Concerns from Neighbors Put Proposed Bicycle Project in Falmouth on Hold

FALMOUTH – Plans for a bicycle path that connects East Falmouth with Trotting Park have come to a halt.

Concerns from neighbors and public works officials persuaded Falmouth Selectmen to put the project on hold earlier this month.

The route would take cyclists from Teaticket Highway up to Trotting Park Road, and then to town-owned athletic fields and skate park.

But the narrow roadway drew concerns from neighbors, who said that cyclists traveling on the busy road could lead to accidents.

“The hazards from Trotting Park Road are so deep that it’s difficult for the residents of Trotting Park Road to get in and out of their driveways and to make a left-hand turn,” said resident Cynthia Rose.

The town’s public works department also opposes the proposed pathway, calling it “unsafe” and “dangerous”.

Bikeway Committee Chair Scott Lindell urged selectmen to endorse the project.

But without their endorsement, the committee could not craft a budget for the proposal, and missed out on requesting Community Preservation Act dollars by the August 7^th deadline.

Selectmen Doug Jones said that having another year to apply for CPA funds could give supporters a chance to craft a more “universal” plan.

Vice Chair Megan English-Braga believed that continuing ahead with the proposed project could create more opposition to the plan and would set it up for failure.

“I just think in the long-term there are concerns about that area being utilized casually that remain, because Trotting Park is a dangerous street,” said English-Braga.

By JUSTIN SAUNDERS, CapeCod.com Newscenter