Drone Video Gives Birds-Eye View Of Belleville Bike Lane Experiment

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Sometimes it takes a birds-eye view to get the full picture.

A newly released drone video gives a different look at a recent traffic safety experiment in Belleville.

In October, the town created a two-way protected bicycle path between Nolton Street and Belleville High School along Division Avenue for a week. It was marked with removable paint and movable plastic posts, with vehicle parking limited in some areas during the demonstration.

The temporary bike lane saw mixed reviews from local residents. Read More: Belleville Experiments With Pop-Up Bike Lane To Improve Traffic Safety

Most of the people who saw the experiment in action likely got their view from behind the wheel of a car, or as a pedestrian. But a video from the Belleville Board of Education – filmed via drone and shared earlier this month – provides a different perspective of the action.

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According to EZ Ride – a nonprofit public-private partnership that strives to address “commuting challenges” in New Jersey – the initiative focused on Division Avenue, a congested road connecting Union Avenue to Passaic Street. The corridor experiences heavy traffic during school drop-off and pickup times at Belleville High School and Belleville School No. 7, with speeding posing additional risks.

The project aimed to evaluate the potential for a dedicated bike lane, highlighted through a pop-up demonstration.

EZ Ride shared the following “key milestones” involving the project:

Walkability and Bikeability Audit (May 8) – From 1:30 to 4 p.m., the project team assessed driver and pedestrian behavior, photographed the area, and documented traffic patterns around the schools. A speed study was also conducted to gather data on vehicle speeds and congestion levels.

Temporary Bike Lane Installation (October 24) – The Township DPW installed a temporary two-way bike lane along Division Avenue using flexible delineators. This pilot project demonstrated how dedicated cyclist infrastructure could reduce conflicts between cars and bikes while enhancing safety.

Bike and Roll to School Day (October 30) – EZ Ride organized a community bike and roll event at Belleville High School. Students, residents, local police, and township staff—including Assistant Principal Emily Pascali— participated. Bill Quick of Borderline Bike Shop and his family also joined the ride, making it a community-wide celebration.

Bike and E-Scooter Safety Presentation (November 1) – To promote safe cycling practices, EZ Ride conducted a Safe Skills class at the high school, distributed helmets, and hosted a short community ride on the temporary bike lane. Afterward, the Township DPW dismantled the lane. A feedback survey was circulated to gauge community reactions and suggestions.

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