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Jessica Porter lives within a mile of Legacy Place, the Endicott Estate and Dedham Square, but says she does not feel safe walking or biking to any of those locations due to the incomplete network of sidewalks in Dedham.
“Just because there are sidewalks, doesn’t mean they are safe,” she said, eager for a solution.
Porter was one of nearly 60 walkers, cyclists and residents who headed to Town Hall for the long-awaited “Walkable and Bikeable Community” presentation on Wednesday, Nov. 10.
Hosted by the Sustainability Advisory Committee and Open Space Committee, the meeting was a platform for town leaders and locals alike to discuss the next steps needed to make Dedham a friendlier environment for bikers and pedestrians.
“There are a lot of little things we can do as a town to change where we are,” said Jonathan Briggs, who pointed out that the initiative falls under the umbrella of Dedham’s award-winning master and open space plans.
Dedham’s Economic Development Director Karen O’Connell says the town took the first step to creating a better biking environment by implementing the Metropolitan Area Planning Council Regional Bike Program, which offers reimbursement for the cost of bicycle parking equipment in local neighborhoods.
“The last funding round, we got 17 racks,” O’Connell said, in reference to the “post and circle” stands popping up in front of schools, libraries, parks and public buildings around town. “Walkability is a good thing…people tend to go more places and there is a better quality of life.”
Though outwardly impressed with the bike rack program and conversation about a proposed path between Dedham Square and the schools, attendees were anxious to address safety issues around town. Rustcraft Road, East Street and various “perilous” intersections were prevalent areas of concern.
Bridge Street resident Joe Lavalley and his neighbors do not allow their children to ride bikes along the road.
“There are no accidents because we don’t allow them out there,” he said, hopeful for a plan of action.
Metropolitan Area Planning Council Transportation Planner David Loutzenheiser joined the meeting to offer viable solutions for concerned residents like Lavalley, by introducing action steps to creating safer streets for bikers and alternative options for walkers.
“Complete streets provide for all forms of transportation,” said Loutzenheiser, who pointed out that Dedham’s two-lane roads can be easily adjusted to accommodate cars, bikers and walkers in unison. He stressed that the key to re-designing streets efficiently is to get on board with small construction projects already in the works.
Jessica Porter lives within a mile of Legacy Place, the Endicott Estate and Dedham Square, but says she does not feel safe walking or biking to any of those locations due to the incomplete network of sidewalks in Dedham.
“Just because there are sidewalks, doesn’t mean they are safe,” she said, eager for a solution.
Porter was one of nearly 60 walkers, cyclists and residents who headed to Town Hall for the long-awaited “Walkable and Bikeable Community” presentation on Wednesday, Nov. 10.
Hosted by the Sustainability Advisory Committee and Open Space Committee, the meeting was a platform for town leaders and locals alike to discuss the next steps needed to make Dedham a friendlier environment for bikers and pedestrians.
“There are a lot of little things we can do as a town to change where we are,” said Jonathan Briggs, who pointed out that the initiative falls under the umbrella of Dedham’s award-winning master and open space plans.
Dedham’s Economic Development Director Karen O’Connell says the town took the first step to creating a better biking environment by implementing the Metropolitan Area Planning Council Regional Bike Program, which offers reimbursement for the cost of bicycle parking equipment in local neighborhoods.
“The last funding round, we got 17 racks,” O’Connell said, in reference to the “post and circle” stands popping up in front of schools, libraries, parks and public buildings around town. “Walkability is a good thing…people tend to go more places and there is a better quality of life.”
Though outwardly impressed with the bike rack program and conversation about a proposed path between Dedham Square and the schools, attendees were anxious to address safety issues around town. Rustcraft Road, East Street and various “perilous” intersections were prevalent areas of concern.
Bridge Street resident Joe Lavalley and his neighbors do not allow their children to ride bikes along the road.
“There are no accidents because we don’t allow them out there,” he said, hopeful for a plan of action.
Metropolitan Area Planning Council Transportation Planner David Loutzenheiser joined the meeting to offer viable solutions for concerned residents like Lavalley, by introducing action steps to creating safer streets for bikers and alternative options for walkers.
“Complete streets provide for all forms of transportation,” said Loutzenheiser, who pointed out that Dedham’s two-lane roads can be easily adjusted to accommodate cars, bikers and walkers in unison. He stressed that the key to re-designing streets efficiently is to get on board with small construction projects already in the works.
Components of a properly developed sidewalk network include reflective crosswalks, curb extensions on busy streets and buffer zones for plowed snow. Though building projects like Legacy Place have accommodated pedestrians in their immediate vicinities, it will be up to the town to connect the dots between popular locations in town.
“It’s not cars vs. bikes,” said Jacqueline Douglas of Livable Streets Alliance, a non-profit working to re-design streets for safety. Though her presentation about state and worldwide sustainability projects certainly sparked conversation, it was her advice to seek grassroots support that energized the room.
“Community impact from the beginning is key,” she said, emphasizing that an organized community plan will help to insure government support. “If you build it, they will come.”
