Jersey City is a prime example of how cities can improve public spaces and make streets more accessible and safe for everyone.<\/p>\n
Just two years ago, the city made a bold move by creating a new Department of Infrastructure.<\/p>\n
As part of its efforts, this department manages streets, parks, transit systems, and public buildings.<\/p>\n
By bringing all of these under one roof, the city has made faster and more effective changes that benefit its residents.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s take a closer look at how these changes are improving residents’ lives.<\/p>\n
One of the major successes of Jersey City\u2019s Department of Infrastructure has been turning streets and asphalt areas into useful public spaces.<\/p>\n
Over the last two years, the city has added nearly 25 miles of protected bike lanes, created new pedestrian plazas, and planted more than 1,000 trees.<\/p>\n
Though these changes are more than making the city look nicer, they help people move around more easily and safely.<\/p>\n
The city has also built new parks and parklets\u2014small outdoor seating areas for restaurants\u2014so people can enjoy more outdoor spaces.<\/p>\n
In line with these efforts, the city\u2019s overall plan, which includes a Bicycle Master Plan and Pedestrian Enhancement Plan, supports a long-term vision of making the city greener and more connected.<\/p>\n
As part of this approach, these plans are helping to create a future where getting around on foot or by bike is more accessible, and public spaces are more enjoyable.<\/p>\n
And there\u2019s even better news: Jersey City is also improving how people get around by making public transit more convenient.<\/p>\n
The city has introduced several programs, including a regional bike-sharing service, an on-demand rideshare service, and a subsidized ferry that connects Jersey City to Lower Manhattan.<\/p>\n
Thankfully, these changes have made a real difference. Today, 57% of Jersey City residents walk, bike, or use public transit to get to work, and 99% of residents live within half a mile of a transit option.<\/p>\n
The fact that 37% of city households are now car-free reflects the success of the city\u2019s transit options.<\/p>\n
But what\u2019s even more important is these transit improvements are helping low-income and minority communities.<\/p>\n
For example, 78% of people using the city\u2019s micro-transit service, and 67% of Citi Bike riders come from a mix of racial and ethnic backgrounds.<\/p>\n
Plus, nearly half of all rides start or end near affordable housing. All this shows that Jersey City ensures its public transit serves everyone, especially those who need it most.<\/p>\n
One of the key reasons for Jersey City\u2019s fast progress is its use of Tactical Urbanism.<\/p>\n
As part of the city\u2019s strategy, this approach focuses on quickly making small, low-cost changes to public spaces instead of waiting for big, expensive projects to be completed.<\/p>\n
By starting with temporary changes, the city can see how well an idea works and then decide if it should become permanent.<\/p>\n
Take Newark Avenue, for instance, where the city used leftover materials like paint and planters to turn the street into a pedestrian-friendly area.<\/p>\n
Thanks to its success, this temporary change worked so well that it became a permanent fixture with trees, bike racks, and pedestrian-friendly lighting.<\/p>\n
Building on this progress, Jersey City also used Tactical Urbanism to quickly create protected bike lanes and make streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians.<\/p>\n
These low-cost, quick solutions have allowed the city to make meaningful changes without the delays that often come with big infrastructure projects.<\/p>\n
Urban planner Mike Lydon, who co-wrote a book on Tactical Urbanism, said that this is the only city that has used these methods more effectively and on such a large scale as Jersey City.<\/p>\n