About NJBWC

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Established in 2009 as The New Jersey Bicycle Coalition, the New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition is a state-wide advocacy organization.  Our 2010 shift in focus to represent both bicyclists and walkers recognized that we all share common problems and opportunities.  Both groups face an increasing threat from distracted drivers and many of our streets are inadequately designed or signed for biking and walking.  There is a strong need for a law requiring motorists to give bicyclists and pedestrians a specified margin of safety when passing them on the road (the Three-Foot Law), and a state-wide Complete Streets Law is the logical next step for New Jersey as many of its municipalities are adopting such measures.

Our members include bicyclists and walkers from Ringwood to Cape May.  We welcome clubs, advocacy groups, and local, regional and state agencies to join us and work with us.  We are supported by a growing list of sponsors who share our goals. We are affiliated with the League of American Bicyclists and the Alliance for Biking and Walking and support their national goals on a state level.

NJBWC is a registered 501c3 charitable organization and stands ready to offer the umbrella of this designation to local groups who share our purpose but lack the necessary designation to accept tax-deductible donations.

We are dedicated to:

  • PROTECTING the rights and safety of New Jersey bicyclists and walkers
  • PROMOTING bicycling and walking for fun, fitness, and transportation
  • EDUCATING bicyclists, walkers, and drivers about our rights and responsibilities
  • CONNECTING our communities with a smarter transportation system

 

The Coalition held New Jersey’s first statewide bicycle summit in Denville, NJ in 2010, and followed it up with statewide bike/walk summits in Trenton (2011) and New Brunswick (2012).

We strongly support a New Jersey state law requiring motorists to either wait to pass bicyclists and walkers safely or to allow them at least three feet of clearance when passing.  We also support a campaign to educate our citizens about the rights of walkers and pedestrians.  Over 24 other states, including our neighbors (most recently Pennsylvania) have passed similar laws.  It is time for New Jersey to follow their lead.

The Coalition also supports the passage of a statewide Complete Streets law, requiring counties and municipalities to plan for the needs of all users when designing new infrastructure projects.  This would include walkers, bicyclists, the handicapped, mass transit users, as well as motorists.  We also strongly support national programs such as Safe Routes to School and livable communities.

We are a collective voice for everyone who believes that a safer, more rideable and walkable New Jersey means a more livable, sustainable New Jersey.  None of this is possible without your support. Please become a member today.  Go here to join us!

Remember that all contributions to NJBWC are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law as we are a 501c3 charitable organization.