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Design proposes multiuse trail and wider sidewalks; residents debate bike vs. pedestrian priorities
Summary
SLR's plan adds a 10‑ft multiuse trail, new sidewalks and bus shelters; residents raised concerns about mixing two‑way bike traffic and pedestrians and asked about buffers, bike racks, and where the trail connects to the regional network.
The design presented includes a multiuse, bituminous trail (proposed at 10 feet, with consideration of reducing to 8 feet in places), new concrete sidewalks, street trees, lighting and bus shelters at existing stops. Paul DeStefano said DOT favors getting cyclists off the roadway and supports a separated multiuse trail whenever possible.
Several residents said two‑way bike traffic alongside pedestrians is unsafe without a buffer. One attendee argued, "Two way bike traffic with pedestrians doesn't work," and others pushed for a landscaped buffer between the trail and the road. DeStefano acknowledged tradeoffs in constrained right‑of‑way areas but said the plan is a kickoff toward a larger bicycle network and that later grants could extend connections.
SLR confirmed bike racks and shelters can be added and that trail pavement will be bituminous asphalt while sidewalks will be concrete. The team said they will supply a list of proposed plants and tree species on the project web page and invited input on pedestrian/bike separation.
