Charles T. Brown, MPA, CPD

A benefit/cost analysis was conducted to evaluate the trade-offs between increases in travel time associated with the road diet conversion versus the benefits of crash reduction. The value of time was estimated using the median household in come of New Brunswick residents, US median household income (as recommended by US DOT guidance), and higher value based on median household income for Middlesex County. The range of valuation of crashes was based on US DOT estimates of the value of a… Show more

A benefit/cost analysis was conducted to evaluate the trade-offs between increases in travel time associated with the road diet conversion versus the benefits of crash reduction. The value of time was estimated using the median household in come of New Brunswick residents, US median household income (as recommended by US DOT guidance), and higher value based on median household income for Middlesex County. The range of valuation of crashes was based on US DOT estimates of the value of a statistical life. Results show that there is a large positive net present value associated with a road diet conversion in all the scenarios analyzed, for all values of a statistical life (as recommended by US DOT), and for all estimates of travel time costs. These range up to a net present value over a 20 year life time of $60 million. Positive benefits are achieved even if there is only a 10% reduction in crashes or if the cost of the road diet conversion is as high as $10 million (we would expect the cost to be substantially less than this, and our base estimates assume a $60,000 cost). Show less

The Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center (VTC) undertook an effort to benchmark the current state of travel by a unique set of travelers, transit riders who travel to stations by bicycle. To fill this knowledge gap, VTC collected data to document the current levels of travel by bicyclists to rail transit stations during commuting hours, to learn about the conditions they encounter along their trips and at stations, to understand their motivations in choosing this means of access to stations… Show more

The Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center (VTC) undertook an effort to benchmark the current state of travel by a unique set of travelers, transit riders who travel to stations by bicycle. To fill this knowledge gap, VTC collected data to document the current levels of travel by bicyclists to rail transit stations during commuting hours, to learn about the conditions they encounter along their trips and at stations, to understand their motivations in choosing this means of access to stations, and to learn in more detail the travel behaviors of those who make these kinds of journeys and of their travel more generally. To do this, VTC conducted several data collection activities: 1) counts at 35 stations of bicyclists who ride to station for the purpose of boarding trains; 2) inventories of 214 stations and the approaching roadways to document conditions experienced by bicyclists traveling to stations; 3) a focus group with bicyclists who travel to rail stations to learn first-hand about their experiences; and 4) a survey of bicyclists who travel to stations. Together, these activities benchmark the current state of rail commuters who access stations by bicycle and provide a resource for the evaluation of future conditions. Show less

Due to the limited availability of information on people’s valuation of different types of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, the Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center at Rutgers University undertook a survey of New Jersey residents by focusing on two large regions of the state, namely, the greater Bloomfield area of northern New Jersey and the greater Cherry Hill area of southern New Jersey.

This report presents some of the key findings from the survey. It specifically focuses on… Show more

Due to the limited availability of information on people’s valuation of different types of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, the Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center at Rutgers University undertook a survey of New Jersey residents by focusing on two large regions of the state, namely, the greater Bloomfield area of northern New Jersey and the greater Cherry Hill area of southern New Jersey.

This report presents some of the key findings from the survey. It specifically focuses on people’s valuation of different types of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and the reasons for their valuation. The results from the analysis of other data collected through the survey will be presented in an expanded report. Show less

The primary objective of this study was to estimate the statewide economic impacts of active transportation in New Jersey in one year. The study was conducted in 2012 and used data from calendar year 2011. The research analyzed active transportation-related capital investments, businesses, and events to estimate economic activity generated and jobs supported. Using economic modeling, the research concluded that these components of active transportation contributed an estimated $497.46 million… Show more

The primary objective of this study was to estimate the statewide economic impacts of active transportation in New Jersey in one year. The study was conducted in 2012 and used data from calendar year 2011. The research analyzed active transportation-related capital investments, businesses, and events to estimate economic activity generated and jobs supported. Using economic modeling, the research concluded that these components of active transportation contributed an estimated $497.46 million to the New Jersey economy in 2011. Show less

The objective of this study was to develop a framework (complete with performance measures) for NJDOT and local municipalities to monitor and evaluate Complete Streets implementation in New Jersey. As part of the study, the research team conducted a national literature review regarding Complete Streets. Researchers sought to identify performance measures that are in harmony with Complete Streets principles and to document the current state of knowledge and practice regarding the implementation,… Show more

