Committee Contact: Christopher Tonkin, Chair, tonkinc@comcast.net

Minuteman Bikeway Planning Project

The final plan for the Minuteman Bikeway Planning Project is now available!

Download and read the final plan.

The report includes six chapters which cover Bikeway existing conditions, vision and goals for the plan, policy recommendations, maintenance, design recommendations, and implementation. The design recommendations chapter covers several subjects, such as wayfinding, creative placemaking and public art, path widening, access points as well as waysides and trailheads, road crossings and intersections, and path lighting. Within the appendix of the main report is a detailed existing conditions review that was shared previously, which is a comprehensive assessment of existing conditions on the Bikeway, including an infrastructure audit and analysis, a review of existing plans/processes/policies, maintenance practices, entry and access points, ADA access, bridges, proposed and planned new connections, current signage, engineering plans related to the Bikeway, and artwork.

For more information about the project and a review of public meetings and materials, visit the project page.

The Town engaged with Kittelson & Associates to complete the Minuteman Bikeway Planning Project, who created a plan for the Bikeway in Arlington to address safety and access on and connectivity to the Bikeway, identify community goals and priorities, and develop an implementation plan for improvements to the Bikeway.

Background

This project aligns with Connect Arlington, the Sustainable Transportation Plan, as part of Strategy B.3: “Complete the Minuteman Bikeway Project and implement recommendations that increase access to and capacity and safety on the pathway.” This project was funded through the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) at a cost of $80,000.

Arlington Bicycle Advisory Committee Background

The Arlington Bicycle Advisory Committee (ABAC) was appointed by the Select Board in 1996 to advise the Town on local bicycling conditions.  The all-volunteer committee promotes all forms of safe bicycling on town roadways and the Minuteman Bikeway — from recreational riding to using the bicycle for transportation and errands.

ABAC participated in the development of Connect Arlington, the Sustainable Transportation Plan, as part of the Sustainable Transportation Plan Advisory Committee and received updates from Town staff at regular monthly meetings. ABAC is an implementing partner for Connect Arlington along with the Master Plan Implementation Committee, Transportation Advisory Committee, and Clean Energy Future Committee. View the Connect Arlington plan.

ABAC meetings

ABAC meets monthly to discuss bicycle-related topics and issues in Town (usually on the third Wednesday night of the month). ABAC meetings are posted in advance and open to the public. To receive occasional announcements and updates by e-mail, sign up for our mailing list.

ABAC Rules of Governance

ABAC Website 

Navigating the Minuteman Bikeway - Final Report (2014) 

Supported by a Recreational Trails Grant from the State Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Bikeway communities of Arlington, Lexington and Bedford worked to create a new map of the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway, and contracted with Toole Design Group to help plan for the Bikeway's future as an amenity that preserves its historical and natural characteristics and also enhances its use as a recreational and commuter way. Access the final report and recommendations by clicking here.

Arlington Bicycle Parking Guidelines

The Arlington Bicycle Parking Guidelines is an illustrated handbook that clarifies the Town’s general, short-, and long-term bike parking requirements. The Guidelines illustrate the location and design of bike parking. The Guidelines also include recommendations and best practices for installing safe, secure, and usable bike parking in a variety of circumstances. Selecting good locations and equipment for bicycle parking can help maximize ridership and increase safety and security for riders.

Get Involved

You can get involved with ABAC in a number of ways: 

1. Attend one of our monthly meetings
2. Subscribe to our mailing list for occasional updates and announcements. 
3. Participate in our annual Bike Arlington Tour (May). 
4. Participate in our Minuteman Bikeway Clean-up efforts (May–August). 
5. Visit our booth at Arlington Town Day (September). 
6. Volunteer to help out on one of ABAC's projects. 
7. Contact us with any suggestions for improving bicycling conditions in Arlington. 
8. Become a member of the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition (MassBike). 

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