One of the discussions during the meeting was the necessity to revise the town’s master plan for bicycle and pedestrian access, which has not been updated since 2008. The committee expressed particular interest in the state-run project to upgrade South Main Street with pedestrian and bike accommodations. This topic held attention as members noted the importance of ensuring that the needs and safety of cyclists and pedestrians are adequately considered in the new design.

In addition to South Main Street, the committee delved into the conditions of Middle Road and Matapoisett Road, identifying them as potential areas for improvement. The safety of crosswalks was a concern, with the effectiveness of current locations being questioned. The placement of pedestrian beacons was also discussed as a measure to enhance visibility and safety for those on foot.

Another focal point of the discussion was the town’s connectivity with neighboring areas, particularly the lack of a pathway to New Bedford. The committee discussed the benefits that a safe bike accommodation on Middle Road could provide, not only for Acushnet residents but also for fostering better connections with the surrounding community.

The South Coast Bikeway, a regional effort to create a continuous bike path through multiple communities, was also a topic of conversation. The idea of a bike bus for students emerged as a novel suggestion.

Members shared concerns about road maintenance, specifically the issue of debris and gravel which can pose significant hazards to cyclists. The need for street sweeping was raised as a potential action point to mitigate these risks.

During the meeting, there was an exchange of ideas regarding the upcoming Massachusetts Bike Month. The committee discussed various events and activities planned for the month, including charity rides and community events. While there was some debate over the wording of a proclamation for the month, the primary focus remained on ensuring the committee could deliver on its commitments.

The committee was encouraged to seek collaboration with Safe Routes to School, a national program designed to make it safer and more appealing for children to walk and bike to school. There was also mention of tapping into the resources offered by the Complete Streets program, which provides funding for communities to improve their roads and sidewalks to accommodate all users safely.

One member brought up the Liverpool streets bike rides, highlighting a group ride scheduled for April 6th as an opportunity for community engagement and to foster a culture of cycling within the town.

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the committee’s need to establish official goals and a mission statement. This step was seen as critical for guiding future actions and conveying the committee’s objectives to the public. Additionally, updating the town’s website with relevant and current information was identified as an essential step to keep the community informed about the committee’s work and initiatives.