NJDOT Local Bicycle/Pedestrian Planning
Assistance Program
The New Jersey Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Master Plan has a vision for New Jersey as a place where people choose to walk or bicycle with confidence and a sense of security. To make this happen, New Jersey needs infrastructure improvements that address the safety, mobility, and access needs to non-motorized transportation modes.
NJDOT’s Local Bicycle/Pedestrian Planning Assistance Program (LBPPAP) connects consultants with expertise in local bicycle and pedestrian planning to counties and municipalities at no cost. Counties and municipalities simply need to submit an application explaining the desire to grow non-motorized transportation networks. Municipalities or counties that are interested should work on an application (see below) and submit to BIKEPED@dot.nj.gov
With each municipality and county, we can make New Jersey more bike and pedestrian friendly!
Application
Counties and municipalities that wish to be considered for this program must submit an application
package. Applications will be accepted at any time throughout the year. The application should
demonstrate a strong interest in and/or need to provide improved or enhanced accommodations for
pedestrian or bicycle travel in the community and evidence of a sincere commitment to implement the
recommendations that evolve from the planning effort. The application package for the LBPPAP must
include:
- A cover letter on the letterhead of the applicant, county or municipality, expressing interest in
the program, signed by an appropriate representative of the county or municipality. - A description of the proposed planning effort to be undertaken, prioritizing the efforts. This
should include justification in terms of the needs, problems, populations served or opportunities
being addressed. - Additional information, if available, including sketches, maps which define the proposed study
area, etc., - Supporting data, statistics and mapping demonstrating significant safety issues in the county or
municipality that may be addressed in the study. - A description of how the municipality intends to participate in the study. This can include
financial participation, though financial participation is not required. - A resolution of support from the governing body (if available at the time of the submittal) or an
indication that a resolution of support will be forthcoming. The resolution must include a
commitment to make a good faith effort to implement the recommendations (actual or implied)
of the planning study. Note: A task order with the Department’s consultant, commissioning the
work, will not be issued without receipt of a resolution of support from the local governing
body. - The identity of the contact person and/or staff person who will participate in the study on behalf
of the county or municipality. - The identity of any local citizen groups or task forces or other entities with an interest in bicycling or walking who support the planning effort and may be available to participate in the study.
- An agreement to follow up with NJDOT one year after study completion in order to document the status of improvements based on study recommendations.
Evaluation Process/Selection Criteria
- Clarity of the presentation of the planning issues to be addressed
- Inclusion of supporting data, statistics and mapping to back up narrative provided
- Evidence of commitment of local staff/resources (mapping, providing data, setting up meetings,
providing meeting space, etc.) - Evidence that a significant pedestrian or bicycle safety issue is to be addressed
- Evidence that the planning effort includes consideration of improving non–motorized access to
transit stops and stations - Evidence that the planning effort is to be directed to the needs of special populations such as
senior citizens, transportation disadvantaged, school children, etc. - Evidence that the planning effort is to be directed towards the enhancement, vitality or
economic viability of downtown or central business district (CBD) areas through the
improvement of bicycle and pedestrian access and safety - Documentation that the applicant municipality or county has an existing Complete Streets Policy
or a commitment of their intention to adopt one - Documentation of local support (A resolution of support from the governing body is required.
Other documentation could include letters of support from public safety officials, the school
board, etc.) - Documentation of support/involvement of the county (if a municipal application)
- Documentation of support by the Transportation Management Association (TMA) and/or the
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) - Documentation that other activities or projects have been undertaken to support bicycling or
walking in the county or municipality, including Safe Routes to School programs - Documentation that the community is an Urban Aid Community as determined by the New
Jersey Department of Community Affairs
Other Considerations
Planning efforts to be undertaken through this program are to be locally driven. It is essential that applicants understand that this assistance is to be provided under a partnership arrangement, and that applicants must commit staff and/or financial resources to these efforts.
All studies undertaken must have a strong public outreach aspect, including continuing involvement by both the official representatives of the county or municipality as well as participation by local citizens.
bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.
Communities participating in the program will be contacted periodically after the completion of the planning effort to provide information on progress made toward implementing study recommendations resulting outcomes. Specifically, we will be asking whether there has been an increase in safety due to the changes made, whether a Complete Streets policy has been adopted, as well as whether or not the community has seen an increase in bicyclists and pedestrians. Also, we will assist in determining whether the community is eligible for inclusion in the Bike Friendly Communities Program with the League of American Bicyclists. An important part of the process will be the identification of the contact person within the local government who will sign the Local Technical Assistance Scope Approval form. This person will not only agree to the goals and objectives of the study, but will also agree to serve as our liaison for the aforementioned progress reports.
Eligible Planning Activities
- Evaluation of bicycle and/or pedestrian safety issues and the development of potential solutions
- Comprehensive bicycle and/or pedestrian plans or circulation elements
- Bicycle and/or pedestrian circulation studies focusing on key corridors or activity centers in the county or municipality, e.g. downtowns, key attractors (parks and other community facilities) shopping centers, etc.
- Planning location or feasibility assessments for shared use path projects including rail–trails and rail with trail
- Complete Streets policy development and implementation plan assistance
- Sidewalk inventories
- Walkability audits
- Inventories or audits of bicycle compatible roadways and designated bicycle facilities
- Bicycle suitability mapping
- Deficiency analyses, in terms of bicycle and/or pedestrian travel along selected routes to schools, transit facilities, downtown areas, etc., along with recommendations for mitigating those deficiencies
- Residential neighborhood traffic calming
- Safe Routes to School travel plans