250th underscored need for bike-safe roads
When incentives, infrastructure, and safety measures are in place, people will gladly choose alternatives to cars.
It was a joy to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution here in Acton. We are fortunate to live in a town that both honors its rich past and thoughtfully plans for its future.
One of the highlights of the weekend was seeing how many people chose to bike to events. Whether you’re a weekend warrior logging miles or someone simply getting from point A to point B, biking is for everyone. The strong turnout of cyclists of all ages was a powerful reminder that when incentives, infrastructure, and safety measures are in place, people will gladly choose alternatives to cars.
In Massachusetts, cyclists have the full right to the road, meaning they are legally entitled to use any lane that a vehicle can use. Still, many roads in town can feel challenging for less experienced cyclists, and drivers may not always be expecting to share the road. There is ample opportunity in Acton to make biking safer and more accessible by improving infrastructure, such as adding painted or protected bike lanes, increasing bicycle parking, and enhancing signage to remind drivers to share the road. When we support cycling for everyone — commuters, students, families, and leisure riders — we strengthen the fabric of our town, creating a community that’s healthier, safer, and more connected.
Jodi Sperber
Old Bedford Road
