Toms River Seeking Public Input On Bike-Pedestrian Planning

TOMS RIVER, NJ — As Toms River looks at ways to make the township more friendly to pedestrians and bicyclists, officials are seeking input from residents and the public the issue.

To that end, there is a public meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 13, to get that input.

The meeting, called a visioning workshop, will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the media center at Toms River High School North, on Old Freehold Road. Members of the steering committee, along with consultants from NV5 and Stokes Creative Group will conduct the workshop to go over a study and solicit input.

During the meeting, there will be mapping efforts to identify problem areas, issues, and opportunities related to bicycle and pedestrian travel in Toms River.

"It will include a visioning exercise for more safe bicycling and walking, as well as specific goals to support these modes of travel around the community," officials said in a news release about the workshop.

"The goal is to make our town’s bike paths and trails more user-friendly, more accessible, and safer for our residents," Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher said. “We are encouraging residents to give us their feedback on what changes or improvements they envision."

The goal is to "comprehensively identify" ways to create, enhance, and expand walking and bicycling throughout the township – as well as outline recommendations for the township to implement future transportation investments, officials say.

The bicycle and pedestrian plan will be developed during the winter and spring 2019 and is expected to be completed in July 2019. More information is on the project website: www.TomsRiverBikePed.com.

Photo by Karen Wall, Patch staff