The Massachusetts Department of Transportation added roughly 15 miles of new shared use paths in 2024; expanding multimodal connectivity and opportunities for recreation statewide while also enhancing pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
[Above image by MassDOT]
The 15 miles of new shared paths that opened in 2024 were the result of completed projects, either constructed by MassDOT or jointly funded through the MassTrails program, along 14 different trails statewide.
The agency added that, throughout the course of 2024, it also completed several roadway projects that added new bike lanes, sidewalks, shared use paths, and crosswalks.
“Whether they are used for recreation or commuting to work, our multimodal paths play a vital role in making our transportation network cleaner, safer, and more inclusive,” noted Monica Tibbits-Nutt, MassDOT secretary and CEO, in a statement. “We are proud of the numerous tools and funding programs that we have put in place to keep fortifying our infrastructure in ways that benefit pedestrians and bicyclists across Massachusetts.”
“With these new routes, we are transforming how people move through their communities – offering pedestrians and cyclists safe, healthy, and sustainable ways to reach their destinations while actively contributing to Massachusetts’ ambitious climate goals,” added MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver.
“This progress would not be possible without the vision and collaboration of stakeholders and community leaders, whose insights have been invaluable in creating a more connected and inclusive transportation network for all,” he said.
“Shared use paths provide the kind of connectivity that can foster better human interactions and revitalize communities,” pointed out Peter Sutton, bicycle and pedestrian coordinator at MassDOT.
“By removing barriers to walking and biking and making our roadways safer for all users, we are creating a more equitable transportation network for future generations of Massachusetts residents,” he said.
MassDOT also plans to soon launch its Next Generation Bicycle and Pedestrian Vision Map; an initiative that will play a significant role in making walking and biking a more viable option for residents.
The agency said the development of this project has helped it identify “physical and quality gaps” when it comes to statewide multimodal connectivity, and this information will provide a roadmap for targeted multimodal investments in the future – supporting the strategy articulated in MassDOT’s “Beyond Mobility 2050” plan finalized in August 2024.
