Our 2024 Year End Appeal
Dear neighbor,
What a difference a bike ride can make!
I first met Johan on a bike ride to Braddock Park in December 2021. Eleven days later, on December 22, I was back in North Bergen with a small group of safe streets and environmental advocates to ask for a protected bike lane on JFK Boulevard East.
From a desire for safe, healthy, sustainable travel, Bike Hudson County was born. Our five coalition members were Bike Hoboken, Bike JC, Bike North Bergen, Bike Weehawken, and Bici UC. Soon we had added SafeStreetsJC.
By September 2022, we had filed a d.b.a for the name Hudson County Complete Streets. That same year, we published our Vision Zero pledge and Cyclists’ Code of Conduct, beginning with “Pedestrians first.”
In 2023, we formed our Advisory Council, comprised of three key advocates with specific skills, including planning, engineering, organizing, clean water science, and political activism.
And today we are proud to announce the HudCoStreets’ Steering Committee! This committee is comprised of Miso Demko, the founder of Bayonne Green; Zach Forstot and Aidan Gormley, the founders of WeeBiken (replacing Bike Weehawken); Christopher Vasquez, the founder of Strong Towns West Hudson; Andrew Wilson, president of Bike Hoboken taking over from co-founder Chris Adair; and Johan Andrade, president of Bike North Bergen and HudCoStreets.
We know that change is challenging. In 2024, Hudson County continues to repave streets without redesigning them. In many communities in our county, a single-mode transportation system continues to leave people behind. But this year and next, we have a seat at the table. With your help, we can continue to keep the County and other municipalities accountable. True Complete Streets are streets designed for everyone, offering a multimodal transportation system that is safe, equitable, and sustainable.
As for JFK Boulevard East, that $20 million safety-improvement plan is still in the works! Three north Hudson County mayors want to use the funding to build angled parking along the corridor–a scenic, historic corridor with unparalleled views of the Hudson River and New York City skyline. A corridor built by cyclists and still in use today as a primary north-south corridor for cycling. Fortunately, it is a County road, and we now have a Hudson County Vision Zero Action Plan.
Most importantly, we have YOU to help us continue to advocate and develop a strong movement for streets that are safe for everyone and a balanced multimodal transportation system that prioritizes transit and active transportation.
This holiday season, please give generously and join us by becoming a member to keep HudCoStreets running and thriving.
Thank you!
2024 Additional Accomplishments
Hudson County Vision Zero Task Force planning got underway with our board member Talya Schwartz appointed to further our advocacy efforts within the county.
Saved bus routes 2, 84, and 88 from being cut by advocating for NJ TRANSIT to take over the lines from Coach USA.
Organized two Turnpike Trap rallies in May and June with public statements by state and local elected officials, including Mayor Fulop, Mayor Baraka (op-ed), Senator Mukherji and the entire city councils of Jersey City and Hoboken.
Launched our Port Authority campaign during the PANYNJ’s 2025 Budget comment period to ask for increased PATH service on off-peak times, extension to the Newark Airport, and expanding the Exclusive Bus Lane hours of operation on the Lincoln Tunnel.
Co-led the Manhattan Avenue & Franklin Street protected bike line campaign with Bike JC and JC Heights Parents.
Pre-launched a Connect Jersey City & Newark campaign in partnership with East Coast Greenway, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, and NJ Bike & Walk Coalition.
Launched our Awareness Walk & Ride program, with three events this fall, including a walk over the Rt. 1&9 bridge with Hudson County Vision Zero Task Force members, a bus ride with Senator McKnight, and a bike ride from Hoboken to Secaucus with JC Transportation Director Mike Manzella in partnership with County Sheriff officers.
Launched our Mission video thanks to collaboration with local videographer Mark Smith.
Hosted our first in-person fundraiser in the Spring, which raised $7500 net thanks to the amazing support of our community.
Bayonne Green was established by community member Miso Demko and hosted the first ever community bike rides in Bayonne.
LAST CALL: Comment on the Port Authority’s 2025 Budget Plan
Monday December 9th is the last day to send in your written comments to ask for better PATH service and any other improvements we want to see!
Two Ways to Take Action
Write in a letter using our pre-written letter writing system.
Attend the December 12 Port Authority Board Meeting where the vote to approve the budget will take place and ask for increased service and network expansion.
Holiday Social Thursday December 12
We will be having a holiday social party at The Hutton in Jersey City Heights next Thursday! Join us to celebrate a year of wins and what we can do better and more of in 2025.
Upcoming Events
Our online calendar is being updated frequently with community bike rides, socials, street fairs, and more!
Worth Reading or Watching
How this Danish industrial city attracted startups with two wheels.
The Greenway will begin construction in Newark at the start of the new year.
Get Involved
Make a donation to support our movement!
Sign, forward and share our active campaigns for #FixJFKBlvd, 14th St. Viaduct, Boulevard East, the Turnpike Trap and #Fix139.
Visit our advocacy groups and reach out to them. We are still looking for local champions in West New York, Guttenberg, and Secaucus.
Join our Slack Workspace or browse other ways to help.
Around the Hudson
Take the West Hudson Circulation survey that will study mobility for the west region of the county, which includes Kearny, Harrison, and East Newark.
Tell your State Legislators to support S361 that will establish a state-wide Vision Zero Task Force to eliminate all road fatalities and serious injuries.
The Meadowlands District wants safe streets. Visit the project website and take the survey.
KEEP IT MOVING! is a new long range transportation survey for the future of New Jersey. Take the survey.
Learn more about Newark’s BIKENewark project.
Harrison has released materials for the Harrison Streets for All project plan.
The New Jersey State Plan is being updated. The plan contains a holistic framework on how land is used and to guide future development. Residents can now participate in a survey or make public comments online.
The Greenway is underway. Stay up to date here.