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Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee flags hot spots, proposes East–West connector and oversight of Eversource work
Summary
The Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee presented MassDOT data showing elevated bicycle and pedestrian accident rates in Falmouth, proposed a multi‑use East–West connector and urged Select Board oversight of Eversource construction on the Shining Sea Bikeway.
Catherine Janssen, chair of the Falmouth Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee, told the Select Board Aug. 26 that MassDOT data (2010–2023) show Falmouth has a higher per‑capita rate of bicycle and pedestrian accidents compared with peer towns. She identified hot spots including the Davis Straits area and stretches of Route 28 and urged the town to focus safety improvements on those locations.
Janssen outlined committee work with DPW, the Cape Cod Commission and neighborhood groups and proposed an East–West connector — a two‑way, 12‑foot multi‑use path with vegetation buffer where right of way allows — to improve safe travel between East Falmouth, schools and the YMCA. She said the committee intends to apply for a Safe Routes to School preliminary design grant in October and involve high‑school students in grant shaping.
Janssen also raised concerns about Eversource construction plans for the Shining Sea Bikeway and said the committee has not yet seen construction plans; she asked the board to hold Eversource to prior promises and asked staff to ensure plans preserve the bikeway’s usability and safety. Board members asked about e‑bike regulation on the bikeway, data limitations, and enforcement; Janssen said the committee is exploring a ban on class 3 e‑bikes because of speed and enforceability concerns.
The Select Board thanked the committee for the report and encouraged continued coordination among DPW, the committee and school and community stakeholders.
