To the Editor:

The Princeton Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee congratulates Princeton on its recent designation by the League of American Bicyclists as a “Bike Friendly Community” (BFC). Princeton achieved the bronze level, the first of five levels awarded, joining only four other municipalities and Princeton University for recognition in this state. The BFC program recognizes the commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure, and pro-bicycling policies.

In Princeton, efforts to improve bicycling safety and accommodations have been made by Mayor Liz Lempert and the current Princeton Council, and by the prior Borough Council and Township Committee. On the recommendation from our Committee, “sharrows” were approved and installed on a network of roads to assist with safe positioning and driver awareness. Complete Streets resolutions were also adopted to ensure bike and pedestrian infrastructure is designed into any road construction and resurfacing projects. Other improvements and community rides are in the works.

We would like to thank the many departments and organizations that have included bike education and encouragement in Princeton. Their efforts contributed to our bike friendly recognition. These groups include our engineering department, especially our Bike Advocate, Deanna Stockton for her advice and encouragement; the Human Services Commission and Princeton Police Department for conducting the annual bike rodeo; the Traffic and Transportation Committee for their Safe Princeton Campaign and efforts to improve intersections and crosswalks; Whole Earth Center, Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association and Sustainable Princeton for providing incentives and encouraging cycling as an environmentally friendly and healthier mode of transportation; Mercer County for adopting a Complete Streets resolution, creating the bikeability map, and rehabilitating the Province Line Road bridge for pedestrian and bicycle use; West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Association for extending their education programs to Princeton, and collaborating with us on family rides and the Communiversity booth; Princeton Freewheelers for leading a variety of rides in our area for all levels of cyclists; and Princeton University for creating their own bike plan and being designated the first Bike Friendly University in New Jersey.

Our Committee will continue to work with the town to improve conditions for cyclists and encourage more residents, employees and students to choose biking for transportation and recreation. If you missed the mayor’s Community Bike Ride October 27th, other rides are being planned for 2014. Look for future rides and receive bike related news by visiting us at http://pjpbac.blogspot.com/ or by emailing pjpbac@gmail.com.

Princeton Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee:

Steve Kruse, Chair

Cedar Lane

David Cohen, Vice-chair

Terhune Road

Laurie Harmon

Spruce Street

Karen Jezierny

Mount Lucas Road

Anita Jeerage

Wiggins Street

Lisa Serieyssol

Olden Lane

Carolyn Sealfon

Chestnut Street