Gov. Phil Murphy has announced $6.2 million in funding for 13 local bike path projects in nine state counties.
Known as Bikeway Grants, the collective funds are meant to improve transportation infrastructure and emphasize environmentally friendly travel.
“Strengthening our transportation infrastructure requires more than investing in roads and bridges,” Murphy said. “We remain committed to active transportation alternatives that reduce our reliance on cars, increase safety and benefit our communities. These bikeway grants will create more walkable and bikeable options for New Jerseyans while bringing us closer to increasing pedestrian and bicyclist safety while reducing emissions.”
NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor highlighted the program’s benefits.
“Gov. Murphy and the legislature have continued to invest additional funds in the Bikeway Grant Program, allowing us to support more projects that benefit cyclists and pedestrians and improve the quality of life in New Jersey. Bikeway Grants provide safe transportation options and encourage residents to live a healthy lifestyle.”
The grant program typically provides $1 million a year to counties and municipalities to promote bikeways as an alternative mode of transportation. This year, an additional $16 million was allocated for Grants-in-Aid programs, including the Transit Village Program, Safe Streets to Transit Program and Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities/Accommodations. Of those, $5.2 million was added to the Bikeway Grant Program.
The 13 projects in the state are being funded with $6.1 million in grants. They include:
- Atlantic County
- Galloway Township: Smithville: Nature Preserve bike path connection, $250,000
- Pleasantville City: Franklin Boulevard, Ansley Boulevard, Hampden Court, and Bayview Avenue Bike Lanes Project, $66,000
- Burlington County
- Medford: Hartford Road/Church Road bikeway improvements, $438,000
- Camden County
- Camden City: Burlington-Camden Trail construction from 32nd to 36th streets, $588,000
- Voorhees: Haddonfield-Berlin Road Bikeway Phase III, $324,000
- Cumberland County
- Bridgeton: Bike trails in Bridgeton Park, $537,000
- Gloucester County
- Harrison Township: Mullica Hill road bikeway, $290,000
Applications for the grants are evaluated competitively based on factors such as the number of new bike miles created, safety improvements, connectivity, public service, Complete Streets Policy and equity criteria that prioritize low-income and minority populations.
The Bikeway Grant Program, along with other state-funded local aid efforts, supports residents by enabling local governments to complete essential projects on roads under their jurisdiction without increasing the financial burden on taxpayers.
For a full list of the grant awards, visit NJDOT’s website.
