Letter to the Editor: Benefits to Extending the Minuteman Bikeway

~Submitted by Mark Bailey

I support the Minuteman Extension because I want it to be safer to get around town without a car. The project makes Bedford more connected, accessible, inclusive, and responsible. Folks interested in learning more should watch the video. Key benefits are summarized below.

SAFE

Improves crossings at Railroad Ave., Hartwell Rd., and Concord Road (Rt. 62)
Improves Railroad Ave. with new sidewalk and shared-use path, striping and signs, reduced flooding
Installs rails in dangerous areas like Mongo Brook crossing
Provides stone dust shoulders along 75% of the trail for walkers, runners who prefer soft surface

CONNECTED

Connects neighbors to neighbors, workers to jobs, kids to schools and playing fields
Links Bedford east to west, connecting people to businesses and conservation areas
Connects to the library, Town Hall, playground, JGMS, BHS, and playing fields
Links to Narrow Gauge Trail, leading to shops, Springs Brook, Fawn Lake, Lane School
Connects to Minuteman, leading to Lexington, Arlington, and Cambridge, ending at Alewife Station
Strengthens our position in growing regional network of transportation alternatives

ACCESSIBLE, INCLUSIVE

Supports users of all ages and abilities, including users of adaptive devices
Provides safe, affordable option for those who don’t drive or have access to a vehicle
Enables the trail to be usable for more of the year

CLIMATE WIN

Supports active transit, replacing car trips, improving health with less congestion, less idling, less pollution. 40% of our Greenhouse Gas emissions are from transportation.
Addresses drainage on Railroad Ave., increasing resilience to climate change impacts
If the extension allows residents to replace even small numbers of car trips, this will more than offset the lost carbon sequestration potential of the 4.34 acres of trees impacted
Skipping just one year of road resurfacing would offset the asphalt carbon cost of project
No Adverse Effect under Clean Water, Endangered Species, Historic Preservation Acts
No portion of the proposed project is in Estimated Habitat of Rare Wildlife

RESPONSIBLE

Fixes Railroad Ave. with $3.2M of state funding. As town road, this is not a good candidate for TIP funding, which prioritizes connectivity and greenways, on its own
Ensures the Town has the necessary land rights to keep the trail open to all
Assures access to maintain utilities, such as water, sewer, and fiber optic lines
Preserves our reputation as a serious partner to the state

Editor’s note: Mark Bailey is chair of the Bedford Bicycle Advisory Committee.