The funding for the Phoenix Bike Trail was ISTEA, Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act funding, so it was absolutely intended a safe alternative to Route 6 transportation. (Earlier in history the railroad bed had been proposed as a road from Sconticut Neck Rd. to the center, but failed to get enough support. The very short David Drown Boulevard is the only piece that was paved.)
Great point! No, but the DPW has shown a willingness to do this recently. When it gets repaved in this coming year we're advocating for it to be thick enough to allow for plowing. The snow this year was minimal, so I managed to carve a path through it with my mtb on the 3-4 days it was there
Of course the town could also ever enforce its sidewalk snow removal policy, but seems content to never do that & force people into the street (someone got killed by a car while dodging snowbanks a few years back) https://ecode360.com/10399323
You make some excellent points about how the Phoenix Rail Trail increases the value of land in the surrounding neighborhoods, how it is an increasingly important part of our transportation system, and how it is a street where everyone is able to get where they’re going without having to constantly check over their shoulder for cars. I agree with you that the bike path is a great asset for our community and I hope that more people will use it and appreciate it. I also share your vision for our bike path to be a backbone of a bicycle oriented lifestyle, where we can reduce our carbon footprint, improve our health, and enjoy the beauty of nature. Thank you for writing such a thoughtful and inspiring piece. Keep up the good work!
The funding for the Phoenix Bike Trail was ISTEA, Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act funding, so it was absolutely intended a safe alternative to Route 6 transportation. (Earlier in history the railroad bed had been proposed as a road from Sconticut Neck Rd. to the center, but failed to get enough support. The very short David Drown Boulevard is the only piece that was paved.)
Did Fairhaven ever start plowing the bike path? That would be a huge step toward making it reliable transportation & not just a recreational nicety.
Great point! No, but the DPW has shown a willingness to do this recently. When it gets repaved in this coming year we're advocating for it to be thick enough to allow for plowing. The snow this year was minimal, so I managed to carve a path through it with my mtb on the 3-4 days it was there
Of course the town could also ever enforce its sidewalk snow removal policy, but seems content to never do that & force people into the street (someone got killed by a car while dodging snowbanks a few years back) https://ecode360.com/10399323
You make some excellent points about how the Phoenix Rail Trail increases the value of land in the surrounding neighborhoods, how it is an increasingly important part of our transportation system, and how it is a street where everyone is able to get where they’re going without having to constantly check over their shoulder for cars. I agree with you that the bike path is a great asset for our community and I hope that more people will use it and appreciate it. I also share your vision for our bike path to be a backbone of a bicycle oriented lifestyle, where we can reduce our carbon footprint, improve our health, and enjoy the beauty of nature. Thank you for writing such a thoughtful and inspiring piece. Keep up the good work!
Thanks! After our last conversation I'm curious-- did you write this comment using AI?! If so, thank you robot Richard.
Robot Richard says, "You're welcome 🤖"