Belleville Township was selected as one of five municipalities to participate in the NJTPA’s Complete Streets Technical Assistance Program for 2024-2025. This program, led by Sustainable Jersey and the Voorhees Transportation Center at Rutgers University (VTC), provides resources to improve safety and accessibility. EZ Ride proudly served on the project’s Technical Advisory Committee.

The initiative focused on Division Avenue, congested road connecting Union Avenue to Passaic Street. This corridor experiences heavy traffic during school drop-off and pick-up times at Belleville High School and Belleville School No. 7, with speeding posing additional risks. The project aimed to evaluate the potential for a dedicated bike lane, highlighted through a pop-up demonstration.  The Belleville High School drone team created a drone video that shows the class and rides in the bike lanes.

Key Milestones of the Project

Walkability and Bikeability Audit (May 8, 2024):
From 1:30 to 4:00 PM, the project team assessed driver and pedestrian behavior, photographed the area, and documented traffic patterns around the schools. A speed study was also conducted to gather data on vehicle speeds and congestion levels.

Temporary Bike Lane Installation (October 24, 2024):
The Township DPW installed a temporary two-way bike lane along Division Avenue using flexible delineators. This pilot project demonstrated how dedicated cyclist infrastructure could reduce conflicts between cars and bikes while enhancing safety.

Bike and Roll to School Day (October 30, 2024):
EZ Ride organized a community bike and roll event at Belleville High School. Students, residents, local police, and township staff—including Assistant Principal Emily Pascali—participated. Bill Quick of Borderline Bike Shop and his family also joined the ride, making it a community-wide celebration.

Bike and E-Scooter Safety Presentation (November 1, 2024):
To promote safe cycling practices, EZ Ride conducted a Safe Skills class at the high school, distributed helmets, and hosted a short community ride on the temporary bike lane. Afterward, the Township DPW dismantled the lane. A feedback survey was circulated to gauge community reactions and suggestions. 

Looking Ahead: The Essex-Hudson Greenway

The Essex-Hudson Greenway, a mile and a half from the High School will connect Montclair, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Belleville, and Newark to Kearny and Jersey City. Phase 1 construction in Belleville and Newark is scheduled to start in late 2025 and completed by 2027.

For more information about this project, conduct an audit or pilot a bike lane, email [email protected] or call 201-939-4242 ext. 3.