The primary focus of the meeting was the long-planned roundabout at the intersections of West Perry, Myrtle, and Park Boulevard, a project that has been in motion since 2011. The construction of the roundabout is expected to address the safety concerns at what has been described as the “craziest intersection” in the area. The committee explored various aspects of the roundabout’s design, including its potential impact on traffic flow, bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, and the necessity of rerouting bicycle traffic to improve safety. Terry DiUbaldi suggested reassigning bus routes to Park Boulevard instead of Broadway to alleviate some of the traffic concerns associated with the roundabout.

As the discussion progressed, members examined several design considerations to ensure the roundabout would accommodate different modes of transportation safely. There was a consensus on the importance of additional signage and infrastructure to guide vehicles and cyclists. The committee also acknowledged the need for safer and more accessible routes for cyclists, with particular attention to the lack of adequate pathways for making turns at specific locations.

Another agenda item was the proposal to install three-way stop signs at the intersection of Almyra and Venice. A member presented research from the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, suggesting that stop controls could decrease accidents and fatalities by 10%, particularly benefiting bicyclists making left turns. Based on this data, the committee agreed that implementing stop signs at the intersection could be justified.

During the meeting, the committee also discussed broader infrastructure issues, such as the incorporation of dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly features like bump outs at street corners. These elements are seen as crucial for enhancing pedestrian safety and visibility. The challenges posed by utility work and its impact on project timelines, especially for Beach Avenue, were also addressed. The committee emphasized the need to coordinate construction activities with private developments to ensure a cohesive approach to infrastructure improvements.

Updates on county-led revisions to road layouts and traffic flow were presented, including adjustments to stop bars and lane markings, and the addition of a fence to guide pedestrian movement toward designated crosswalks. The committee highlighted the significance of directing foot traffic to improve safety and the potential repurposing of a parking area for bike racks to benefit cyclists and event attendees.

The need for additional bike racks in the town was a topic of discussion, recognizing the growing number of cyclists. Proposals included creating a safe route to the beach for residents and visitors, with suggestions for signage and designated paths. George Dick, Deputy Mayor of West Cape May, emphasized the need for safer routes and highlighted concerns about bicycle safety in the town. The committee debated the utility of printed maps versus digital navigation options for cyclists, with plans to revisit the discussion in the future.

A passionate proposal emerged from a member regarding the use of eminent domain on the railroad to create a continuous bike trail on the island, extending all the way to the canal. The idea of utilizing an easement along the Atlantic Electric railroad track for the bike path was also discussed. The committee talked about the potential to coordinate with the federal government for funding sidewalk and bike path improvements and the challenges residents face in sharing funding for sidewalk maintenance with the city.

Lastly, the possibility of Cape May becoming an All-American bicycle city was discussed, with members suggesting revisiting the application process as a guideline for further improvements. This designation could align with the committee’s goals of ensuring clear navigation tools for cyclists and pedestrians, as well as addressing safety concerns.