West Windsor’s Planning Board recently approved the new Circulation Element of the Master Plan. Quite a mouthful, we know! But it sets some great goals and policies to help make our township even better for walking and bicycling.
A big goal: “Create a pedestrian and bikeway system that makes walking and cycling a viable alternative to driving, and which optimizes bicyclist and pedestrian safety.”
Among the many ways it lists to accomplish this:
- provide accessible and convenient pedestrian- and bicycle-compatible links to destinations like the train station, schools, recreation facilities, shopping centers and employment centers
- facilitate secure bicycle parking and storage
- create an attractive wayfinding system
- identify missing links in the sidewalk network
- prioritize bicycle and pedestrian improvements
- work with Mercer County to incorporate bicycle and pedestrian facilities into roadway reconstruction, resurfacing and improvement projects where possible.
In a separate goal to “encourage alternate circulation modes and networks,” the document calls for:
- interconnecting pedestrian and bicycle pathways with a particular emphasis between recreational uses and schools
- developing a network of multi-use trails
- improving pedestrian accessibility in areas where pedestrian activity is encouraged (such as near the train station, recreation areas and shopping areas) or where it is anticipated.
The final version of the document hasn’t yet been published, but it has only minor word changes from this version.
These are lofty goals that will take time to implement and will need your support if they are to happen.
In the meantime, what’s a smaller obstacle that keeps you and your family from walking or biking more in West Windsor? Something that perhaps can be resolved more quickly? Let us know in the comments or email us at wwbikeped@gmail.com
Finally, help us make West Windsor a more bicycle- and pedestrian community by renewing your membership in the West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance (or become a member for the first time).