Bike and Walking Path Committee October 15, 2026

The Westport Bike and Walking Path Committee met to discuss local bicycle infrastructure initiatives, program updates, and regional bikeway connector plans. The committee reviewed an inventory of existing bicycle racks across town and explored adding new racks at municipal facilities and commercial destinations to encourage cycling over driving. Committee Contact Gail Roderigues provided an update on the town's Earth Day bicycle recycling program, noting that long-time partner Yesteryear Cycles is changing ownership and moving to Fairhaven, requiring future coordination for bicycle reuse efforts.

Town Planner Michael Burris presented design options for the MassTrails grant-funded Watuppa Connector, which plans to extend the path along the rail bed from Fall River to Route 6. Burris detailed the trade-offs between an asphalt path and a boardwalk across the pond embankment, recommending asphalt due to significantly lower initial construction costs and easier long-term maintenance for the Highway Department. Residents and attendees raised extensive questions regarding safety, crossing Route 6, and potential impacts on town maintenance budgets.

The remainder of the meeting centered on heated public feedback regarding the South Coast Bikeway Alliance's proposed Northern Scenic Greenway route along Old Bedford Road and Old Fall River Road. Multiple residents expressed strong concerns over lack of communication, potential property and easement takings, damage to stone walls and private wells, increased traffic hazards, and policing issues. Committee members clarified that the South Coast Bikeway Alliance is an independent nonprofit, the selected route is not finalized, and any route through Westport would ultimately require approval from the Select Board. The committee agreed to work with SRPEDD and project partners to improve public outreach, including mailing informational postcards to affected abutters prior to upcoming multi-town public design meetings.

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