way for the High Point to Cape May Bicycle Touring Route, scheduled to open by the end of this year. The route is the first of its kind for New Jersey: a 240 mile long, on-road bicycle facility through 10 counties and 52 municipalities.

The NJDOT's Office of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advocate coordinates and supports these efforts in order to create a "bicycle and pedestrian friendly" environment.