April 27, 2016

Today, Medford Mayor Stephanie Burke announced that the city has completed its Bicycle Infrastructure Master Plan. The document provides recommendations and guidelines for creating a bicycle transportation network that will make it safer and easier for residents and visitors to get to important destinations like schools, stores and jobs in and around Medford.

The master plan details changes that could be made to Medford’s streets to improve safety—not only for bike riders, but for motorists and pedestrians as well.

It covers over 40 streets all across Medford, as well as ideas for some new pathways that could connect neighborhoods to each other and to our many recreational open spaces. Recommendations range from short-term solutions that could be done inexpensively and quickly—to those that would require more extensive planning and construction.

While some of the recommendations are specific, others are more conceptual and would need further work to address more complex details and design issues.

The master plan will be used by Medford’s Department of Public Works, Office of Community Development, and Traffic Commission as they consider future road improvements using a Complete Streets approach. This means that streets are designed and managed to provide safe access to all users of all ages and abilities—whether they be pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists or users of public transportation.

“As we get moving on our commitment to develop and implement a Complete Streets policy, the Bicycle Infrastructure Master Plan for Medford will be a tremendous resource,” said Mayor Burke. "I want to thank the members of the Bicycle Advisory Commission for their commitment to augmenting our infrastructure, connecting our neighborhoods and playing a vital role in the roll out of our "Complete Streets" policy.

“Many of the projects in the plan will not be expensive to carry out, and when implemented, will really send a message that Medford is a safe and welcoming place to get around by bike," Mayor Burke said.

The Bicycle Infrastructure Master Plan for Medford was developed by the Medford Bicycle Advisory Commission and can be viewed at medfordbikes.org.