For workers and visitors who bike in an urban setting, debris in a lane is more than an eyesore. Broken glass, litter, leaves and grit make the lanes difficult to navigate or require a cyclist to move into traffic.
The Exchange Place Alliance is working to ensure that’s not the case in Jersey City.
The Alliance has purchased a $250,000 CityMaster 1650 sweeper to provide dedicated, weekly cleaning of all bike lanes in the Exchange Place district.
The Alliance’s crews will run the sweeper every week, making bike lane maintenance a regular part of how Exchange Place is cared for. It is believed to be the first regular service dedicated to bike lanes in Jersey City, in fact New Jersey.
Mayor James Solomon obviously is thrilled.
“This investment will make our bike lanes safer and better maintained without putting additional strain on the City’s budget,” he said. “I appreciate the Alliance stepping up, and I look forward to building more partnerships like this throughout Jersey City to improve services for our residents.”
Mike DeMarco, the Exchange Place Alliance Board President, said the group’s mission encompasses a wide range of initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life and experience in and around the district.
The Alliance’s primary focus is large scale capital improvements to reimagine the public spaces in the district. Throughout the year, the Alliance focuses on cleaning, enhancing landscapes, removing snow, and conducting regular maintenance and repairs to ensure the district remains attractive and functional.
Alongside these efforts, the Alliance organizes and supports community and social events to foster engagement among residents, businesses, and visitors.
“The Alliance’s investment reflects our commitment to Jersey City for the benefit of the many bikers who use the lanes to commute, run errands and enjoy the waterfront. Clean, usable bike lanes matter to their daily experience of the neighborhood,” he said.
Bike JC’s work advocating for people who bike in Jersey City helped to bring to the Alliance’s attention the need to maintain the lanes at a time the city is facing significant budgetary challenges.
Exchange Place Alliance Executive Director Deidre Reynolds said the group understands the value.
“We want our districts residents, workers and visitors to feel comfortable biking in Jersey City, so we must take care of the bike lanes we have in our improvement district,” she said. “That means clearing the glass, litter and debris that cyclists encounter on an ordinary ride.
“This investment puts a dedicated piece of equipment and a weekly crew behind that commitment in Exchange Place.”
