Bedford staff rolls out sidewalk connectivity plan and online engagement tools

City staff on April 7 presented an early sidewalk connectivity plan that prioritizes safe walking routes to schools, parks and city facilities and proposes online engagement to let residents flag missing sidewalks, ramps or curb issues.

City Engineer Mara Quad described a phased approach that begins with an inventory and gap analysis, moves into an existing sidewalk assessment using IMS data, and incorporates a public‑facing interactive map with a QR code for residents to add comments and 'like' previously submitted requests. ‘‘The purpose of this plan really centers around safety, safe routes to walk, whether it’s schools, parks and other facilities,’’ Quad said.

Staff proposed prepopulating the map with sidewalk requests already received through the city's request systems so residents do not duplicate entries. Council members suggested combining online tools with a limited number of in‑person drop‑in events (for residents less likely to use digital tools) and to coordinate with school officials on crossings near campuses.

Funding: staff said sidewalk construction and maintenance will likely be funded from the city’s street fund and by pursuing grants where available; they will return with a cost and funding plan after the public‑engagement window is set. ‘‘It will most likely be coming out of the street fund,’’ staff said when asked about financing.

Next steps: staff will determine the duration and format of the public‑engagement period, prepopulate priority requests from prior citizen submissions and return with a recommended outreach timeline and funding approach.