Atlantic County Bikeway facts for kids
The Atlantic County Bikeway is a fun rail trail located in Atlantic County, New Jersey. A rail trail is a path built on an old, unused railroad line. It's a great place for biking, walking, and enjoying nature.
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What is the Atlantic County Bikeway?
The Atlantic County Bikeway is a special path for bikes and walkers. It stretches for about 7.56 miles (12.17 km). This path follows an old railroad track that is no longer used. The original railroad was called the West Jersey and Atlantic Railroad. Later, it became part of the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines.
Where Does the Bikeway Go?
The bikeway starts near the Shore Mall in Egg Harbor Township. This is close to exit 36 of the Garden State Parkway. The path then goes all the way to the Atlantic County Institute of Technology. This high school is located in Hamilton Township.
Features of the Bikeway
The Atlantic County Bikeway is designed for a smooth ride. It is 10 feet (3 meters) wide. This gives plenty of space for everyone. There are also 2-foot (0.6 meter) shoulders on each side. The path itself is made of asphalt, which is a smooth, paved surface.
Parking and Access
You can easily get onto the bikeway from different spots. There are three main parking areas, called trailheads.
- One trailhead is at the Shore Mall.
- Another is at the Atlantic County Institute of Technology high school.
- The third trailhead is located at English Creek Avenue.
How the Bikeway Was Created
The Atlantic County Bikeway officially opened on May 8, 2003. Creating such a path costs money. This project was funded by two main sources:
- The Atlantic County Open Space Trust Fund provided $463,000.
- A Federal Highway grant (ISTEA) added another $541,000.
These funds helped turn the old railroad into the bikeway we enjoy today.
Future Plans for the Bikeway
There are exciting plans to make the bikeway even longer.
- One idea is to extend the path west. This section is called "bikeway west."
- It would run from Gaskill Park in Mays Landing.
- The extension would go to an area near the Buena Vista Campground. This spot is close to Routes 54 and 40 in Buena Vista.
- This extension would reach the Cumberland County Line.
There is also a bigger dream for the future. People have suggested connecting the Atlantic County Bikeway to other old railroad lines in South Jersey. If this happens, the trail network could stretch all the way to Vineland. This would create a huge network of paths for biking and walking.
