Why does the plan contemplate paths on all five major arterial roadways?

The plan allows for an equitable installation of pathways that would allow the maximum number of residents to benefit from a limited network.  Early survey work conducted by Committee showed that residents on all five arterials desired safe pedestrian access to town center.  However, this support will be reevaluated over the course of project to ensure installation is desirable prior to each segment.

How will the plan be managed?

Board of Selectmen is responsible for managing program by reviewing and approving all recommendations in advance of expenditure.  BOS may suspend or terminate project at any time and cancel unused portion of the authorization.  Pedestrian and Bike Safety Advisory Committee formulates recommendations only and these are based on public meetings and research.  This advisory role has no spending authority. 

What will the paths look like?

The paths will be approximately 4 to 5 feet wide.  They will be installed by excavating a pathway area and installing a dense gravel base approximately 6 inches in depth.  A top surface with be installed comprised of stone dust and smaller stone pieces.  This top surface will be compacted to achieve a stable, durable base.  The resulting look of the paths will be rural in nature and replicate the pathways used in local historical districts as well in those which we in place in Carlisle as early as the late 1800’s.

How will you determine where to place a path?

The first step is to complete a survey of the town’s right of way and the location of the road pavement within the right of way.  Generally, our roads are 40 to 50 feet wide and road surfaces range from 16 feet to 30.  Often, the road surface is not placed in the center of the right of way, leaving more town property on one side of the road.  With significant guidance from the police department and the DPW, the path is preliminarily sited to minimize road crossings, minimize potential impact on private property, and maximize public safety.  The approach was undertaken with the siting of the Bedford Road section of the footpath and will be employed with all other sections.  The second step is to conduct public meetings for abutter input.  This is done by the Pedestrian and Bike Safety Advisory Committee as a recommending body to the Board of Selectmen, who each hold separate and join meetings for public input.  Additional public meetings are held with the relevant review boards, such as the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and Historical Commission.  With approval in place, a location of the path is finalized and installation follows.

How will the paths be maintained?

The paths will be maintained by the DPW using existing equipment and subcontractors as is currently used to maintain our roadways.  The maintenance costs are included in the $150,000 plan.

What are the liabilities of abutters?

Generally, footpaths will be placed in the town’s right of way and as such there is no liability to abutters.  In the instances in which an easement is agreed upon, the abutter would receive an indemnification from all liabilities associated with the use or lack of use of the path.

What is the affect on my property value?

Generally, footpaths increase the value of private property, as it is viewed as a valuable town infrastructure and service.

Who will be able to use the paths?

Everyone in town, no matter how far they live from town center, will be able to use the paths around town center.  This was a clear interest among attendees to public meetings and respondents to a town-wide questionnaire.  The $150,000 network of paths along the five major roads in town is expected to extend far enough to pull in meaningful neighborhoods along the way and within reasonable reach of the segment’s terminus.

The paths are designed for people of all ages and capabilities.  The paths can also accommodate kids learning to ride bikes and strollers.  The paths will not accommodate fast-paced cyclists. 

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