Have you noticed the new look on parts of Clarksville and Washington Roads? It’s not just the smooth resurfaced roadways, but also those wide shoulders. Even though they haven’t been designated as bike lanes (yet?), they make these key roads more bicycle-friendly. Thanks!
Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes has come out in favor of a more bicycle-friendly county and appears ready to back his words with deeds.
Some of his words: ?In past generations, many County roads were built to be four-lane highways.? Because traffic volumes never justified using all four lanes, we can stripe shoulders to accommodate bicyclists in many locations. Where County highways are not wide enough to accommodate bicycle lanes, further analysis and more extensive projects may be required.? Possibilities include ?road diets? that reduce the number of? through-travel lanes, narrowing wide travel lanes, and selective roadway widening.”
And some of the deeds, contained in the county’s press release: In Princeton, when Washington Road (Route 571) between U.S. Route 1 and Faculty Road is restriped, edge lines will be placed to accommodate future bicycle lanes from Faculty Road to the Princeton Junction Train Station.? And a feasibility study for the County?s first designated bicycle route on CR 546 (Washington Crossing ? Pennington-Lawrenceville Road) has? just been completed.”
The WWBPA is delighted with the county’s bike-friendly philosophy. The comment period for the mobility element of its master plan ends Aug. 15. A bike-friendly master plan makes it easier to turn our vision into reality. Let officials know what’s important to you!
On July 19, 2010, West Windsor Township Council adopted a resolution,?requesting “that Mercer County establish a bicycle route from the Delaware and Raritan Canal to the Princeton Junction Train Station at West Windsor along Washington Road.”
This is just a first step. The Departments of Transportation for both Mercer County and the State of New Jersey will have to come on board, since this is a county ?route and it crosses U.S. Route 1, for which the State of New Jersey is responsible. It’s not clear how quickly they will act.? Join the WWBPA in reminding officials that this is the best way for cyclists to go between West Windsor and Princeton and that bike lanes will make the route safer for all. Come to our next meeting (Aug. 12) to learn more about how you can help.
Comments Off on Council Adopts Washington Road Resolution
This is how Washington Road might look with bike lanes.
The West Windsor Council is discussing a resolution that asks Mercer County to designate ther shoulders on part of Washington Road as bike lanes. Please show your support at Monday’s meeting (July 12, West Windsor Municipal Center, 271 Clarksville Road) and speak up during public comment at the start of the meeting ( 7 p.m.)
Mercer County is repaving Washington Road/Route 571 between Route 1 in West Windsor and Faculty Road in Princeton beginning Monday, June 21. The work will take about 10 days and during that time, only westbound traffic will be permitted between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. (Traffic will flow in both directions at other times).
Mercer County notes that the entire roadway will be milled first, which creates a rough surface. Cyclists may want to seek alternate routes.
A decision has not yet been made whether the restriping will include a bike lane or just shoulders. Watch for updates.
Monthly meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month via Zoom. We will eventually resume meeting in the West Windsor Municipal Building. Email us at [email protected] if you would like the Zoom code.
Find us at the West Windsor Farmers Market (Vaughn Drive parking lot) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every other Saturday from May through Halloween.