Improving Transportation Resources

At last Thursday's transportation-focused Mayoral forum Alderman Ken Parker proposed detailed and innovative ideas for improving Newton's transportation resources.  If you were not able to attend the event, hosted by Bike Newton, please click here to watch the forum on-line.

During the forum Ken outlined a vision to improve pedestrian and bicycle access while reducing vehicle traffic and pollution.  A summary is below.  If you have any thoughts or ideas you would like to share, please let us know.

More Biking

• Develop a comprehensive, city-wide three-tier bicycle accommodation plan;
• Increase the number of available bike racks;
• Create incentives to encourage bike use by city and private employees
• Establish clearly-marked, safe bike lanes on key routes throughout the city.

Less Traffic

• Support a new Green Line spur to Needham;
• Extend electric trolleybus service from Cambridge and Watertown to commuter rail stops in Newton;
• Work with the state to expand Commuter Rail service to Riverside and Newton Corner;
• Upgrade intersections to include traffic sensors and light controls which reduce congestion.

Safer Streets & Sidewalks

• Implement a comprehensive preventative maintenance plan for streets and sidewalks;
• Develop design guidelines for walkable, environmentally-sound streetscapes;
• Implement traffic-calming techniques to improve traffic flow and reduce vehicle speeds;
• Improve pedestrian safety through clearly marked, numerous crosswalks.

Better Planning

• Create a system of scenic and commuting bike routes to connect villages and increase safety;
• Integrate consideration of impacts on cyclists and pedestrians into planning processes;
• Improve and expand public education regarding bicycle and pedestrian issues;
• Work with the Department of Public Works to keep sidewalks clear year-round.

If you would like to share this information with friends or family members who are interested in transportation policy, please feel free to print out the Campaign's transportation flier or direct them to the transportation section of A Blueprint for Newton's Future.