2 Mercer Co. Towns Get Funds For Bikeway Connection Improvements

PRINCETON, NJ — Good news for everyone who enjoys the outdoors in Mercer County. Two townships recently received state grants to build bikeway connections across town.

East Windsor and West Windsor got $190,000 and $330,000 respectively from the state's Bikeway Grants which looks to help advance local bikeway projects in nine counties. A total of $5.9 million was given to 11 Townships in nine counties.

In East Windsor, the funds will go towards building and improving a bikeway connecting the Pulte Pathway to East Windsor Police Athletic League, East Windsor Regional School High School, and Airport Road Crosswalk.

The Pulte Pathway is located in the south-central portion of the Township near Airport Road and is approximately 0.3 miles. This pathway connects to Airport Road via the neighborhood’s sidewalk network and is in close proximity to the East Windsor P.A.L athletic field complex and the East Windsor Regional School District High School

In West Windsor, the funds will be used for the North Post Road Connection to South Post Road Bikeway at Village Road West.

"Investing in bikeways helps promote alternate forms of transportation and reduces our reliance on cars," Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement. "Increased biking and walking are tangible steps we can take to achieve our climate change goals, while encouraging residents to live a healthy lifestyle."

Traditionally, the Bikeway Grant Program provides $1 million in grants yearly to promote bikeways as an alternate mode of transportation. This year, however, an additional $13.5 million was appropriated for Grants-in-Aid programs, specifically for the Transit Village Program, the Safe Streets to Transit Program, and for Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities/Accommodations.

Of the $13.5 million, $4.9 million was provided for the Bikeway Grant Program. "Projects funded by the Bikeway Grant Program provide safe transportation alternatives that benefit cyclists and pedestrians and improve the of quality-of-life in New Jersey," NJDOT Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said in a statement.

Each municipality and county may submit one application. Projects are awarded on a competitive basis taking into consideration new bike miles created, safety, connectivity, service to the public, Complete Streets Policy, and an applicant's past performance using other Local Aid funds.

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