Friday, September 21, 2012

New Bike Path Connector Project improves Wildwoods’ ‘Bikeability’


PRESS RELEASE

Uninterrupted multi-jurisdictional bikeway extending over six miles creates one of New Jersey’s longest off-road bike & pedestrian paths

Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bicycle; and pedaling through the Wildwoods has now become easier and safer than ever, due to the completion of the new Cresse Avenue Bicycle/Pedestrian Ramp Project unveiled today, Friday, September 21.

“The Wildwoods Boardwalk Special Improvement District is proud to see this bike path connector – one of many improvement projects in the queue for the Wildwoods Boardwalk and Downtown areas – come to official completion today – and to have been a part of the process that helped make it happen,” said Patrick Rosenello, Executive Director of the Wildwoods Boardwalk Special Improvement District, Management Corporation (WSID).

The ADA-compliant Cresse Avenue Bicycle/Pedestrian Ramp provides safe access to the world-famous boardwalk and creates an uninterrupted multi-jurisdictional bikeway extending over six miles, from the Wildwood Crest Beach Bikeway Corridor, up the new access ramp to the Wildwood/North Wildwood Boardwalk and continuing through North Wildwood’s bike path to the Sea Wall. This route represents one of the longest off-road, uninterrupted bike and pedestrian paths in New Jersey.

“Not only does this new ramp address critical transportation and accessibility needs, but it fixes several pedestrian and bicycle safety concerns – adding ‘bikeability’ to the already long list of great descriptors for the Wildwoods,” said Tom Byrne, Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority Board Chair.

In addition to the pedestrian and bicycle safety enhancements –  which were the primary focus of the project – aesthetic enhancements including an Analematic sun dial, bicycle racks, lighting and signage are a part of the new ramp project.

This project is part of an intergovernmental effort between the Borough of Wildwood Crest, the City of Wildwood, the Wildwoods Boardwalk Special Improvement District (WSID), the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

Funding for this project was derived from four sources including:

* Professional Fees for grant applications and administration was paid for by the Wildwoods Boardwalk SID, Management Corporation;
* A Small Cities Public Facilities grant of $400,000 from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA);
 * A Bikeways grant of $290,000 from the New Jersey Department of Transportation;
 * A contribution from the Borough of Wildwood Crest Urban Enterprise Zone funding in the amount of $155,000.

For more information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.       
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About the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority


The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA) was formed in 1993 to consolidate the tourism economy of its three founding municipalities: Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and North Wildwood. The Wildwoods have won numerous travel and tourism awards, heralding the resort for its beaches, boardwalk and attractions.

The Wildwoods were named “Best Beaches in New Jersey” in the 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2008 Top Ten New Jersey Beaches public survey, sponsored by the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. Wildwoods’ beaches were also named “Best Beach for Family Vacations,” “Best Beach for Tourism,” “Best Beach for Events,” “Best Beach for Eco-Tourism” and “Best Beach for Day Trips” in the same surveys. The Wildwoods were named #1 Boardwalk in the nation by FamilyVacationCritic.com in 2012; and Smarter Travel also named the Wildwoods Boardwalk, one of “Americas Best Boardwalks.” The 2012 list of “15 Destinations on the Rise” for Trip Advisor included the Wildwoods, and Homes.com voted the Wildwoods one of “Americas Top 10 Scenic Seaside’s of the Summer.” In addition, the Wildwoods were voted “Best Town” in the 2009 and 2011 PHL-17 Philly Hot List, Jersey Shore Edition contest; and were one of Sherman’s Travel’s “Top Ten American Boardwalks” for two years in a row.

The Tourism Authority operates the Wildwoods Convention Center and acts as the island’s destination marketing organization overseeing the development, research, planning, marketing, advertising, promotion, public and media relations encompassing the tourism, meeting and convention industry in the Wildwoods. Additionally, the Authority funds, assists with and hosts more than 180 annual special events to enhance the visitor experience and extend the tourism season, including the Beach Monster Mash Truck Races, Family Nights On The Boardwalk, Friday Night Fireworks, the New Jersey State Barbeque Championships and Anglesea Blues Festival, Classic Car Shows, the International Kite Festival, Irish and Italian Festivals and the National Marbles Tournament, among others.

For more information about the Wildwoods, contact the GWTIDA at 1-800-WW-By-Sea (800-992-9732) or visit its web site, www.WildwoodsNJ.com.

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