- What’s a rail trail (RT)- a former railroad
- bed converted to a path for non-motorized use.
- Why are they popular- they are flat,
- free from the danger, noise, and pollution
- of autos. Families, walkers, commuters,
- roller bladers, people with special needs love them.
- Why a “multi-use” path- the current
- (dirt) path is not accessible for family
- recreational bike riding, wheelchairs,
- roller bladers, bike commuters, or baby
- strollers.
- Will it be safe- there are NO reported
- accidents on the current Bedford
- MM rail trail versus 25 bike/car
- accidents on Bedford streets (2002-7).
- Will it be “too busy”- weekend or summertime
- afternoons, & work day lunch
- times, the current rail trail can be quite
- popular, but outside those times, it’s
- usually quiet.
- Who pays for the rail trail- if designed
- for 'multi-use', state and federal funds
- will typically pay for 80-90% of the costs.
- The remaining costs can come from existing
- Community Preservation funds.
- What is the effect on abutting conservation
- lands– greater public presence
- and gates will help eliminate the
- current motorized vehicle intrusions and illegal dumping.
- The rail trail must comply with all state
- and town wetland regulations.
- Why use pavement - The consultant's studies state pavement is the best surface for the expected use, the most durable and weather resistant, and the easiest and least expensive to maintain.
- Who pays for maintenance - The Town must pay for all maintenance. The trail must remain ADA compliant (handicap-accessible) which can be expensive and difficult for soft surface trails.
- Why do some people prefer a soft surface - Some current MM Extension users prefer to limit or prevent access for other types of users; Some don't like pavement in a wooded environment; Some walkers and joggers prefer a soft trail,
- What types of trails does the Town currently have -
- Are there trails primarily for walkers - Bedford has 25 conservation areas and 20 miles of maintained trails for "passive recreation" such as walking. Abutting the MM Extension are the Elm Brook, Mary Weber. Vanderhoof, and Dellovo Conservation areas with marked walking trails. Hartwell Forest, the largest conservation area, is also nearby. Those areas alone have over 4 miles of walking trails.