Funding may pose a problem for bike trails

For The Star-Ledger

A project to build a bikeway and pedestrian trail system in Old Bridge is in the works, but funding will be the largest obstacle, the township's mayor said yesterday.

"I think that in the long run, it's a worthwhile project," said Mayor James T. Phillips, adding it would cost millions of dollars and take years to complete. "But considering my priorities in these economic times, I don't know where the money will come from."

The plan will be presented to the Planning Board for approval Tuesday, said Blanche Hoffman, chairwoman of the township's environmental commission, which headed the project.

The bikeway and pedestrian trail system would begin at Phillips Preserve and end at Laurence Harbor Park, said Hoffman. She said the trail would branch off and extend more than 20 miles throughout Old Bridge, connecting key areas in the township, like Mannino Park, the YMCA, the town center and library.

A study of the proposed trails, which was completed this summer, was put on the township's website in September. The $20,000 study was funded by the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions and the township's open space fund. It was done by French & Parrello Associates, an engineer consulting service based in Wall.

The goal of the project is to provide the township with a safe and convenient trail system that will encourage residents to not rely so readily on cars in an effort to conserve natural resources and reduce pollution.

It would also improve access to transit facilities, major employment locations and commercial establishments, the study said.

"We depend so much on automobiles, and this is wrong," said Hoffmann. "We're a suburban community and we rely on getting in the car to go anywhere. "¦ I see a great need and interest. We're getting to be more health conscious."

Biking and walking as a form of transportation in the township has not been used as much as it could be, due to many obstacles, including narrow roadways, lack of sidewalks, lack of pedestrian traffic signals and few secure bike parking locations, said the study.

The mayor said the project would likely be funded through grants, and not the township's capital program.

"In these economic times, this is a project I'd like to do but can't afford to do at this time," said Phillips.

Hoffman agreed that the biggest barrier will be funding, but she was optimistic the project will be completed.

"We want it done in stages," she said. "You're going to see segments that will be available in the near future."

Aliyah Shahid is a reporter for the New Jersey Local News Service. She may be reached at (908) 243-6233 or ashahid@njlns.com.