“Bike-to-Work Week” promotes safety and health

(Trenton) - Commuters in New Jersey and throughout the country are being encouraged by a national bicycling advocacy group to leave their cars at home and if practical, bike to work this week.

The invitation to pedal to work comes from League of American Bicyclists, which promotes measures to enhance the safety of bicycling. NJDOT’s Office of Bicycle and Pedestrian Programs supports bicycling and pedestrian safety by coordinating physical improvements to roadways and through educational outreach.

“Whether you choose to use bicycle–friendly roads or the many bike trails throughout the state, bicycling is a great way to get around and provides an excellent form of exercise,” said NJDOT Commissioner James Simpson. “I encourage all bicyclists to obey all traffic rules and remain attentive at all times.”

Bike to Work Week is part of National Bike Month, which has been celebrated since 1956.

To promote safety, bicyclists should:
• Always wear a helmet
• Choose bright clothing
• Avoid bicycling in the dark
• Utilize a flashing red beacon to increase visibility
• Ride on the right side of the road with – not against -- the flow of traffic
• Alert pedestrians or other bicyclists if you are approaching from their back

NJDOT has helped build or fund more than 800 miles of bike paths around the state since 2000, and has provided $5.2 million in grants for bicycle projects in the last two fiscal years.

New Jersey received a Bronze award as a Bicycle Friendly State by the League of American Bicyclists in 2010, a first for New Jersey. Last month, NJDOT’s Complete Streets Policy received the top ranking out of over 210 communities and states that have adopted formal Complete Streets policies. The Department’s Complete Streets policy ensures that all future roadway improvement construction projects include safe accommodations for all users, including bicyclists.

NJDOT currently offers fifteen geographically diverse tour guides for bicyclists available in Portable Document Format (PDF) on the NJDOT website at www.state.nj.us/transportation/commuter/bike/tours.shtm The maps include enhanced directions and information about parking, food and other local amenities. The Department also publishes two long distance bicycle tour guides, the 238-mile High Point to Cape May Bike Route and the East Coast Greenway Multi-use Trail Guide.

Some of New Jersey’s local Transportation Management Associations (TMA’s) are sponsoring National Bike Month events.