If Concord goes with the default Mass Highway spec, a paved surface capable of supporting bicycle traffic at speeds of 20-30 mph will be constructed, cutting a swath over 20 feet wide through the wetlands and woods of rural Concord.
The Massachusetts standard urban automobile lane minimum width is only 9 to 12 feet!
We don't have to build a high speed asphalt highway in our very special environment and community. You have a choice if you let your voice be heard. We can preserve the historic, environmental and rural feel of our town.
The Communities First program gives us the right and responsibility to make the the right decisions for Concord. Mass EOT (Executive Office of Transportation) allows and supports the use of a variety of stabilized stonedust surface alternatives but we must make our preference known.
Concord has two main abandoned rail lines running through town.
The Boston & Maine is also known as the Reformatory Branch.
The New Haven line is the slated to become part of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail project (BFRT).
Eventually both trails could likely be converted to linear parks, connecting to other trails in neighboring towns.
Today, these rights of way are attractive paths already being enjoyed by many Concord residents and visitors for:
- Walking, running, jogging
- Family biking
- Cross-country skiing
- Nature studies and school programs
These could be upgraded to linear parks that would be premier recreational assets in Concord. Or they could be paved over and turned into the equivalent of new streets. It's up to you.
What is Happening
The New Haven right of way is slated to become part of the proposed Bruce Freeman Rail Trail (BFRT) from Lowell to Framingham. The Boston & Maine right of way is the natural connection between the BFRT and the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway from Bedford to Somerville. By all means, let's make the trails more usable, but which of the trails below is right for Concord?
We are committed to preserving the rural character of Concord's railroad rights of way. We support minimal-width natural-surface rail trails developed with focus on environmental, community and abutter issues.
Narrow Gauge Rail Trail in Bedford, a rural stone-dust trail in a linear park
Minuteman Commuter Bikeway in Lexington, a high-speed asphalt bikeway
A July 2007 Boston Globe article reported on the Minute Man Commuter Bikeway - this very popular rail trail is now challenged by it's own success.
Read the entire article here.
"..thousands each day compete for space on the trail's 12-foot-wide strip of asphalt..." See who uses the trail here.
The Friends of Concord Rural Trails believe the design of a rail trail frames the cultural and social interactions of it's visitors. Surface and width choices mitigate traveling speed much like the difference between a winding country road and an interstate highway. A sense of community creates consideration and respect between users of the trail.
At the 2008 Concord Town meeting it was voted to override the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Advisory Committee's design which included mixed surfaces in favor of 100% asphalt paving. Perhaps we can learn from this woman and her family; we applaud their efforts to unpave paradise! No more 'heat island' effect, storm water runoff or other downsides to pavement.
Way to go Franke!
