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Hunterdon to “Welcome Cyclists” During Bike Month

Hunterdon to “Welcome Cyclists” During Bike Month

May is National Bike Month, promoted by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast. Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling.

goHunterdon will celebrate National Bike Month by welcoming cyclists to Hunterdon County.

“Hunterdon County has become a premier bicycling destination within the region,” says Caryl Harris, goHunterdon Bicycle Specialist. “Hunterdon County’s winding country roads, open spaces, trails, mountain biking, and gravel routes offer something for cyclists of all ages, abilities, and interests,” she notes.

The theme for Hunterdon County Bike Month 2022 will be “Cyclists Welcome”, with a number of efforts planned to attract bicyclists to Hunterdon County for the spring and summer cycling season. “goHunterdon has promoted bicycling within Hunterdon County under our “Bike Hunterdon” initiative for the several years,” says Tara Shepherd, Executive Director. “The Bike Hunterdon website offers a wealth of information on various bicycle routes, bike shops, and amenities that bicyclists will enjoy when they ride in Hunterdon County.”

“We’ve updated the website with new bicycle routes, new bike shops and clubs, as well as places to stay, eat, and socialize while riding in Hunterdon County,” says Caryl Harris.  “Many of the new routes include stops at local breweries, wineries, and farm markets,” she notes.

Throughout the month, social media will be used to promote Hunterdon’s bicycling assets. A crowd sourcing campaign will help goHunterdon to identify businesses and destinations that are particularly welcoming to cyclists. “We’ve created an online form that can be used to nominate businesses that offer the types of amenities that support bicycling~ availability of bike racks, grab and go food items, access to restrooms, and offering water for refillable water bottles,” says Harris.

“We’ll continue to promote the “Pedal and Park” Bike Rack Loan Program to local businesses,” says Harris. The program offers businesses a portable bike rack on loan for a period of up to one month to evaluate if a bike rack would be used and of value to the business. “And, we will continue to compile an inventory of available bike racks across Hunterdon County for listing on the Bike Hunterdon website,” she notes.

Supporting bicyclists is good for the local economy. A study by the Outdoor Industry Association (2017) found that bicycling participants spend $83 billion nationally on ‘trip-related’ sales (bicycle tourism).

“The theme of “Cyclists Welcome” coordinates with Hunterdon County’s new tourism initiative, Explore Hunterdon, The Other Side of Jersey. “Outdoor recreation is a major component of tourism in Hunterdon and bicycling is a huge part of that. We’re known for our scenic rides and the Bike Hunterdon initiative continues to do a great job getting the word out to cyclists everywhere,” says Marc Saluk, Hunterdon County Economic Development Director.

Special presentations and promotions are planned throughout the month as part of Hunterdon County Bike Month. Follow Bike Hunterdon on social media for more information:  facebook.com/groups/bikehunterdon and instagram.com/bikehunterdon

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Patient Transportation Program Reaches Milestone of Providing 575 Rides

goHunterdon’s Patient Transportation Program reached an impressive milestone last month having facilitated 575 rides for older adults and other vulnerable patients to get to healthcare appointments since it began in 2020. Funded by a grant from the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, the program addresses the needs of patients who have been identified as transportation dependent and at risk of missing appointments. Rides are provided free of charge, using Uber and Lyft. Continue reading “Patient Transportation Program Reaches Milestone of Providing 575 Rides”

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Breakfast Talk Will Focus on Model Electric Vehicle Ordinance

goHunterdon and the Hunterdon County Department of Planning and Land Use will host a virtual “Breakfast Talk” on New Jersey’s Model Statewide Electric Vehicle (EV) Municipal Ordinance and how Hunterdon municipalities can promote electric vehicle adoption.   The session will be held on Friday, March 11, 2022 at 9 a.m. via Zoom. Continue reading “Breakfast Talk Will Focus on Model Electric Vehicle Ordinance”

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goHunterdon Receives $50K Grant for Ongoing Patient Transportation Project

The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey has awarded a $50,000 grant to goHunterdon to continue the organization’s successful Hunterdon Healthcare Transportation Access Project. The project, launched in January 2020, addresses the transportation barriers of adult and older adult patients of Hunterdon Healthcare, who have been identified as transportation dependent and at risk of missing appointments. Continue reading “goHunterdon Receives $50K Grant for Ongoing Patient Transportation Project”

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School Year Ends with “Electric Vehicle Challenge” Races

goHunterdon’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Challenge program engages students to learn about alternative energy and electric vehicles. Students learn about the environmental impacts of fossil fuels and how electric vehicles offer an alternative to the traditional combustion engine used in many cars. The EV Challenge is an environmental education program that aligns with STEAM curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).

Over the course of several months, students participate in interactive lessons on Greenhouse Gases, Vehicle Emissions, Alternative/Green Energy Sources, Aerodynamics, Gears and Gear Ratios, Basics of Design, Building and Testing a Prototype Vehicle, and Speed. Continue reading “School Year Ends with “Electric Vehicle Challenge” Races”

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Frenchtown Prioritizes Pedestrian Safety with Street Smart Campaign

goHunterdon, in collaboration with the Frenchtown Police Department, recently conducted a Street Smart pedestrian safety campaign in the Borough.

Street Smart NJ is a public education campaign that aims to raise awareness of pedestrian and motorist laws and change the behaviors that lead to pedestrian and cyclist crashes and fatalities.  In Hunterdon County, Street Smart NJ campaigns are facilitated by goHunterdon. Funding is provided by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority. Continue reading “Frenchtown Prioritizes Pedestrian Safety with Street Smart Campaign”

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Tewksbury Township Wraps Up Street Smart NJ Pedestrian Safety Campaign

goHunterdon has proudly partnered with the Tewksbury Township Police Department to conduct a Street Smart NJ pedestrian safety campaign.

“Due to the COVID19 pandemic, more people have been working from home and families have been participating in more activities together,” says Chief Tim Barlow, Tewksbury Township Police Department. “We have seen an increase in pedestrian traffic throughout the Township, and even though there has been a decrease in motor vehicle traffic we have not seen a decrease in speeding and distracted driving,” he adds. Continue reading “Tewksbury Township Wraps Up Street Smart NJ Pedestrian Safety Campaign”

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EV Challenge Provides Electrifying Learning Experience for Hunterdon Middle School Students

According to a new report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, 58% of global passenger vehicle sales in 2040 will come from electric vehicles.

goHunterdon’s “EV Challenge” offers Hunterdon middle school students an interactive, hands on opportunity to learn about electric vehicles and the future of transportation technology. The program aligns with STEAM curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics); bridging the gap between these important educational disciplines. Continue reading “EV Challenge Provides Electrifying Learning Experience for Hunterdon Middle School Students”