I came across this article in PSFK titled How Walkable is Your Neighborhood? from March 27, 2009 that had me thinking about Kinnelon, NJ, and our 'walkability.'Now, on one hand, I fully accept that there aren't too many of us who can live around here without a car. Hills, craggy outcrops, wetlands, wells and septic systems mean that we aren't as densely settled as areas closer in to NYC. At the same time,though, given how we've been exploring and enjoying the many hikes around Smoke Rise and Kinnelon, I consider us tremendously walkable.
So, I was curious to obtain our score from WalkScore.com.
Smoke Rise received a pathetic 6 out of 100 whereas Kinnelon, NJ received a 15.
Butler, NJ received a score of 78. In other words, very walkable! [I'm not sure that WalkScore has fully factored in steep hills, though.]
I see some quirks in the system. You'll note that the Kinnelon Library doesn't show up as an option. Furthermore, the listing of resources includes inconsistencies [e.g., Pathmark appears on the map, but not in the listing of groceries, and LongFellows has to be closer than 2.6 miles if Stop&Shop is 1.9 miles].
However, the overall concept is intriguing and gets you thinking about how we might function in a more energy efficient or cooperative way...
What if there were jitney or carpool stops around the borough to get to/from Pathmark or the movie theater without having to get into an individual car? What if there were times of day or week when say Kiel Avenue were shut off to car traffic to encourage bicycling?
You get the picture. It might not be fully practical, but when you start experiencing the magic of the hikes and trails available in our neighborhood, it gets you thinking about 'what if' scenarios...
How 'bout you? What kind of scenarios come to mind when you consider 'what if?'
PS: Check out The WalkScore Blog which is a fun and practical read.
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4 comments:
I would like, on a Sunday morning, to jump on my bike and ride to pick up bagels. Riding my bike on Kinnelon Rd. scares me. The traffic goes so fast. The side roads are not conducive to bike riding as well.
Everyone is in such a hurry.
I love living here in Kinnelon, but miss the ability to get around without a car.
Lisa, I agree. It would be so nice to feel comfortable/safe on a bicycle around here.
And, as you and I have discussed, a few more crosswalks would be nice, too. Say from the Inn to the Inn parking lot.
Maybe some day?
Thanks for the comment.
CB
The absence of sidewalks is one of the main things that gives Kinnelon a very low ‘walkable’ score. As far as bikes go – I’m still pissed that the town wasted so much money putting up those idiotic “Bike Route” signs. It is a total joke. There is no more of a bike route on those roads then there is on Route 23. They could have used that money for almost anything more constructive. How about actually putting some books in the library? The kids section is great but the adult section if pretty much limited to romance novels.
Sid, I agree with you about the sidewalks. It's something we notice is missing throughout many NNJ boroughs. Demarest was terrible about sidewalks!
As it relates to the library, did you know that you can access any book in the NJ library system online? That's something Ted intends to discuss.
Thanks very much for commenting.
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