Minutes from the Jan. 9, 2003 Meeting of The Mayor's Bicycle and
Pedestrian Task Force- West Windsor Township, NJ
Meeting Attendees: Roger Alig, Kristin Appelget, Peter Bilton, Ken Carlson, Myra Hochman, Daryl McMillan, Alison Miller, Ken Naglak, Ham Pakradooni, Don Smart,
This initial 2003 meeting of the Task Force was used as an opportunity to reflect on the progress of the group since its formation and to begin to formulate goals and objectives for the coming year. Among other goals/objectives discussed were:
- The group should set as a priority a focus on pedestrian issues for the coming year which it is felt are only beginning to be identified. As part of this focus, developing safe routes for children to walk to school was felt to be particularly important. One goal should be to identify and develop plans to complete sidewalks within a one mile radius of all schools within the Township.
- One of the primary objectives of the Task Force is to enhance the existing Bike/Ped element in the Master Plan. Work toward this goal should continue in 2003.
- An application for funding for the Millstone River Trail was made in December/02, the group's first application for a grant. Subsequent to participation in a conference call, it became clear that the Robert Wood Johnson Active Living program would not be a viable funding source at this time. As a key component of the task Forces overall goals, additional work identifying finding sources should be a priority. Working with the NJDOT, a primary funder for bike/ped projects in NJ should also be a priority.
- There are a number of smaller, less expensive connections in the township which have minimal impediments to completion such as bike lanes on Southfield Road, Lanwin Blvd and Edinburgh Road. There is an opportunity to work within the Township Budget to complete these small projects.
- The task Force and RTBC provided input on several Regional Projects during 2002 including the Millstone Bypass (advocating a bike/ped bridge over route 1) and the Wyeth development. These are priority projects occurring in the Township which the Task Force must continue to follow to ensure bike/ped compatibility.
The evolving roles of the Task force and RTBC was also discussed with the suggestion made that the Task Force concentrate on on-road bike lanes while the RTBC concentrate on recreational trails. It was also suggested that the schedule of meetings be altered with both meetings to occur on the same evening to avoid having to duplicate part of one meeting at the next. Both suggestions were well received.
Action Items
- Allison Miller will attempt to locate the Pedestrian Plan formulated in the early 1990's when school busing became an issue for children within walking distance of schools.
- Ken C will shorten the RTBC position paper on the Bike/ped Bridge for presentation and discussion at town Council. Ken N will to work on a map for the same purpose.
- E-mail Comments from the groups on our 2003 goals and objectives are encouraged
Next Meeting:
January 23rd, 7:30 - 9:30 PM
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