Town approves $180,000 study to design bike/pedestrian links from Minuteman Bikeway to Lexington High School

Town Meeting voted to fund a study and preliminary design to improve bicycle and pedestrian connections between the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway and Lexington High School. The $180,000 request (Article 12B) will pay for a 25% level design and public engagement to evaluate routes through the town center, across Bedford Street and into the high school campus.

Assistant planning director Megan Roach said the work will analyze multiple route options (on-street bike lanes, separated paths, and connections across intersections), collect traffic and crash data, and include public outreach to students, abutters, businesses and committees. The goal is to identify safe, inclusive connections that reduce car trips to the high school and support Lexington’s Vision Zero ambitions.

Supporters pointed to safety benefits for students who currently have to navigate parking lots and busy streets. Transportation advocates and a licensed bicycle educator urged the town to prioritize routes that invite more children and families to bicycle to school. The study’s scope may also consider removing on-street parking in sections to accommodate protected lanes; planners said they would engage the Historic District Commission and other boards if proposed treatments affect historic assets or curbside parking.

Vote and next steps: The motion passed 152 yes, 17 no, 5 abstaining. If the study identifies a preferred design, officials said additional funding may be requested to complete engineering and construction. Officials also noted they will pursue grant opportunities where appropriate for design or construction.

Representative quote: “Nothing’s off the table,” said the assistant planning director about design options; supporters urged pairing infrastructure work with bicycle education and grants to encourage safe student cycling.