TO: Tom Garrett, Bike Advocate, South Jersey Wheelmen

FROM: Tim Chelius, SJTPO

RE: FY 2008 – 2011 TIP Comments               

Thanks very much for attending our public meeting June 26, and below are our responses to your questions and comments:  

COMMENT:  Some signs on ramps to NJ 55 continue to prohibit bicycles, even though bicycles are indeed permitted.

RESPONSE
:  A field check confirmed this, and we have forwarded this comment to the NJDOT Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator   


COMMENT:
It is our understanding that $600 Milllion in federal funds for bicycling have not been spent, but have been sent back to the federal government.  How much of that amount was allocated to New Jersey ?

RESPONSE:  We have forwarded your question to NJDOT Capital Investment Planning  


COMMENT:
Will the reconstructed Route 56 over Rainbow Dam include bike lanes?

RESPONSE: NJDOT liaison Sri Gowda attended the meeting and will send us the information.  


COMMENT:
On the new Landis Avenue Express, why are there no bike racks, and can they be provided in the future?

RESPONSE:  We have forwarded your question to Cumberland County .
 

COMMENT:  The South Jersey Wheelmen recommend “smart strips” (i.e., half – depth) instead of rumble strips along highways, and recommend more frequent street cleanings.

RESPONSE: This comment was presented to the SJTPO Technical Advisory Committee, which includes SJTPO’s County Engineers .


COMMENT:
The designated bike lane on the southbound NJ 47 right – turn lane approach to High Street ends past the turn.  Why? 

RESPONSE: Our understanding is that the bike lane was provided as part of the reconstruction of NJ47. High Street is not a State highway, and so would not have been included in the NJ47 project.
 

COMMENT: Driver’s education should not end after the test.

RESPONSE: We agree, and the South Jersey Traffic Safety Alliance is engaged in continuing driver’s education programs.  Please visit www.sjtsa.org for more information    

Also, please be aware that the South Jersey Wheelmen organization receives our Citizen Advisory Committee mailings (including notices all public meetings) with you listed as the contact at P.O. Box 2705 , Vineland .  This, incidentally, is where we mailed the notice for the TIP hearing May 31. If you would like us to add your home address as well, please let us know.  You may also wish to check www.sjtpo.org periodically for news, and we appreciate your participation.