Community Corner
Have you seen the sharrows in Medfield?
Medfield is working toward becoming a Complete Streets Community and one step toward that is street markings for multimodal transportation.
Sharrows, Bike Lanes and Complete Streets Community!
Sharrows have been painted on South Street Ext. in Medfield.? Do you know what they mean to drivers and cyclists?
Medfield is working toward becoming a Complete Streets Community and one step toward that is street markings where multimodal transportation is encouraged.
Find out what's happening in Medfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A sharrow is NOT a bike lane, it is used in situations where cyclists and drivers share the road. The arrows (double-chevron) reminds vehicles that bicyclists also use the road and they should share the road with cyclists.
Sharrows warn motorists that this is an important cycle route, and it encourages cyclists to use more of the lane where there is potential danger (e.g. from parked cars, drainage structures), but there is not enough room for a dedicated cycle lane.
Find out what's happening in Medfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Per the MA Dept of Transportation, "Employing Complete Streets principles in the project development process entails a balanced approach to address the needs of all modes; the result is an integrated transportation network that promotes safer and more convenient access and travel for all users and people of all abilities. Effective application of these principals may also provide the following benefits:
- Safety
- System Efficiency
- Public Transportation
- Livable Communities
- Transportation Options
- Health
- Energy
- Economic Development"
Medfield's Director of Public Works, Maurice Goulet explained that in addition to the painting of sharrows on South St. Ext., the Town of Medfield has plans to add dedicated bike lanes on Rt 27 (from the center of town toward Sherborn). Bike lanes are much wider than sharrows and that stretch of Rt. 27 will be wide enough to accommodate adding bike lanes on both sides of the road.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is taking action to encourage more Complete Streets projects across the state through its Complete Streets Funding Program. Local municipalities that attend trainings and adopt Complete Street policy best practices become eligible for state funding to plan and rebuild local streets.
