Communities in Motion: Walk Metuchen, NJ

Walk Metuchen was developed to “encourage people to get out and walk in their communities by highlighting routes linking residential areas to the train station, to downtown, to parks and to schools.” These routes would serve to promote activity, build community and reduce congestion. Local officials tout the Walk Metuchen initiative as a part of their long term economic plan. The program allows local shops to gain much needed “shop-window capture”, which leads to increased business and creates a draw for investors.

For the purposes of this project, the borough was divided into quadrants, with a well-marked walking route of between 1.8 and 2.7 miles delineated in each zone. Routes are marked with large customized signs, permanent directional arrows and maps. The regular placement of mileposts and route markers serve as frequent reminders to borough residents of the walking paths and routes linking their homes to the train station, businesses, and parks.

Metuchen improved upon existing pedestrian thoroughfares, including sidewalk and other municipal paths, to create the routes and connect points of interest. The routes were chosen to best serve all residents, as well as boost the economic vitality of the downtown area.

Results
Walk Metuchen has been in place for over five years and has been deemed a resounding success. Borough officials cite extensive use of the network and increased downtown vitality. Walk Metuchen continues to assess and fine-tune the routes and ongoing promotion is critical to its success. In addition, Walk Metuchen surveys users to gauge what they think of the program. The borough just received a grant from Keep Middlesex Moving, the local transportation management association, to help maintain mile markers, signs and sidewalks.

Lessons Learned
Strong leadership made this program happen. The mayor of Metuchen was behind the project from the start and acted in various roles on the project. Two other leaders emerged, a local councilwoman and the borough’s recreation director. Working together these three local players developed a model program.

Continuous assessment of the program is extremely important to keeping it viable. User feedback must be considered at all times to ensure prolonged use. Also, frequency of use must be studied for each of the routes to determine if any need to be reexamined or redirected to maximize usage. Finally, if the response to the program remains strong, the addition of future routes can be considered to enhance the program overall.

Implementation
Metuchen took the following steps to implement its
“Walk Metuchen” program:

• Identify routes: engage municipal stakeholders in identifying safe, interesting, and accessible routes. Including municipal partners early in the process can lead to continued support as the project progresses.
• In Metuchen, stakeholders included the Department of Public Works, the Police Department, the Borough Planner, the Borough Engineer and a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
• Mark paths with attractive, uniform signage: create an easily identifiable logo that will engage the interest of community members. Install signage along routes in clearly visible locations. A Metuchen resident volunteered his talents to create the “Walk Metuchen” signage.
• Develop route maps and distribute them widely: create maps that are easy to follow and generate interest in their use.
• Metuchen stressed the ease of use, stating that residents can “walk out their front door and hop on a trail.” Mail maps to residents to announce program launch. Follow up with periodic reminders in newsletters and local press. Make copies available in community institutions such as libraries, transit centers, schools, and community centers and downloadable from the website. Post a second mailing to assure distribution and to reach new residents.
• Promote the program: through banners, press conferences, and special events. Continue promotion through linking with other events.
• For example, Metuchen held a “Jingle Bell Walk” to celebrate the holiday season and promote the use of the routes.
• Nurture and maintain partnerships with stakeholders: these relationships are important not only to the continuation of the walking program but can be built upon to increase active living opportunities in the community.

Metuchen partnered with NJ Transit which promoted the program at the borough train station. The Municipal Parking Authority also promoted the program when it distributed commuter parking permits.

Resources

Metuchen Creates a Walking Metro System: A Healthy Communities Program sponsored by the Borough of Metuchen and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

www.feetfirst.info
Founded in 1996 to promote the rights and interests of pedestrians and to encourage walking, Feet First serves the Puget Sound region and all of Washington state

www.walkboston.org
WalkBoston is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to improving walking conditions in cities and towns across Massachusetts. Founded in 1990, its goal is to make walking and pedestrian needs a basic part of the transportation discussion

Contacts

WalkMetuchen
Borough of Metuchen
Borough Hall
500 Main Street
Metuchen, NJ 08840
Phone: (732) 632-8540
www.metuchennewjersey.com

References
Feet First. (2005). Six Basic Walker Rights. Retrieved August 23, 2005 from: http://www.feetfirst.info
Fenyk, H. (2005, May). Walk Metuchen. [Report]. New Brunswick, NJ: The Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.
Rodriguez, D., Khattak, A.J., & K.R. Evenson. (2004). Can neighborhood design encourage walking and bicycling?: Physical activity in a urbanist and a conventional suburban community. Chapel Hill: University of Chapel Hill.
WalkBoston. (2006). Events. Retrieved March 24, 2006 from: http://www.walkboston.org/events/walks.htm