We are currently supporting the community-led development of new shared use paths in the Assembly Square, Sullivan Square and Inner Belt neighborhoods of East Somerville and Charlestown, Massachusetts.
If completed, these new dedicated spaces for bicycles and pedestrians would link the Mystic and Charles River path networks, supporting the vision of a fully connected regional path network in Greater Boston. |
Why new shared use paths?
"Cities are more enjoyable, safer, and more economically prosperous when more space is dedicated to people than cars. Use reclaimed space to create new public spaces, safe infrastructure for sustainable mode users, and other community users". (City of Somerville, p.58).
- Reclaiming space for residents and visitors. Shared use paths would helped bring to live underutilized property for use by people.
- No car? No problem! Travel between between stations on the MBTA's Orange, Green and Red Lines without encountering auto traffic.
- Support environmental justice: Census blocks surrounding the proposed path are above the 90th percentile nationally for proximity to diesel emissions, traffic, infrastructure with risk management concern and hazardous waste (US EPA 2019). A new path would support remediation efforts for a healthier community.
Thank you to the 500+ residents and organizations for supporting our mission!
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