2013-05-15-TFMP-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

THE MINUTENIAN BIKEWAY' One of the drivers of increased visitation to Lexington has been the popularity of the Minuteman Bikeway. This resource was never envisioned during the planning for the Visitors Center. Prior to - ...•.t..+. A_ ,...... -: .l _ -.- 1— _7 -___ -1 �1_ _ i r' Cv.ao.a .: ac, "W vV[1iiiVi lGiiiliii tutu v inauts Centel as a railroad track tor the commuter train into Boston. Buildings along the way were built to shield the visual and noise impacts of the multiple trail trips daily. There was no need for a passing train to know what was along the route. Milestone dates for the trail began _years after the Visitors Center was built: 1974 first concept for -- building the coninl�uter Like path rail sertvrice continued until 1981; co istruction approval was granted in 1991- officially dedicated as the country's 500` rail trail in 1994. The White House designated the Minuteman Bikeway as a "Millemilum Trail." In 2008 it was named to the Rail -Trail Hall of Fame. Stretching 11 miles, it is one of the most popular commuter and recreational trails in the country. With the conversion to a major recreational route, thousands pass through the corridor each ''n - va biea..as year. . a: ii ci typical in- season Saturday, bike counts taken under the direction of the Bicycle Advisory Committee in the vicuiit_y of the Visitors Center, show 4,000+ trips. Thev are cyclists, walkers, joggers, commuters, fans lies, * dividuais, locals, and visitors. Some of our touiisiii efforts have been geared towards finding a way for bikeway users to learn of the many businesses and attractions available to them steps from the bikeway. These cultural tourists have the time to spend their motley here. Similar to trying to teach visitors that there is more to see in Lexington then the Battle Green, We must draw bikeway users into the Visitors Center and Orient them to ail Lexington has to offer. The cCOiioid'eiC 0I)DOI tUrlii y' available to i•onveri people j1µst passing through into consumers O Our local historical sites, shops, and restaurants is substantial. A majority of these recreational travelers make multiple trips along this trail. In recent years, 25 — 50 — 100 mile rides have become common for an increasing number of bikers. It is a priority for the Tourism Committee to convince these travelers to h P!` . nmP T PSrin n'1 nnnrnsra�os -n I-7.,. :r,.�. ..,.. _.... .,1 .... .�1_ UiIW i iiiU s.;tiHURi CuffilgUlaliOrl, rulers barely know there is a building at that location because ofthe landscaping and building design. Even if they notice the building, the facade that overlooks the bikeway does not look like a place where the public should stop and visit. It resembles the back cif a house. While nest; s' nage has ' been approved to identiz the bullding, more is needed. Landscaping will help, but architectural changes and bicycle parking are needed for visitors to be drawn in to this facility. Multiple toNvii organizations recognize the importance of directing Bikeway travelers into Lexington patrons. Recently, the Bicycle Advisory Committee received fimding from the DCR to improve "user nlforinatioil oil the Minuteman Bikeway." This is a 3 y-town grant to Hire a design eng ineer t0 CO1Tle tip with a plan for improving signage on and off the bikeway, maps, mile markers, kiosks, interpretive display, benches, etc. These initiatives are designed to enhance the user experience. Bikeway users will have more information about the areas they're traveling through -- including towns and their centers, businesses, tourist destinations, etc. The recent Center Streetscape Plan includes bike nodes throughout the Center, including one at the Visitor's Center. ACROSS Lexington is a network of trails that connect to various sites through the Center. This Work compliments and underscores the need for a visible rest stop for recreational visitors to Lexington. ]a & May 7, 2013 -9-