City of New Brunswick Endorses Complete Streets Policy

At its May 16 meeting, the New Brunswick City Council passed the "Complete Streets" policy, which voices support for streets that are open and hospitable for cyclists, motorists and pedestrians.

According to a release from the city, New Brunswick is the 27th municipality in New Jersey to approve the policy.

The desired effect of the policy on New Brunswick is to increase the city's "walkability" score, according to the release.

Currently, New Brunswick has a "WalkScore" rating of being "very walkable" for residents. By passing the policy, this created opportunities to improve upon road conditions for pedestrians and increase the score, according to the city.

"The City’s professional staff will review proposed street improvement projects to assess whether a street can reasonably accommodate all users and to incorporate improvements to “complete the street” when appropriate," the release said.

As for cyclists, bids for bicycle lanes on Remsen Avenue may be put out this summer by the city Planning Department, according to city spokesman Russell Marchetta.

Streets too narrow for cycling lanes, specifically in the fifth and sixth wards, may see "Sharrows" or Shared Arrows, which are demarcations on the street that signal motorists to make room for cyclists, Marchetta said.

have been a talking point in council meetings lately, especially following the council's approval of a that bans sidewalk riding for adults in New Brunswick.

“This policy reflects our vision of how to improve our city for all of our residents and businesses”, Mayor James Cahill said, in the release. “We are showing that our streets belong to everyone and are taking the necessary steps to accommodate all modes of travel and to improve accessibility and safety.

Editor's note: A prior version of this story incorrectly described "sharrows". They are signs painted on the ground to signal motorists to allow cyclists adequate access to the road.