Now with over 400 members, the West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance continues to work toward its goals of improving the township’s roadways for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
During the Township Council’s September 7 meeting, WWBPA President Jerry Foster highlighted the accomplishments within the township in 2009, as well as the organization’s current priorities for 2010.
“Last year was a terrific year for everybody,” Foster said, pointing to the new roundabout, new bike lanes around town, and the redevelopment plan that was adopted by the council. “It would be really nice if we could get a Safe Routes to Transportation” recognition, he added, recalling the benefits of such a distinction — which could increase property values by between $3,000 and $34,000.
For 2010, one of the WWBPA’s priorities has already been accomplished: the Complete Streets Policy, which was adopted by the council over the summer. “We were only the second community to pass that in the state of New Jersey,” he said.
Currently in progress are the ADA compliance plan and the bike lanes for Washington and Penn Lyle roads, Foster said. In the short-term, the WWBPA would also like to see continued sidewalks on Route 571 from Lanwin Boulevard to Station Drive. While there are some along that stretch already in place, there is not full connectivity, he said. Nonetheless, “we’re not so far away” from achieving that goal, he added.
Also in the short-term goals are fixing the crossings on New Meadow Road and working on a proposed roundabout facility ordinance. In the long-term, the WWBPA’s goals include working on the Route 571 “Main Street” design and trying to work on bicycle and pedestrian connections to Plainsboro and Princeton.
Upcoming Walks. Next on the agenda for the WWBPA is a series of West Windsor Walks events in the coming weeks.
The first is scheduled for Saturday, September 25, from 10:45 to 11:15 a.m. and coincides with the opening of the West Windsor Arts Council’s new arts center (see story page 36). The walk will begin by the crosswalk at Wallace Road and Scott Avenue.
The second event will be held Wednesday, October 6, from 7:15 to 7:45 a.m. as part of National Walk to School Day. Participants should meet at the crosswalk at Clarksville Road and Route 571.
On Thursday, October 21, a walk will be held from 6 to 6:30 p.m. by the crosswalk to MarketFair at Canal Pointe Boulevard and Mayfair Drive. Following that, the next walk will be held Monday, November 8, from 6:45 to 7:15 a.m. at the crosswalk by Cranbury/Wallace roads and Route 571.
The goal of the walks is to educate drivers about the new law to stop and stay stopped when a pedestrian is in a crosswalk. “Participants will wear yellow vests to attract attention and point drivers to signs reminding them of the new law,” states the press release.
To RSVP or for more information, E-mail wwbikeped@gmail.com.
