A bicycle/pedestrian plan would help the town of Wiscasset receive state and federal funds, selectmen and residents learned Tuesday night.
Lincoln County Planner Bob Faunce gave a presentation during the regular board of selectmen meeting regarding a proposed bicycle/pedestrian plan for Wiscasset.
The year-long study, beginning in 2009, involved extensive research in planning, survey results, facility improvements, funding sources, and traffic and road conditions.
The proposed plan calls for improved bicycle and pedestrian access to the Wiscasset shoreline, off-road trails and safer routes along town roads. Faunce presented the plan to the town in order to get feedback. He said he hoped to have a public meeting regarding the proposed plan and eventually submit it to the Maine Dept. of Transportation (MDOT).
Faunce said MDOT strongly encourages towns to put together such a plan on the chance they might obtain funding for future infrastructure improvements. A Quality Communities Program and Go Maine are available funding sources from the MDOT for proposed bicycle and pedestrian improvements.
The Town of Wiscasset, MDOT, and the Lincoln County Planning Office appointed a 10-member committee for a bicycle and pedestrian study last year. Faunce said its purpose was focused on a number of related tasks, including improved access to the shoreline, bicycle and pedestrian access to a transportation system, and safety concerns along roads, among a list of other items.
A total of 160 student surveys and 40 non-student surveys were completed as part of the study. The surveys asked why and where participants rode their bicycles, walked or jogged and requested assessments on the conditions in the various locations.
Faunce showed population growth maps from 1893, 1953, 1970 and 2002 to illustrate how the town’s population has grown, the major difference showing development along town roads. Noting the high number of school children in town, Faunce said that is important to take into consideration.
He mentioned currently, Wiscasset is in a good position with its sidewalks. The town has a high number of functioning sidewalks, though there are some improvements that could be made, he said.
His presentation focused significantly on town roadsides, where some roads have either shoulders that suddenly drop off or are not there. While the pavement on many roads in town is good, the lack of wide shoulders poses a dangerous challenge for bicyclists, Faunce said.
Participants in the study recommended solutions to address safety and other issues through the surveys, in addition to research on roads and downtown traffic. Information and work on the project was also organized by the Wiscasset Bike-Pedestrian Committee and the Transportation Committee.
“Wiscasset has its back to the river,” Faunce said. “And it shouldn’t.”
Faunce said his number one priority was to construct a boardwalk along the Sheepscot River in town. He showed a photograph of a boardwalk similar in design to one the study recommends, which was a six-foot wide wood structure with railings.
“Wouldn’t this be a wonderful asset for the community?” he said.
The proposed boardwalk would connect the Main Street Pier and the Town Landing. Faunce said there is one private right of way along the proposed boardwalk route, so ownership issues would need to be resolved.
The boardwalk would provide access to the riverfront currently inaccessible to many people. He showed a photograph of the current shorefront, which with stumps, brush and other obstacles could hinder a casual stroll.
The study recommendations also called for sidewalk improvements, crosswalks, and pavement and road shoulder improvements.
Faunce described an off-road path, a project he sounded especially interested in. It would take pedestrians and bicyclists away from the roar of traffic and provide safe passage for local school children. Faunce also showed examples of sidewalks that could be moved further away from the side of roads.
The presentation came in with a 45-page report on the study findings. Faunce discussed a number of issues and suggested improvements toward the goal of a bike and pedestrian plan for Wiscasset. He anticipates there will be a public hearing on the subject sometime in the near future.
