New Study Shows Almost As Many Bikes As Motor Vehicles On Local Highway

A new study commissioned by the New Jersey Department of Transportation reveals that, during the peak usage time on Saturday afternoon, bicycles make up just over 47 percent of the traffic on U.S. Route 9W, just outside New York City. In a three day period, 35 percent of all vehicles traveling the stretch of Route 9W north of Orbach Way were bicycles.

"This study shows that bicycling is booming in the New York City area," said Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives. "There are times when Route 9W draws virtually the same number of bikes as motor vehicles, showing tremendous local interest in bicycling. It's imperative that public officials meet this demand with appropriate infrastructure for safe bicycling."

"The increased number of bicyclists along Route 9W is a boon for my business," said Tim Bartz, owner of Bunbury's Coffee Shop in Piermont, New York. "As bicyclists make their way along the Hudson River, they stop in Piermont and visit our local restaurants and shops. More bicyclists on 9W means more business for Bunbury's Coffee Shop."

Local bicyclists are calling for wider road shoulders and more consistent enforcement of dangerous driving infractions along the popular bicycling route. Consistent, 24-hour bicycle access over the George Washington Bridge would also ensure the safe growth of bicycling along the corridor.

Route 9W, which connects to the George Washington Bridge, has long been known as a popular biking location. This study is the first major attempt to quantify the high volume of bike traffic on the highway.

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