Minuteman Bikeway Extension Project

Summary

This document is an application for a grant of $5000 to fund a feasibility study of improving (paving) the town-owned railroad right-of-way from the curve in Railroad Ave to Concord Rd. Included in the results of the feasibility study will be the estimated costs of construction, the particular areas where special attention will be required (wetlands, hazards if any, etc.), and sufficient information to allow the Bedford DPW engineering department to prepare a RFP package for the construction.

last modified 2004-08-09 jmp

Grant Application Narrative

A. Purpose of the Grant

To finance a feasibility study for paving 1.7 miles of an existing abandoned RR right of way now owned by the town of Bedford

1. Situation

   a. need

   • The extension of the MinuteMan Bikeway will provide an improved access to the Bedford Middle and High Schools, the Library, playgrounds, and the existing MM bikeway.
   • This bikeway is one of the most used bikeways in the country.
   • A developer, {Princeton Properties} is attempting to develop a 213 unit affordable housing project which will straddle the existing right of way. We need prompt action to establish the bikeway before this area is further developed. In addition, there is the possibility of financial contributions from the developer toward the actual construction of the extension, and this feasibility study is needed to leverage that and other possible funding sources, and to ensure that the project best suits the needs of cyclists and other potential users.

   b. environment

   • The Bedford Comprehensive Plan (available at http://www.town.bedford.ma.us/planning/bcp_page.html) endorses the proposed improvment. See Chapter 6: Open Space and Recreation, sub-section "Creating the Linked Network."
   • The Bedford Rotary Club has financed and organized the construction of a parking lot at the west end of the proposed extension.
   • Depot Park at the current western end of the bikeway is nearing completion. It will provide parking for 60-75 cars, and toilet facilities.
   • There is little resistance to the proposed bikeway. Some off road riders want it to remain as is. It is now a dirt path also used by abutters and neighbors for walking and biking.
   • There are some environmental issues to be resolved as there are wetlands bordering the path.
   • A new YMCA for Bedford is in the planning stages and the site that has been selected abuts the proposed bikeway

2. Specific Activities

   a. Goals of the Minuteman Bikeway Extension Project

   To extend the Minuteman Bikeway 1.7 miles from its current terminus at Railroad Ave. in Bedford west to Concord Rd. in Bedford.

   • Design standards for multi-use recreational facilities would apply.
   • Eastbound, this would provide a multipurpose path for students and adults to schools, playgrounds, library, and to access the central Bedford industrial, commercial and shopping areas.
   • Westbound this would provide access to Concord and the Minuteman National Historic Park.
   • The proposed YMCA would be adjacent to the Minuteman Bikeway Extension on Railroad Ave.
   • A seperate effort to improve the link between the existing Minuteman Bikeway and the proposed Extension is not part of this project.

   b. Action Plan

   • Conduct a feasibility study for paving the existing dirt path on the railbed right-of-way owned by the Town of Bedford.
     • Would evaluate various options for surfacing material, and include discussion of tradeoffs in performance, cost, etc. Note that stone dust surfacing is probably not compatible with the expected use of the corridor for year-round access to schools, YMCA, etc.
     • Would contain enough information to begin design and kick off Request for Proposal process
     • Would address critical issues such as wetlands
     • Responsible is the BFoMB Extension Subcommittee and Town Engineer / DPW
     • Complete prior to end of calendar year 2004.
   • Article for Warrant for Bedford Annual Town Meeting 2005 to authorize construction.
     • Responsible is the BFoMB Extension Subcommittee
     • Complete by January 2005.
   • Application for grant to fund the contruction will be made to Bedford Community Preservation Committee.
     • Responsible is the BFoMB Extension Subcommittee
     • Expect to be funded in FY 2006 Community Preservation Act Grants, which means the application must be in place in early calendar year 2005.
   • Assuming all grants and articles are approved, construction would start in calendar year 2007. (Possible to pull in to 2006?)

   c. Personnel that will execute the action plan

   In addition to volunteer members of the BFoMB, this project has the support of the Selectmen, the Planning Board, and the DPW.

3. Impact

   a. Measureable outcomes

   • students may use this facility to access schools
   • commuters to work
   • shoppers
   • recreational cyclists

   b. Other possible sources of funding

   • Bedford Community Preservation Act funds
   • Bedford Town Meeting
   • Federal Transportation Improvement Program (TIP, aka TEA-21, etc) funds
   • the Bikes Belong Coalition
   • the Princeton Properties developer has shown an interest in paving a portion.

4. Evaluation

   • Success of the larger project is measured by the completion of the Bikeway Extension construction. This project is not likely to have many notable features for other organizations to learn from, although the use of Community Preservation Act funds may be of interest if successfully procured.
   • Success of the Feasibility Study is measured by the completion of the study, with parameters as described above.

