MassDOT is continuing to focus on accessibility for bicyclists and pedestrians with state-wide planning efforts underway and with a series of events and initiatives designed to encourage active transportation options.

MassDOT is in the process of updating its two comprehensive active transportation blueprints; a revamped version of the Massachusetts Bicycle Transportation Plan (Bicycle Plan), which was last updated in 2008, is scheduled to be released in the fall, while a revised edition of the Massachusetts Pedestrian Transportation Plan (Pedestrian Plan) will be published this summer.

“The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to fostering opportunities for all modes of transportation including individuals who are walking or riding a bicycle,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “We are continuing to pursue fruitful initiatives and develop plans to guide bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure investments and help ensure people through the Commonwealth are able to enjoy their economic, environmental and health benefits of these modes of transportation.

“We are proud to work closely with our partners throughout Massachusetts in advancing bicycle and pedestrian transportation options,” said Highway Administrator Thomas J. Tinlin. “By developing a comprehensive bicycle plan and promoting awareness of bicyclists and pedestrians, we can increase safety, accessibility, and reliability for these and all other transportation options throughout the Commonwealth.”

An extensive outline of MassDOT’s vision and strategy for maximizing the benefits of bicycle transportation, the updated Bicycle Plan draws from in-depth bicycle count data and demographic trends to better reflect and accommodate the ways people actually use bicycles. For example, the new plan aims to create a bicycle infrastructure that facilitates short trips of about three miles or less, which research shows to be the maximum distance a typical non-recreational cyclist will travel on a bicycle. In an effort to promote safe, healthy and efficient transportation throughout the Commonwealth, the new plan makes the case for more on and off-road cycling infrastructure compared to the 2008 version, emphasizing connectivity to other transit options and “Complete Streets” featuring bicycle lanes which improve safety by demarcating the section of roadway on which cyclists and motorists should travel.

The modernized Pedestrian Plan, which is equally important to MassDOT’s vision of an efficient, healthy and safe multimodal transportation infrastructure, will detail MassDOT’s approach for improving accessibility and safety for pedestrians as well as best practices for maintaining pedestrian infrastructure and prioritizing investment strategy. To do this, the Massachusetts Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, which oversees the development of both the Pedestrian and Bicycle Plans, is identifying methods to make important community services along with housing and employment centers more accessible and develop new infrastructure for low-income and other traditionally underrepresented communities. A large part of this means promoting Americans with Disabilities Act-compliance, which empowers persons with disabilities to be more independent. By promoting walking as a viable component of active transportation in Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Pedestrian Transportation Plan and Bicycle Plan alike will reduce the need for single occupancy vehicle trips, creating a greener, more efficient transportation system in the Commonwealth.

In order to accommodate the growing importance of bicycle and pedestrian transportation, MassDOT has continued collaborating with bicycle advocacy groups as well as municipal, state and federal transportation agencies to develop new initiatives and events aimed at promoting bicycle safety and awareness.

Additionally, Bay State Bike Week, the only statewide bicycle week in the country, will take place between May 13 and 21. During the week, which is a collaborative venture sponsored by MassDOT, MassRIDES and MassBike, Massachusetts commuters are encouraged to cycle to work, participate in bicycle-related events with their communities and spread awareness about bicycle transportation in Massachusetts. Already, events have been scheduled on Cape Cod, in the Berkshires, and dozens of places in between.

To kick off Bay State Bike Week, MassDOT is collaborating with the municipalities of Holyoke and South Hadley to promote bicycle transportation awareness with a special festival on Sunday, May 7, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The River Roll and Stroll Street Festival is being held on the Route 116 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge over the Connecticut River and the bridge will be closed to motorized traffic for a “vehicle free, care free Sunday celebration.” The event includes music, food and family activities. MassDOT personnel will be present to receive public comment on its proposed Bicycle Plan.

MassDOT will also participate in Boston’s National Bike to Work Day Festival, which will take place on Friday, May 19 and include several “bike to work convoys” beginning in various municipalities around Boston. The convoys are open to the public and will depart their original locations at 7 a.m., picking up new members at various points along the way to City Hall Plaza, where participants are invited to attend a free breakfast and bicycle exposition. Check information on Bike to Work Day. Convoy stops and times, a convoy map, and convoy leader sign up are available.

Learn more about the Massachusetts Bicycle Transportation Plan. Check the Massachusetts Pedestrian Transportation Plan. Learn more about Bay State Bike Week events.

Written By: Klark Jessen



Tags: Bike, pedestrian