Does the proposed sidewalk along Route 119 in Townsend make the rail trail unnecessary?
The proposed sidewalk on the north side of Route 119 from the North Middlesex Regional High School to the Townsend Common could greatly enhance pedestrian safety. However, a sidewalk does not increase bicyclist safety. While bicycles can legally ride on the sidewalk in Massachusetts in non-business districts, studies have shown that bicyclists are even less safe on sidewalks than on busy roads. The authors of these studies note that the higher accident rates are due to drivers failing to notice bicycles on sidewalks when pulling out or turning. The rail trail would be a flat, quiet, safe recreational facility for a variety of users including pedestrians, and would provide easy and safe bicycle access to all the same areas that pedestrians can access from the planned sidewalk. The rail trail would open up access to large undeveloped natural areas for a broader range of people to discover and enjoy. Update as of Feb, 2007: According to Greg Barnes, the planned sidewalk is in serious jeop
Related Questions
- How close are residential abutters property lines to the present rail bed along the proposed rail trail in Townsend?
- Is the proposed rail line following the jogging / bicycle trail through the eastern portions of Corinth?
- Does the proposed sidewalk along Route 119 in Townsend make the rail trail unnecessary?
