Seeking Public Input for ‘Walk, Bike, Hike Somerset County’ Transportation Study

Connecting Vibrant Communities

SOMERVILLE – Somerset County Freeholder Director Patrick Scaglione announces the launch of an exciting initiative to improve bike and trail path connections throughout Somerset County. “The goal is to make our county’s bike paths and trails more user-friendly, more accessible, and safer for our residents,” he said. “We are also encouraging residents to give us their feedback on what changes or improvements they envision.”

Residents are urged to participate in the “Walk, Bike, Hike Somerset County: Connecting Vibrant Communities Transportation Study,” by taking an online survey at http://bit.ly/WalkSurvey and/or by commenting on an interactive map http://bit.ly/walkbikehikemap. With the help of residents’ feedback, the Planning Board hopes to improve bicycle safety and to provide better accessibility to walking, bicycling and hiking trails.

Through this study, the Planning Board will support the development of an integrated network of multi-use trails and paths that will be accessible to county residents of all ages and abilities, as well as increase access to services and destinations within Somerset County. The overall goal of this initiative is to help improve public safety, enhance community recreation and support economic development.

Results from the survey and map will give the Planning Board a better understanding of residents’ thoughts about how to enhance existing trails and bike lanes; where to create new links between bike facilities and trails; how to improve bike and pedestrian trail crossings near busy roads; where new bike facilities are needed, and what trail amenities would be beneficial to residents.

“Walk, Bike, Hike Somerset County” is a sub-regional study funded by a grant from the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.
For more information, visit http://bit.ly/WalkBikeHikeSC, or contact Somerset County Planning Director Walter C. Lane, AICP, PP, at walkbikehike@co.somerset.nj.us or (908) 231-7021.

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