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Bicycle Tourism: Cyclists Welcome!

Bicycle tourism is a growing segment of the tourism industry, supporting local communities, businesses, and economies. According to a study by the Outdoor Recreation Association, bicycle travelers stay longer in a region and spend up to 40% more than the average motorized tourist.

goHunterdon has been actively promoting Hunterdon County as a bicycling destination since the launch of the Bike Hunterdon initiative in 2010.

One way to support bicycle tourists is to identify establishments like coffee shops, breweries, restaurants, and retailers where they can easily park their bicycle, grab a bite to eat and re-fuel,“ says Tara Shepherd, goHunterdon executive director. “Our Cyclists Welcome program provides businesses with an opportunity to highlight themselves as particularly welcoming to bicyclists.

More than thirty Hunterdon businesses have already signed up and received a colorful free decal to display at their business. A list of current “Cyclists Welcome” locations is available here.

Hunterdon businesses are invited to request a decal by completing a brief online form.

For more information: https://www.bikehunterdon.org/cyclist-welcome-decal

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Sustainable Hunterdon Hub Offers Forum for Local Green Teams

Sustainable Hunterdon Hub Offers Forum for Local Green Teams

goHunterdon provides free assistance to Hunterdon municipalities and schools seeking certification under the statewide Sustainable Jersey program. goHunterdon also coordinates the Sustainable Hunterdon Hub, a forum for municipal green team representatives interested in promoting sustainability within Hunterdon County. “Many of the Actions that municipalities and schools can pursue under the Sustainable Jersey program are complementary to goHunterdon’s mission, particularly the Actions related to Land Use and Transportation, Health and Wellness, and Community Sustainability,” says Tara Shepherd, goHunterdon Executive Director.

A 2023 kick off meeting of the Sustainable Hunterdon Municipal Hub was held in January and a second meeting was held in March. The event featured an expert panel including representatives of NJ Department of Environmental Protection, NJ Electric Vehicle Association, and Sustainable Jersey to offer information, updates, and guidance on encouraging electric vehicle adoption and implementing electric vehicle infrastructure in their community. Ten Hunterdon municipalities were represented at the event, including the Town of Clinton, Clinton Township, Flemington Borough, Franklin Township, High Bridge Borough, Holland Township, Kingwood Township, Raritan Township, Readington Township, and Tewksbury Township.

The March meeting focused on opportunities for increased collaboration among municipal green teams, new and updated Sustainable Jersey Action Items, and plans for Earth Day 2023.

The next Sustainable Hunterdon Hub meeting will be held in July. For more information about the Sustainable Hunterdon Hub or getting involved with your municipal Green Team, contact Margret Thompson, mthompson@gohunterdon.org

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Readington Township and Flemington Borough Police Departments Latest to Promote “Street Smart NJ” Campaigns

Readington Township and Flemington Borough Police Departments Latest to Promote “Street Smart NJ” Campaigns

Readington Township and Flemington Borough are the latest Hunterdon municipalities to conduct Street Smart NJ pedestrian safety education campaigns aimed at changing the behaviors that contribute to pedestrian-vehicle crashes.

Street Smart NJ is a collaborative effort between public, private and non-profit organizations. The Readington Township Police Department and Flemington Borough Police Department will work with goHunterdon, to promote behaviors that improve safety for people who are driving and walking.

The Readington Township campaign will focus along Route 523 in the Whitehouse Station section of the township. The Flemington Borough Street Smart NJ campaign will focus on Mine Street. Both campaigns will begin in May 2023.

During each of the campaigns, Street Smart NJ messaging will be visible on street signs, and in local businesses on table tents, brochures, posters, coasters, and take out coffee sleeves. Reusable Street Smart NJ branded shopping bags will also be distributed. Local police will reinforce speed limits, distracted driving laws, and the “stop for pedestrians in crosswalks” law.

Street Smart NJ is one of many initiatives in New Jersey working to help the state reach its goal of zero pedestrian fatalities. The campaign reminds people that everyone has a role to play in making our streets safer. Drivers need to obey speed limits and stop for people crossing; people walking need to use crosswalks (marked and unmarked) and cross with the signals; and everyone needs to avoid distractions.

The statewide Street Smart NJ campaign is managed by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) and began in 2013.

The Readington Township and Flemington Borough campaigns will mark the 16th and 17th campaigns conducted in Hunterdon County. Prior campaigns have been conducted in Califon Borough, Town of Clinton, Frenchtown Borough, High Bridge Borough, City of Lambertville, Milford Borough, and Tewksbury Township.

For more information, contact Ryan Fisher, goHunterdon Safety Programs Coordinator, rfisher@gohunterdon.org

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Community Mobility Program Provides Training on Local Transportation Options

Community Mobility Program Provides Training on Local Transportation Options

goHunterdon’s Community Mobility Program provides travel training to individuals and small groups interested in learning how to use the Hunterdon County’s LINK Transportation System, NJ TRANSIT Raritan Valley Rail service, local taxis, and ride hailing services Uber and Lyft, safely and confidently.

