With a focus on improving and enhancing walking in northern and central New Jersey, the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) in 2006 conducted a series of half-day “Walkable Community” workshops. The workshops were held in the 13 counties within the NJTPA region, plus the cities of Newark and Jersey City. Three workshops were also conducted during the fall of 2007.
The workshops trained participants to identify barriers to walking and ways to improve pedestrian safety in each workshop community. Participants also learned how to inform and instruct residents, transportation professionals, and others about improving walkability.
The workshops – conducted with assistance from the NJTPA’s project consultants, The RBA Group – consisted of four parts
* an initial briefing (for the consultants) by local stakeholders
* a presentation by the consultants on “best practices” of walkable communities in other locations
* a guided walking audit of a study area identified by the local host community
* a small group session to generate recommendations for improvements
Each workshop produced a prioritized list of specific improvements aimed at increasing safety and accessibility for pedestrians. These lists can now be used by local and county governments as a catalyst for implementing the improvements and to develop “problem statements” that can be submitted to the NJTPA for consideration of project funding.
Workshop locations were selected by NJTPA staff in consultation with county and city officials throughout the region. Staff from each participating workshop location coordinated with local officials to invite stakeholders including local elected leaders, planners and engineers, interested business owners, and residents.
Links to the project final report and the 18 individual workshops are at left. For further information, contact Ronald Tindall tindall@njtpa.org.
Other relevant links:
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) in 2001 and 2002 conducted Walkable Community Workshops, which the NJTPA analyzed in developing its own program. For information, visit www.nymtc.org, click the Programs and Projects icon, then scroll down to the Walkable Communities link.
The National Center for Bicycling and Walking, which was a sub-consultant on the NJTPA's Walkable Community Workshop project, includes workshop information and success stories.
America Walks
FHWA Accommodating Bicycle Environmental Issues
NHTSA Walkability Checklist
Partnership for a Walkable America
Transportation Alternatives