The Hoboken City Council will take a vote on a measure asking the Hudson County government to install a permanent bike lane on the 14th Street Viaduct at Wednesday evening’s meeting.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Whereas, the City Council of the City of Hoboken seeks to express its support for the creation of a protected multi-use cycle path on the 14th Street Viaduct between Palisade Avenue and 19th Street, and asks that Hudson County and the municipalities of Hoboken, Union City, and Jersey City work together to take the steps necessary to make this happen,” the resolution says.
The local legislation, sponsored by Council President Emily Jabbour, 5th Ward Councilman Phil Cohen, and Councilman-at-Large Joe Quintero, cites that support already exists on the municipal level.
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, and state Senator (D-33)/Union City Mayor Brian Stack wrote letters in support of the endeavor late last year shortly after Hudson County Complete Streets began pushing for it.
“On August 16th, the county started removing the protected barriers as the sidewalk guardrail was completed. During the construction we surveyed hundreds of pedestrians and people on bikes using the protected lanes to safely move around,” the advocacy group wrote on their website last August.
“As seen during this Bike JC Community Ride, hundreds of people on bikes can safely ride up and down the viaduct. We will continue to push and advocate for a permanent protected cycling lane on the viaduct. Please continue to share the petition and thank you for all your effort thus far!”
On Tuesday afternoon, Hudson County spokesman Jim Kennelly said they are planning a road redesign that likely included a protected bike lane in both directions.
“The County is planning a redesign of the road network at this location that will better serve the needs of the community today. Part of that work will likely be a protected bike lane in both directions. There is no set timeline but funding for the planning work is being developed/sought now.”
The Hoboken council will convene on Wednesday at City Hall, 94 Washington St., at 7 p.m., with the meeting streaming live on their Facebook and YouTube pages.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with a comment from Hudson County spokesman Jim Kennelly.