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Home My WebLink AboutBPNPSC 04/27/2026Town of Mansfield d,a RECEIVED 6 Park Row, Maaield, Massachasetls 02048 9'�F�ASA9{'�p 'OWN CLERKS OFFICE Bicycle & Pedestrian Network Plan Steering Committee 202b MAY 21 A 8- 36 MNSFIFLD Meeting Minutes MASSACHUSETTI,S April27,2026 own Hall MBC Room Attendance Committee Members SRPEDD Staff Michael See Jon Gray Sarah Raposa Janice Wivagg Maya Couto Michael Parsons Joseph Donovan Cheryl Christie Eric Greenberg vacant The meeting was called to order at approximately 6:00 PM by Sarah Raposa, Director of Planning & Development. Committee Organization Nominations: • Chair: Eric Greenberg • Vice Chair: Michael See • Clerk: Joseph Donovan A motion was made and seconded. Vote: Unanimous approval (6-0). Staff noted there is currently one vacancy on the Committee. Recent Outreach & Public Input SRPEDD reported on recent outreach conducted at community events, including the Mansfield cleanup event, Fulton Pond, and Plymouth Street soccer fields. Key feedback themes included: • Sidewalk gaps limiting safe connections between neighborhoods Parent concerns about children biking short distances due to missing links • Public interest in improved safety and connectivity Additional feedback gathered via social media highlighted: • Concerns about vehicle speeds General support for improving walking and biking conditions Speed & Safety Discussion The Committee held an extensive discussion on vehicle speeds and roadway safety. Key points: • Concerns regarding excessive speeds on local roads (e.g., East Street, Copeland Drive) • Mismatch between roadway design and posted speed limits • Interest in reducing default speeds (e.g., from 30 mph to 25 or 20 mph) Discussion topics included: • 85th percentile speed methodology and its limitations • Relationship between roadway width and driver behavior • Role of MassDOT vs. Town jurisdiction insetting speeds The Committee expressed interest in: • Understanding the process for modifying speed limits • Potential engagement with DPW, Police Department, and MassDOT • Evaluating high-speed corridors, particularly those under state control Connectivity Challenges Discussion focused on key barriers within the network: Copeland Drive underpass identified as a major barrier between West Mansfield and downtown Difficulty for pedestrians and bicyclists (especially children) to safely cross Need for improved crossings to connect neighborhoods to schools and downtown Members emphasized that addressing these barriers is critical to achieving meaningful network connectivity. Project Updates Mapping & Data Interactive mapping tool in development (pending MassDOT accessibility review) Will include: o Sidewalk gaps o High -injury network o Existing conditions layers Data Collection Additional pedestrian/bicycle counters to be installed in: o Downtown area o Memorial Park vicinity Public Engagement Planning Virtual Public Meeting • Scheduled for April 30, 2026 • Format: o Brief presentation (5-10 minutes) o Open discussion and feedback Additional notes: • Meeting will be recorded and shared for broader participation Public comments can be submitted online after the meeting Outreach Strategies • Social media (Town page and community groups) Flyers at: o Library o Senior Center o Schools • Potential outreach through: o Mansfield Cable o Local groups (e.g., garden club, community organizations) Focus Groups & Stakeholder Outreach The Committee discussed priority groups for targeted outreach: Downtown business community • Restaurants and business owners (e.g., Jimmy's Pub) • Mansfield Business Association • Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce • Council on Aging and walking groups • Community garden participants • Parks & Recreation program participants Bicycle Infrastructure Discussion Bike Racks • Limited availability of public bike racks downtown • Importance of mapping existing publicly accessible racks • Opportunity to: o Include bike rack inventory in plan o Explore grant funding (e.g., Safe Routes to School) o Partner with local businesses Amenities Discussion of potential future amenities such as: o Bike repair stations o Signage indicating bike -friendly locations Planning Resources & Best Practices SRPEDD presented key planning resources, including: • MassDOT Walkability & Bikeability Guides • FHWA Bikeway Selection Guide • MassDOT Project Development & Design Guide • Proven Safety Countermeasures Key concepts discussed: • Relationship between speed and safety outcomes • Importance of low -stress networks • Need for separated facilities on higher -speed roads • Network design principles: o Safety o Comfort o Connectivity o Directness o Attractiveness Additional Discussion Items • Potential reactivation of a historic pedestrian underpass (Old Elm Street area) • Interest in traffic calming measures, including speed feedback signs • Prior planning efforts related to Forbes Boulevard (industrial park) improvements Future Meetings The Committee discussed maintaining a regular meeting schedule (last Monday of each month). Next Meeting: May 2026 (TBD) Meeting Minutes The Committee voted to approve the March 30, 2026 meeting minutes (6-0) Adjournment The meeting adjourned following general discussion at 7:56 pm. Action Items Immediate (Before Next Meeting) Public Engagement Finalize and conduct April 30 Virtual Public Meeting Distribute meeting recording and comment link Continue outreach through community groups and social media Coordination Invite DPW and/or Police Department for future discussion on speed limits Compile information on process for modifying speed limits (Town vs. MassDOT) Data & Mapping • Finalize and publish interactive mapping tool • Share counter locations with staff Short -Term (Next 1-3 Months) Network & Safety • Identify priority crossing improvements (e.g., Copeland Drive) • Evaluate speed management strategies Infrastructure • Inventory existing public bike racks • Explore funding opportunities for additional racks Outreach • Develop focus group contact lists • Coordinate with business and community stakeholders Longer -Term (Planning Process) Integrate public feedback into plan development Develop network alternatives and recommendatic Identify priority projects and funding strategies Minutes Approved on �;I2'0Iuo Signature: