Town’s infrastructure should ‘protect people first’

The recent road closures for Concord250 gave us all a glimpse of how delightful and safe our town can feel when walking and biking are put first. Each spring, fair weather brings neighbors outdoors on foot and two wheels, whether for errands or simply to savor Acton’s charm.

Yet across the country, pedestrian and bicyclist injuries and fatalities continue to climb — and Acton hasn’t escaped this trend. Just last month, a grandmother, her daughter, and an infant were struck near the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, Williams Road, and Old Marlboro Road intersection. Weeks earlier, a school bus collision left a cyclist with serious injuries.

These incidents remind us that bodies are no match for thousands of pounds of fast-moving metal. Everyone makes mistakes — drivers and pedestrians alike — so our streets must be forgiving when errors occur. That means designing crossings and corridors that protect people first, rather than catering solely to cars.

With National Bike to Work Week (May 12-16) around the corner, there is no better moment to renew our focus on safety. Let’s invest in well-marked crosswalks, protected bike lanes, and traffic-calming measures that let people of all ages and abilities move confidently through town.

Acton has long led by example in preserving its historic character and fostering community spirit. Now, let’s extend that legacy by preventing crashes before they happen — through proven, evidence‑based road design that prioritizes human life. When walking and biking feel safe and inviting, everyone wins: families out for a spring ride, students heading to school, elders crossing the street, and motorists enjoying a calmer, more predictable road.

Let’s keep Acton the place where we can all travel without fear. Supporting stronger pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure this Bike to Work Week — and every week — will ensure our streets remain true to the community we cherish.

Betsy Olsson-Mackowski

Wedgewood Common