Jersey City is a prime example of how cities can improve public spaces and make streets more accessible and safe for everyone.
Just two years ago, the city made a bold move by creating a new Department of Infrastructure.
As part of its efforts, this department manages streets, parks, transit systems, and public buildings.
By bringing all of these under one roof, the city has made faster and more effective changes that benefit its residents.
Let’s take a closer look at how these changes are improving residents’ lives.
- Jersey City’s Department of Infrastructure has improved public spaces by creating 25 miles of protected bike lanes and pedestrian plazas and planting over 1,000 trees.
- Quick, low-cost projects have made streets safer and more convenient for walking and biking, helping the city grow into a more livable place.
- Transit programs focused on helping low-income and minority communities have made it easier for all residents to get around the city.
Transforming Streets and Public Spaces
One of the major successes of Jersey City’s Department of Infrastructure has been turning streets and asphalt areas into useful public spaces.
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.
Though these changes are more than making the city look nicer, they help people move around more easily and safely.
The city has also built new parks and parklets—small outdoor seating areas for restaurants—so people can enjoy more outdoor spaces.
In line with these efforts, the city’s 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.
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.
Better Public Transit and Fair Access for All
And there’s even better news: Jersey City is also improving how people get around by making public transit more convenient.
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.
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.
The fact that 37% of city households are now car-free reflects the success of the city’s transit options.
But what’s even more important is these transit improvements are helping low-income and minority communities.
For example, 78% of people using the city’s micro-transit service, and 67% of Citi Bike riders come from a mix of racial and ethnic backgrounds.
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.
Tactical Urbanism: Quick and Affordable Improvements
One of the key reasons for Jersey City’s fast progress is its use of Tactical Urbanism.
As part of the city’s strategy, this approach focuses on quickly making small, low-cost changes to public spaces instead of waiting for big, expensive projects to be completed.
By starting with temporary changes, the city can see how well an idea works and then decide if it should become permanent.
Take Newark Avenue, for instance, where the city used leftover materials like paint and planters to turn the street into a pedestrian-friendly area.
Thanks to its success, this temporary change worked so well that it became a permanent fixture with trees, bike racks, and pedestrian-friendly lighting.
Building on this progress, Jersey City also used Tactical Urbanism to quickly create protected bike lanes and make streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
These low-cost, quick solutions have allowed the city to make meaningful changes without the delays that often come with big infrastructure projects.
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.
A great example is the transformation of Bergen Square, where public plazas now replace former parking lots. Not only do these plazas reflect the area’s historical importance, but they also offer a welcoming space for people to gather today.
Safer Streets and a Better Quality of Life
With all the changes happening, Jersey City’s improvements have made the streets look better and safer.
In 2022, the city reported zero traffic deaths on its streets, a major accomplishment showing how well these new policies work.
Mayor Steven M. Fulop praised the city’s efforts, saying that the goal is to make Jersey City “one of the safest, most sustainable, and livable places in the nation.”
On that note, the focus on safety has been a major part of the city’s broader mission to improve the quality of life for all residents.
Jersey City’s Transformation: A City on the Rise
Over the past 20 years, Jersey City has seen incredible growth and transformation.
The city built a light rail system and redeveloped its waterfront, helping to bring in 50,000 new residents.
Jersey City now has nearly 300,000 residents and is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in New Jersey and even across the U.S.
The city’s smart planning, forward-thinking policies, and focus on livability have turned it into a place where people want to live, work, and visit.
So, as we can see, Jersey City is setting an example for other cities to follow by focusing on public spaces, transportation, and safety.
