Signage, Striping to Mark Mill Plain Road Bike Route Within a Few Weeks

[Editor's Note: A few elements of this story were updated on April 30.]

Expect to see bike path signs and striping along Mill Plain Road within the next few weeks - officially marking for use the town's first bike route.

The Mill Plain Road route -- the first portion of which will be signed and striped between Brookside Drive and Unquowa Road -- cleared the Police Commission earlier this month.

The complete route extends from Unquowa Road to Fairfield Ludlowe High School, continues toward Tomlinson Middle School, and ends at the Fairfield Theatre Company, according to Andrew Graceffa, chair of both the Fairfield Bike Walk Coalition and the town's Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Advisory Committee.

The striping and signage for the route is covered by a $15,070 grant approved by the RTM in October 2012. If there are enough funds left after striping the Brookside Drive to Unquowa Road stretch, the rest of the route will be marked, Graceffa said.

In addition to the creation of the bike route, the Advisory Committee is making headway on the development of a bicycle and pedestrian master plan for the town, Graceffa said.

A draft of the plan has come out of the committee and will be brought before the Board of Selectmen for a vote soon.

Upon the Selectmen's approval, the plan is set to be incorporated into the town's Plan of Conservation and Development, Graceffa said.

The Advisory Committee has also made a few recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission, which have been well received, Graceffa said.

One recommendation to improve walkability in Fairfield Center and other high traffic areas is to establish 6' to 10' width requirements for sidewalks and 5' width requirements in most other areas of town.

Patch will provide updates on the bike route and the master bicycle and pedestrian plan for the town as they become available.