The objective of this study was to develop a framework (complete with performance measures) for NJDOT and local municipalities to monitor and evaluate Complete Streets implementation in New Jersey. As part of the study, the research team conducted a national literature review regarding Complete Streets. Researchers sought to identify performance measures that are in harmony with Complete Streets principles and to document the current state of knowledge and practice regarding the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of Complete Streets on the state, county, and municipal level. The research team conducted a Complete Streets Leadership Roundtable and interviews with experts inside and outside the State of New Jersey. These select interviews were conducted to catalog opinions on what constitutes “success” in terms of Complete Streets policy implementation and how to monitor and evaluate implementation in the short-and longer-term.
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This report is intended to extend and update the information provided in the 2010 Pedestrian Safety Tracking Report. Data presented in this report were collected from a variety of sources, but focus on the Plan4Safety database of reported crashes in the State of New Jersey. This database is maintained by the Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. The data in the Plan4Safety database are compiled from police records and… Show more

This report is intended to extend and update the information provided in the 2010 Pedestrian Safety Tracking Report. Data presented in this report were collected from a variety of sources, but focus on the Plan4Safety database of reported crashes in the State of New Jersey. This database is maintained by the Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. The data in the Plan4Safety database are compiled from police records and verified by New Jersey Department of Transportation. This report updates the 2010 report with data from 2009 and 2010, while also increasing the accuracy of previously reported data through more robust data extraction Show less

The purpose of this research was to identify high pedestrian crash locations at or near bus stops; analyze motorist and pedestrian behavior proximate to identified bus stops; comprehend pedestrian safety perceptions; and, analyze built environment characteristics that may contribute to crashes. Assessing factors that contribute to pedestrian crashes can be very complex, so our research approach incorporated a number of methods to assess the problem from different vantage points.

Co-founded “Got Bikes?...Ride’em”—a program that teaches adult and children the history of bicycles, places to ride, benefits and safety. Presented to approximately 400 participants; program received the Community Education “Program of the Year Award” from the Florida Bicycle Association.

The purpose of the evaluation was to determine whether "Operation Free Palms" had been effective at improving the quality of life of residents at the Palms Apartment complex.

The purpose of the evaluation, “A Critical Look Inside OPD Off-Duty Work Program”, was to determine how to develop and implement a new off-duty work program that would increase oversight and accountability, reduce officer, public and departmental liability, and eliminate the appearance of impropriety.

The objective of this study is to document the current state of knowledge regarding the 3 Foot Law, and highlight its perceived strengths, weaknesses, and overall effectiveness in protecting bicyclists. This effort provides support for the identification and analysis of legislation and policy intended to protect bicyclists from motorists in New Jersey. The research team conducted a review of national literature on the 3 Foot Law and other comparable national and international bicycle laws and… Show more

The objective of this study is to document the current state of knowledge regarding the 3 Foot Law, and highlight its perceived strengths, weaknesses, and overall effectiveness in protecting bicyclists. This effort provides support for the identification and analysis of legislation and policy intended to protect bicyclists from motorists in New Jersey. The research team conducted a review of national literature on the 3 Foot Law and other comparable national and international bicycle laws and policies (e.g., Vulnerable Users Law, Distracted Driving Law, and Dooring Law). This task was performed to assess the law’s overall effectiveness in reducing bicycle-vehicular crashes and to inform subsequent work. The research team conducted 23 interviews with 20 bicycle advocates and 3 nationally recognized bicycle experts. Interviews were conducted with bicycle advocates from each of the twenty states that have passed 3 Foot Laws to document best practices and to understand barriers and challenges associated with passing such legislation. Interviews focused upon the value, effectiveness, and perceived shortcomings of each state’s respective law. Researchers identified advocates through the use of 3feetplease.com website—a grassroots campaign devoted to advocating on behalf of the 3 Foot Law.
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The New Jersey Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Center (NJBPRC) is embarking on its tenth year of outreach, education, and assistance efforts to advance cycling and walking across New Jersey. To ensure the continued success and effectiveness of the NJBPRC, a strategic planning process was initiated in 2011 to take stock of past successes, and to identify current challenges and opportunities informing and guiding the Center’s work over the next three to five years. The process of creating this… Show more

The New Jersey Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Center (NJBPRC) is embarking on its tenth year of outreach, education, and assistance efforts to advance cycling and walking across New Jersey. To ensure the continued success and effectiveness of the NJBPRC, a strategic planning process was initiated in 2011 to take stock of past successes, and to identify current challenges and opportunities informing and guiding the Center’s work over the next three to five years. The process of creating this Plan has been a joint effort between the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Office of Bicycle & Pedestrian Programs and the Voorhees Transportation Center (based at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey) where the NJBPRC is housed.

Through a series of planning retreats with the NJBPRC project team, as well as an interactive workshop with external stakeholders, mission and vision statements have been developed, along with goals, strategies, and actions to guide plan implementation over the coming years. Show less

Authored a strategic plan for Wake-Up Mentoring, a nonprofit organization with a vision to become Central Florida’s most respected and preferred organization for at-risk youth and young offenders.