This blog has been created to replace the quarterly editions of the New Jersey Walks and Bikes Newsletter. The transition to a blog format will enable us to provide an up-to-date resource for posting articles and local news topics to members of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Council (BPAC) and planning professionals around the State. The blog will be maintained by the Voorhees Transportation Center (VTC) at Rutgers University as an ongoing component of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Center (BPRC) for the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

In addition to the information normally contained within the print version of the Walks and Bikes Newsletter, this blog will serve as an extension of the BPRC website and also try to highlight some major cycling and pedestrian events being held in the New Jersey area. The posting of comments, which is common practice in traditional blogs will be disabled, but we continue to encourage readers to provide feedback and comments to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Center by emailing us.

To learn more about the New Jersey Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Center staff at VTC, click the ‘Read More’ link!

Charles Brown, Senior Research Specialist

Mr. Brown joined VTC in February 2011 to manage the New Jersey Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Center. Mr. Brown has over 10 years of public and private experience in the field of transportation, and his experience includes transportation planning, engineering and design, multi-modal planning, bicycle and pedestrian planning, geographical information systems, and community outreach and training. Mr. Brown received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Belhaven University (formerly Belhaven College) and Master of Science Degree from the University of Central Florida. Mr. Brown served six years in the Mississippi Army National Guard and is a recipient of the Mississippi Commendation Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Jim Van Schoick, Project Coordinator

Mr. Van Schoick joined the staff at VTC in March 2011 to work on the NJ Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Center. Prior to joining VTC, Mr. Van Schoick worked for Michael Baker Jr. and was instrumental in the completion of bicycle and pedestrian-related projects for several municipalities in New Jersey. Mr. Van Schoick’s experience goes on to include work in transit planning, congestion management, asset management, and geographical information systems. Mr. Van Schoick received his Bachelor of Arts Degree and Master of City and Regional Planning from Rutgers University.

Together, Charles and Jim look forward to creating new opportunities for the BPRC through increased exposure and education for bicycle and pedestrian issues that have increased in the state of New Jersey over the past decade. In addition they will be working hard on the many projects they will be taking on in the coming year to increase awareness of bicycle and pedestrian safety, education, and implementation.

Please feel free to contact Charles or Jim with any questions or comments.