Chapter 23: Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Committee

§ 23-1 Findings and purpose.

Sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails promote the health, safety, and general welfare of people living in and visiting Framingham. The Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Committee shall have the following purpose:

Make recommendations to protect, enhance, and preserve existing pedestrian-oriented infrastructure throughout the City;

Work with City government to promote accessibility through alternative modes of transportation;

Strengthen civic engagement through connected neighborhoods;

Ensure sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; and

Encourage healthy living through a more active lifestyle.

§ 23-2 Committee established; membership; terms of office.

[Amended 9-5-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-043-001; 2-25-2025 by Order No. 2025-004-001]

The Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Committee (the "Committee") is hereby established, consisting of nine members. Members shall serve for staggered terms of three years, though initially, at establishment of the Committee, member terms shall be of varying lengths (one, two, or three years) as follows:

One member selected by the Disability Commission (three years);

One member selected by the Park and Recreation Commission (two years);

One youth member between the age of 13 to 22 selected by the Mayor (one year);

One member selected by the Conservation Commission (two years);

Four members appointed by the Mayor (one for three years, one for two years, and two for one year); and

One community member of the Framingham Traffic Commission, selected by the Mayor (three years).

§ 23-3 Duties and responsibilities.

Duties and responsibilities of the Committee shall include, but not be limited to:

Upon being appointed, the inaugural members of the Committee will work to identify the components of a comprehensive Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Master Plan (BPTMP) to create a network of off-road trails and sidewalks which link together trails, abutting communities, major open space, parks and other public facilities and neighborhoods, create maps and wayfinding signage, and to set priorities to optimize the use of public funds and grant opportunities. The Committee will work towards engaging a consultant to create the official plan. The budget request will be submitted to the Mayor's office as soon as possible but no later than April 30, 2022, asking for a supplemental budget request, if no other funds can be appropriated from the FY23 budget, which will be in process at that time;

Develop and submit annually, no later than October 31 of each year, a recommendation to the Mayor, City Council and School Committee outlining specific small- and large-scale projects for improving existing sidewalks, bike lanes, trails and trail network connections in time to be included in consideration of the upcoming fiscal year's budget. The recommendation shall include a statement regarding the current state of the City's trail network and an evaluation of performance against any previous recommendations and of the progress made towards achieving the goals outlined in the BPTMP;

Work with the ADA Coordinator and City employees in the Mayor's office, Parks and Recreation Department, Department of Public Works, Division of Planning and Community Development, Framingham Public School Administration, and others from time to time as may be necessary to fulfill its duties and achieve its described purpose. The Committee Chair will invite departmental representatives to attend the Committee's meetings and will request information from departments as needed;

[Amended 4-30-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-025]

Work with outside groups and neighboring communities, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, and others as needed to achieve its described purpose;

Recommend the location and acquisition of easements for sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails within the City;

Catalog existing and future sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails and make recommendations regarding present and future sidewalk, bike, and trail needs and sidewalk, bike, and trail use conflicts; and

Make recommendations regarding ways to incorporate alternative modes of transportation on and off of the City's trail network.

[Amended 4-30-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-025]