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  • Bike and Ped Master Plan

Action Alerts!

Keep North Avenue Safe for Everyone 

The recreation season is just starting and the new configuration deserves at least a full trial season!  


Monday, April 14th - Town Council Meeting - Vote expected to reverse North Ave Bike Infrastructure

Meeting starts at 6pm with Executive Session

Public Engagement Follows (Item 5)

Discussion and Vote (Item 6)


Background: Town leadership and the Department of Public Works have been discussing a plan to improve pedestrian and cycle infrastructure on North Avenue since early 2021, as part of the Bike and Pedestrian Plan (Plan) approved by Town Council in March 2024.   As part of the Plan, 360 surveys were completed and many residents participated in public meetings and walking tours. In June of 2024, the Town Council reaffirmed its support for the North Avenue improvements which were completed on December 9, 2024. Every vote ever taken on the North Avenue configuration included an understanding that the bike lane would be installed for one full cycling season (April - October) in order to evaluate its use and data. Less than four months later, at the end of a cold winter, the Town Council wants to undo 4+ years of work just as walkers and bikers are emerging to enjoy the warm weather.


Review the Proposal here and take action. Tell the Town Council that it should respect the process and give the new configuration at least one full recreational season to assess usage and safety. 


How to Take Action:


  1. Call or Email Town Councilors
  2. Write a Public Comment to be entered into the record at Meeting
  3. Speak in person or virtual during the 4/14 Public Comment Period


Join our mailing list to keep up to date on alerts like this. 


 See our FAQs below for more information on how to take action!





April 14, 2025 Council Proposal

Current Configuration with 4+ Years of Input

Up to 10 foot buffer between sidewalk and vehicles and 3 foot buffer between cars and bike lane northbound.

Proposed Configuration

No space for bikes and reduces buffer between pedestrians and cars northbound by up to 5 feet.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at Safestreetswakefield@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Decisions in Wakefield about safer streets are largely made through the Town Council, which is advised by the Traffic Advisory Committee, DPW, and other departments and committees.  Current Town Councilors can be reached by filling out the contact form on the town website here or directly emailing at: 


Chair, Mike McLane - Mmclane@wakefield.ma.us

Vice Chair, Ed Dombroski - Edombroski@wakefield.ma.us

Mehreen Butt -  mbutt@wakefield.ma.us

Doug Butler - dbutler@wakefield.ma.us

John Carney - jcarney@wakefield.ma.us

Jonathan Chines - jchines@wakefield.ma.us

Robert Vincent - rvincent@wakefield.ma.us


Copy and send to all at once:  Mmclane@wakefield.ma.us,  Edombroski@wakefield.ma.us, mbutt@wakefield.ma.us, dbutler@wakefield.ma.us, jcarney@wakefield.ma.us, jchines@wakefield.ma.us, rvincent@wakefield.ma.us


It is also very effective to provide public comment on issues that are before the Council. To do this, you can provide written public comment by completing the form available here up to two before the meeting start time: Public Committee Meeting Participation Form


You can also speak directly to the council by logging in to the Zoom using the information in the meeting agenda or arriving before the meeting and being added to the list to speak in person to the council.  Note that Public Comment is very early in most agendas (unless there is an executive session) and you must arrive in time for that agenda item. 



Town Council agenda items are posted in advance of the meeting.  


Agenda and minutes are on the right side of the Boards & Committees/Town Council page and are also available on the date of meeting in the Public Meetings Calendar on the Town's Home Page. To keep up to date, register to receive Town News & Announcements here. 


Meeting Materials for each meeting are posted prior to each meeting and provide additional details about what is being discussed.

Advocacy

Success! Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Adopted

On March 11, 2024 the Town Council adopted the Plan on a 5-2 vote.  We want to recognize the combined efforts of the Council members that voted for it, and the Director of Economic Development (Erin Kokinda) and Town Engineer (Bill Renault) for their key roles in drafting the Plan.  We also want to thank all the members of Safe Streets Wakefield that contributed their volunteer time to support adoption of the Plan.

Safe Routes to School

Safe Streets Wakefield is an Alliance partner with the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School program.  We have worked with local schools, town government, and the state to encourage walk audits and infrastructure improvements around our 6 Wakefield schools, including an audit of Farm Street and Woodville elementary in February 2021.

Volunteer Opportunities

Make a difference in your community by volunteering your time and skills. Explore our latest volunteer opportunities and get involved today.

Contact Us

Have questions or feedback?  Email us at: safestreetswakefield@gmail.com

Copyright © 2025 Safe Streets Wakefield - All Rights Reserved.

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