Participants will learn to how to create an independent travel plan, including identifying the transportation services that are most appropriate for their travel needs and ability, how to read and understand service schedules, plan a trip, request a ride, or download and use rideshare apps. Travel training will also include how get to and from a transit stop, pay fares, purchase tickets, or passes, board and de-board vehicles.

Training is offered to individuals through one-on-one instruction. Small group training is provided using a broader presentation style approach, providing general information. For both individual and small group training, goHunterdon staff will accompany participants on a trial ride.

Hunterdon County residents 18 years and older are eligible to participate in travel training. Individuals under 18 are invited to participate but must have a parent or guardian accompany them. This training is free-of-charge, but participants are required to pay any fares.

For more information, contact Wendy Parcell, Community Mobility Coach, wparcell@gohunterdon.org

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Trans-Bridge Transitioning to Reservation Based System

Trans-Bridge Transitioning to Reservation Based System

On Monday, April 3, 2023 Trans-Bridge Lines began a reservation based system on the Doylestown/Flemington service. Passengers must book their boarding passes for the exact day and time they intend to travel. With a reservation, passengers have confirmed seating for the bus run they have purchased.

“We are excited to take this next step forward for our passengers and our company,” says Jim JeBran, Executive Vice President/Treasurer of Trans-Bridge Lines. “We began offering online ticketing in June 2022, and this next transition to a reservation-based system is a natural progression in ensuring a seamless passenger experience. Reservations will give our riders the peace of mind that they are confirmed for the route they intend to utilize.”

All other schedules (Wall Street, Newark Airport, Wind Creek, and Allentown/Clinton) will continue to be boarded/seated on a first-come, first-served basis until further notice. We cannot confirm seating on these schedules at this time. The advance purchase of tickets is still highly recommended, but the advance purchase of paper or electronic tickets does not reserve or confirm seating.

For more information, please visit http://transbridgelines.com/

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Updated 2023 Hunterdon County Transportation & Mobility Guide Available

goHunterdon is pleased to announce the publication of an updated Hunterdon County Transportation & Mobility Guide for 2023.

The printed guide provides information on available local transportation services including bus, train, taxis, Uber, Lyft, and medical transportation. The guide also includes updated information on “Park and Ride” facilities and assistance available through goHunterdon’s Community Mobility program.

Guides will be distributed through goHunterdon’s countywide Information Outreach Partner network which includes local municipal buildings, libraries, community centers, non-profit organizations, employer sites, and healthcare offices. Guides will also be available for mailing to individuals upon request.

The publication of the guide is made possible with funding from NJ TRANSIT.

To request a guide or to become an Information Outreach Partner: https://form.jotform.com/goHunterdon/request-for-transportation-brochure

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Electric Vehicle Adoption Focus of Upcoming Sustainable Hunterdon Hub Event

The Sustainable Hunterdon Municipal Hub, facilitated by goHunterdon, will kick off 2023 with a meeting on January 18, 2023 from 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. at Stangl Hall in Flemington.

The Sustainable Hunterdon Hub provides a forum for networking, information sharing, and collaboration among local Green Teams and Environmental Commissions participating in the statewide Sustainable Jersey program.

The kick off meeting will begin with socializing and networking followed by a moderated panel discussion, “Harnessing Electric Vehicle Actions for Sustainable Jersey Certification”

Sustainable Jersey has developed six action items that may be undertaken by municipalities to advance local electric vehicle adoption as part of the statewide certification process.

Panelists will include representatives of Sustainable Jersey, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Electric Vehicle Program, NJ Electric Vehicle Association, and Jersey Central Power & Light/First Energy Corporation.

For more information about the January 18th kick off meeting and to RSVP: https://conta.cc/3GdflYi

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Hunterdon Municipalities Step Up to Support Local Train Stations

NJ TRANSIT recently announced the relaunch of its Adopt-A-Station program. Under the program, community groups can “adopt” their local train station to maintain its character as a focal point of their neighborhood by planting flowers, performing light landscaping and maintenance and removing litter.

“The Adopt-A-Station program is a great way for civic groups to take pride in their hometown station as the welcoming point into their towns,” says New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti.

Within a week of goHunterdon sharing the announcement of the program from NJ TRANSIT, all four Hunterdon communities that host NJ TRANSIT rail stations committed to participate in the program and adopt their local station~ Whitehouse Station, Lebanon, Annandale, and High Bridge.

“The response from the host municipalities was immediate,” says Tara Shepherd, goHunterdon Executive Director. “Representatives of Readington Township, Lebanon Borough, Clinton Township, and High Bridge Borough reached out unanimously to express their interest in adopting their station and supporting rail service in their community.” Each community will apply to NJ TRANSIT individually.

“NJ TRANSIT’s rail stations contribute significantly to the charm, beauty, and distinctiveness of the municipalities they reside in throughout our State,” says NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “The relaunch of the Adopt-A-Station program is made possible through a generous sponsorship with American Express.”

As part of the adoption agreement, community groups agree to remove litter at least once a year, provide light landscaping, and maintenance. NJ TRANSIT provides safety vests, trash bags, and directional support. Community groups are also encouraged to provide NJ TRANSIT feedback on ideas for improvements at each station.

“We are thrilled, but not surprised, by the response of these communities,” says Shepherd. “goHunterdon is committed to supporting each group in their adoption of these stations.”

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Be Prepared for Winter Driving

Mother Nature has been giving us a break~ so far. Don’t let the unseasonable temperatures fool you. Now is the time to prepare for winter driving. Here are a few things to get you started.

Sign up for goHunterdon’s Free Traffic Alert Service
goHunterdon’s free Traffic Alert Service (TAS) provides weekday alerts on traffic congestion, traffic accidents, construction closures & detours, weather related travel conditions, and other relevant travel information to commuters traveling to or through Hunterdon County, NJ. Alerts are available via email during peak commute hours, 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. You select the Hunterdon roadways that you wish to monitor. Tractor trailer crash on Interstate 78? Tree down on Milford-Warren Glen Road? Icy conditions on Route 22? No problem! We’ll let you know so that you change your plans or detour accordingly.

Sign up: https://www.gohunterdon.org/commuter-programs/traffic-alert-service

Assemble A Winter Driving Kit
A winter car emergency kit is a must for every driver even if you are driving short distances. Winter weather could leave you unexpectedly stranded in your vehicle. Taking the time to assemble a well-stocked emergency kit now may help you get back on the road or at least make time waiting for assistance safer and more comfortable.

Here is what you should include in your Winter Driving Kit. https://youtu.be/bnTCyOGLLwU

An Ounce of Prevention: Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Driving

Ben Franklin famously said “An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure”. There are a few things you can do to get your car ready for the impending winter season.

Check your tire tread…Inspect your tires for tread wear and rotate them during every oil change. To check your tire’s tread, use the “Penny Test”. Take a penny and place it in the tread groove of your tire. Place the penny with Lincoln’s head facing you, and stick the penny in the tread so that the top of Lincoln’s head is no longer visible. If his entire head is visible while in the groove, it’s time to replace your tires.

Fill up your tires. Low air pressure in your tires can be potentially dangerous on winter roads. Take your car to a mechanic to check your tire pressure and fill your tires if necessary. Or, you can easily do it yourself at a free tire air pump found at your local gas station or car shop.

Consider snow tires. Switching to snow tires can help if you anticipate driving on snowy, slippery unpaved roads. Note, however, that snow tires make your MPG (miles per gallon) lower, so only put on snow tires during harsh winter months.

Change your oil and antifreeze. Regular maintenance to your vehicle help to prevent any car troubles during months involving winter driving.

Inspect your battery. Your vehicle’s battery capacity lessens in cold weather. Be sure your car is prepared for the winter and have a professional inspect your battery’s fluid and cables.

Maintain Windshield Wipers and Washer Fluid Level. Make sure that your windshield wipers are in good condition and maintain washer fluid levels. Consider switching to a de-icing windshield washer formula for the winter months.

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Making the Walk to School Safer: Walkability Assessments and School Travel Plans

“Where it is safe, get more kids walking and bicycling; where it is not safe, make it safe”. These two tenets of the federally funded Safe Routes to School program have guided goHunterdon’s Safe Routes to School programming since 2008.

goHunterdon coordinates local Safe Routes to School programming, encouraging students in walkable communities to walk or bicycle to school more often with themed events, friendly competitions between schools, and providing important bicycle and pedestrian safety education for students in grades K-8.

In preparation for spring 2023 programming, goHunterdon staff is developing new templates to be used by students to assess the physical environment along their walk (and bike) to school. Students will participate in “walkability assessments”, including observing the condition of sidewalks, documenting the presence of marked crosswalks, and driver behavior toward pedestrians.

“Walkability assessments are a great learning tool for students, teaching them how physical infrastructure can encourage or discourage walking or bicycling,” says Ryan Fisher, goHunterdon Safety Programs Manager. “Conducting assessments also provides an opportunity for students to become engaged in their community to improve safety, mobility and access,” says Fisher.

Assessments also inform the development of formal School Travel Plans and Policies. School Travel Plans identify short and long term solutions for improving pedestrian and bicycle travel to and from school. School Travel Policies establish guidelines for student travel to and from school and reinforce safe walking and bicycling behaviors that students should follow.

goHunterdon will work with fourteen schools to update School Travel Plans this year: Barley Sheaf Elementary School, Bloomsbury Elementary School, Califon Public School, Clinton Public School, Delaware Township School, Reading-Fleming Intermediate School, Robert Hunter Elementary School, Frenchtown Elementary School, Hampton Public School, High Bridge Elementary School, High Bridge Middle School, Lambertville Public School, Lebanon Borough School, and Milford Public School.