Bike, pedestrian safety audit urges action to avoid tragedy

Improving safety for bicyclists and pedestrians is an urgent need, according to a recent audit of Acton roadways conducted by a local advocacy group.

A proposed multi-year road, sidewalk, and traffic safety spending package is a step in the right direction, according to one of the survey group’s leaders. But it is not a full solution.

“We really want to urge the town not to wait until someone gets hurt or killed before we act,” said Linda Nieman of the Acton chapter of Mothers Out Front, which seeks to advance sustainability goals by making it safer to walk or bike around Acton. 

Nieman and fellow advocates conducted their audit last fall. She presented their report to the Transportation Advisory Committee in December and outlined several recommendations:

• Add signage and improve existing but inconsistent speed limit signage. 
• Narrow roadways with flexible posts to slow drivers down. 
• Improve sidewalks, trails, and drainage mechanisms. 
• Add “bike-friendly” street design features to Acton’s roads. 

Beyond recommendations, Mothers Out Front set a long-term goal for the town to better integrate safety improvements in transportation projects. 

Nieman said advocates don’t aim to eliminate cars. “But there’s room for everyone, and we have to consider that,” she told The Acton Bridge.

Phil Posner, a member of the TAC, was on hand when Mothers Out Front collected data. Though he did not participate in data analysis, he agreed with the group’s conclusions. 

Now that officials have data from this and other reports, he said officials must take action.

Major repairs

Public works leaders recently assembled a $27.5 million spending plan to fund major repairs over five years. 

Like Posner, Select Board member and TAC liaison Terri Ackerman said she agreed with Mothers Out Front’s recommendations. She and Posner also back the repair plan. 

“Acton is a very progressive town in many ways,” said Ackerman, “but transportation is an area where we’re way, way behind.” 

In a February email to The Bridge, Nieman said she appreciates that leaders “are responding to residents’ concerns.”

Among her comments, though, she echoed concerns that the road, sidewalk, and safety spending only keeps the status quo. 

“The current plan, while a good first step,” she said, “appears to be a five-year stopgap measure with a few safety improvements sprinkled in.”Nieman said she supports the town’s effort. “Does it go far enough?” she asked. “In short, no.”