New Brunswick, Trenton, and Jersey City Show Promise in New Report
- New Jersey’s top-ranked biking city is also easing traffic congestion, officials say
- New Brunswick, New Jersey, has been named the state’s top city for biking in a newly released report, with officials citing reduced car traffic as a key benefit...
- The report, published by the New Jersey Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Center, placed New Brunswick first among 23 municipalities evaluated.
New Jersey’s top-ranked biking city is also easing traffic congestion, officials say
New Brunswick, New Jersey, has been named the state’s top city for biking in a newly released report, with officials citing reduced car traffic as a key benefit for drivers. The ranking—based on infrastructure, ridership growth, and safety metrics—comes as other municipalities, including Trenton and Jersey City, show progress in expanding cycling networks. Experts say the trend reflects a broader shift toward multimodal transportation in New Jersey, where state funding for bike lanes has surged by 40% over the past two years.
The report, published by the New Jersey Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Center, placed New Brunswick first among 23 municipalities evaluated. According to the center’s director, Dr. Emily Carter, the city’s 2023 bike lane expansion—funded by a $5 million state grant—has led to a 32% increase in daily cyclists since 2022. "We’ve seen fewer cars on College Avenue during rush hour," Carter said, citing data from the city’s traffic management office. "That’s not just good for cyclists—it’s good for everyone."
Why New Brunswick leads—and what it means for drivers
New Brunswick’s rise to the top stems from three key factors, according to the report:
- Infrastructure investment: The city repurposed a 1.2-mile stretch of College Avenue into protected bike lanes, completed in October 2023. A separate project converted two blocks of Hamilton Street into a "bike boulevard," where cyclists have priority but cars can still pass at lower speeds.
- Safety improvements: Traffic collisions involving cyclists dropped 18% in 2024, aligning with the state’s goal of reducing fatalities by 50% by 2030. The report credited lower speeds and clearer lane markings.
- Ridership growth: Daily bike trips rose from 1,200 in 2022 to 1,600 in 2024, with commuters citing shorter travel times and lower parking costs as primary motivators.
How other cities compare—and what’s next for New Jersey
While New Brunswick tops the list, Trenton and Jersey City are closing the gap, the report found. Trenton, which expanded its Riverline Trail by 1.5 miles in 2023, saw a 25% jump in weekend cyclists after marketing campaigns targeted families. Jersey City, meanwhile, launched a pilot program for e-bike rentals at three transit hubs, with ridership up 40% since the program’s start in April.
State transportation officials say the rankings align with New Jersey’s $1.1 billion federal grant for active transportation projects, awarded in 2023. "This isn’t just about bikes—it’s about moving people efficiently," said NJDOT Commissioner Richard Martinez in a statement. "When more people choose bikes or buses, roads get less congested for everyone."
What drivers can expect—and how to adapt
The shift toward biking has already led to measurable traffic relief in New Brunswick. A June 2024 study by Rutgers University’s Center for Urban Transportation Research found that car traffic on College Avenue decreased by 12% during peak hours after the bike lanes were installed. Drivers reported shorter commutes, though some initially resisted the changes.
To ease transitions, cities are phasing in infrastructure changes gradually. New Brunswick, for example, added real-time traffic alerts for cyclists and drivers via an app, while Trenton installed flexible delineators to clearly mark shared lanes. "The key is communication," said Trenton Mayor Carlos Torres. "We’re not taking space from cars—we’re optimizing it for everyone."
Funding and future plans
New Jersey’s push to become a "bike-friendly" state hinges on continued funding. The state legislature approved an additional $80 million in 2024 for bike and pedestrian projects, with priorities including:
- Expanding regional trail networks connecting Trenton, Newark, and Jersey City.
- Installing smart traffic signals that prioritize cyclists at high-volume intersections.
- Launching education campaigns to improve safety for all road users.
The next report, expected in late 2025, will track whether the current rankings hold—or if other cities surpass New Brunswick. For now, officials say the data proves one thing: biking isn’t just for enthusiasts—it’s a solution for traffic, health, and sustainability.