B. Organizational Information

Administrative Information

Organization Information

Staff and Board

Financial Information

Authorization

1. Summary of BFoMB's mission, long-term goals, and history

Organization. The Bedford Friends of the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway was incorporated in Massachusetts on June 4, 1997, doing business as The Bedford Friends of the Minuteman Bikeway (BFMB).

Purpose. The BFMB is a volunteer organization devoted to the advocacy and promotion of safe, enjoyable cycling in Bedford as an alternate mode of transportation and for recreation.. It acts in an advisory capacity to the Bedford Bicycle Advisory Committee, which is appointed by the Board of Selectmen, on matters relating to cycling in Bedford. It is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization. It is complementary to the Bedford Bicycle Advisory Committee in that there are some activities in which the town committee cannot engage.

Goals. The goals of the BFMB are to promote enjoyment of the bikeways in Bedford and neighboring towns; to support new and extended trails; to promote safe biking on the roads and ways; to promote youth and adult bike safety education; to promote access to schools, offices, stores and other places of interest; to promote safe bicycle parking at destinations; and to promote community involvement through newsletters, website (http://bikebedford.org), meetings, fund-raising programs, membership development, letter writing and activism.

Ongoing Activities. Since 1998 the BFMB has helped organize and staff an annual one-day police bike safety clinic held in June. Also since 1998 it has operated a free valet bicycle parking service at the annual strawberry festival on July 4th and at the annual Bedford Day celebration in September, to encourage cycling to these events. The website has been on-line since 2001.

History. Bedford has been a principal in the development of the Minuteman Bikeway from its initial inception following the abandonment of the Lexington branch in 1981. The completion of the Minuteman Bikeway to Bedford was celebrated at the dedication on November 20, 1993.

Bike-Skate hub. In 1995, a group of railroad buffs formed the Friends of Bedford Depot Park (http://www.bedforddepot.org/) to celebrate the railroad history of the depot area at the terminus of the Minuteman Bikeway. A Federal Transportation Enhancement Program grant has been awarded to restore and redevelop the area, including the depot, the freight house, a Buddliner that had operated on the line and a lovely rest area for bikers and visitors there. A store and rest room at the freight house provide refreshment for cyclists and other travelers on the bikeway and roadways. Parking for about 75 vehicles brings visitors from long distances to enjoy the Depot Park and the three bikeways that start there. As of spring 2004, development of the grounds and parking at the Depot Park area is now largely completed. Restoration of the freight house and the depot exterior, and the renovation of the freight house interior and Buddliner are expected to commence soon.

Bike Shop. The Bikeway Source (http://www.bikewaysource.com/) opened across the street from the terminus of the Minuteman Bikeway for the sale and repair of bicycles, skis, skates, and accessories. From a modest start, business there has been thriving, with the large number of cyclists and skaters that pass by there. The shop there is for bikers and skaters who want to upgrade their equipment as well as others drawn to the area for historical purposes and otherwise who are attracted by the abundant biking and skating there.

In addition to the Minuteman Bikeway, two other multi-use recreational paths join at the Depot Park terminus -- the Narrow-Gauge Rail Trail (NGRT) due north to Billerica and the so-called Minuteman Bikeway Extension west toward Concord. The path surfaces are respectively stone dust and packed earth. Many now use these paths, particularly the extension toward Concord. It is expected the numbers will increase significantly once the surfaces are paved. It is expected the users will include both those living in West Bedford as well as in Concord and other surrounding towns.

2. Description of successes in recent projects and programs.

Milestones. Milestones of Bedford bike-skate support

C. Attachments

1. Financials

   a. Financial Statements from most recent FY

   This excerpt is from the minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Bedford Friends of the Minuteman Bikeway, April 14, 2004:

   "Don reported that in 2004 we have had income of $130 from membership renewals and $3.70 from bank interest. Our expenses have been $30 for room rental and also an unknown amount for the last newsletter, making a current balance of $714.20"

   b. Organizational Budget for present year

   This excerpt is from the minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Bedford Friends of the Minuteman Bikeway, April 14, 2004:

   "We unanimously authorized the new budget of $380 for next year’s expenses including a tarp for over the booth at Bedford Day"

2. Other Support Materials

   a. List of Board Members and affiliations

   As of 2004 Annual Meeting

   Directors

   • Don Blake (2007)
   • Joel Parks (2006)
   • Ray Ruetenik (2007)
   • Charles Schwerin (2005)

   Officers (1-year terms)

   • President: Ray Ruetenik
   • Vice-President: Bob Evans
   • Secretary: Holly Webster
   • Treasurer: Don Blake

   b. Map / Plan of project and area

   c. Media articles

   d. Support letters