Planning Updates
2017 Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan Released
The Community & Economic Development Division is pleased to release the City's first-ever Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan!
Downloads
May 4 Open House - Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan Update
Members of the public were invited to come learn about the City's plan for improving safety and convenience for bicyclists and pedestrians. City staff provided a preview of projects under consideration and next steps going forward, and were available to answer questions.
Complete Streets
March 2016: Framingham's Complete Streets Policy was rated the 9th best of 2015 nationwide by Smart Growth America!
Complete Streets promotes "the safety and comfort of all roadway users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transit". In 2016, the Mass. Department of Transportation launched a grant program for local complete streets projects. Prerequisites for eligibility include an approved complete streets policy and prioritization plan prior to funding.
The City of Framingham Complete Streets Policy (PDF) requires roadway projects to prioritize pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan is an integral part of implementing this Policy and will allow the City to work hand-in-hand with the state in expanding transportation options available to our residents.
Elements of the Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan
Based upon the findings of the Livable Community Workshop, the Community and Economic Development Division established a clear strategy that breaks the work ahead into seven overarching categories. Recommendations in the plan will be organized according to these elements.
- Identify Assets - The Bicycle and Pedestrian Network consists of all public roadways, save the Massachusetts Turnpike, and public multiuse paths.
- Connect Assets into a Usable Bicycle and Pedestrian Network - The usefulness of these systems depends on the completeness and connectivity of the system's elements.
- Maintain the Bicycle and Pedestrian Network - Like all physical assets, these facilities will gradually deteriorate and require regular cleaning, maintenance, and periodic reconstruction.
- Design for Safety - Standards for safety are well known and should be implemented uniformly across both the Vehicular and the Bicycle & Pedestrian Networks.
- Communicate Bicycle and Pedestrian Routes Through Education and Signage - Information is an important tool for improving efficiency and safety.
- Provide Seamless Links to Transit - Transit services and terminals are integral parts of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Network.
- Include Bicycle and Pedestrian Access in Land Use Planning - Land use and related planning efforts impact the attractiveness of the Network
The Livable Community Workshop
In September of 2014, the City began the process of developing a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan by hosting a Livable Community Workshop. This Workshop, conducted in partnership with the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization, brought together City officials and residents in an effort to facilitate discussion regarding the Plan and solicit comments from those who live and work in the community.
Numerous residents were present, alongside staff from the City's Community and Economic Development Division, the City's Planning Board, and the Metropolitan Planning Organization. Drawing from this discussion, those comments that were applicable to the City as a whole were incorporated into an overarching framework for the Plan. At the same time, insights found to be particular to specific areas or situations were set aside for later phases of the process.
To learn more about the discussion, please see the links below!