SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN - 2018October 2018
Salem Bicycle Master Plan
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
CITY OF SALEM
Kim Driscoll, Mayor of Salem
Tom Devine, AICP, Senior Planner, Department of Planning & Community Development
Nick Downing, Acting Director of Traffic and Parking
Christian Schluter, Planning and GIS Intern
PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE
Dominick Pangallo, Mayor’s Chief of Staff
Jenna Ide, Director of Capital Projects & Municipal Operations, Mayor’s Office
Trish O’Brien, Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Dan Shuman, Bicycling Advisory Committee Chair and owner of Salem Cycle
Christine Madore, Ward 2 City Councilor
Deborah Duhamel, Assistant City Engineer
Eric Papetti, Bicycling Advisory Committee and Traffic & Parking Commission
Michael Williamson, Bicycling Advisory Committee
Officer Timothy Salvo, Salem Police Department Traffic Unit Commander, and Traffic &
Parking Commission
Rinus Oosthoek, Salem Chamber of Commerce Executive Director
Kylie Sullivan, Salem Main Streets Director, Bicycling Advisory Committee
Tara Gallagher, Salem State University Sustainability and EH&S Coordinator
Laura Fleming, Executive Director of Marketing at Communications for North Shore Medical
Center
Russell Findley, Mass in Motion Built Environment Coordinator
Kelley Rice, Salem Public Schools Chief of Communications
David Valecillos, Senior Project Manager for North Shore Community Development Coalition
Erin Schaeffer, Staff Planner
PREPARED BY
Nick Jackson, Toole Design
Erica Guidoboni, Toole Design
Jeff Brubaker, Toole Design
Beth Isler, Toole Design
Lydia Hausle, Toole Design
Stephanie Weyer, Toole Design
Jake Berman, Toole Design
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CONTENTS
Introduction ....................................................................2
Existing Conditions ..........................................................6
Recommendations .........................................................16
Action Plan ...................................................................30
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Executive Summary
Salem is full of opportunities for bicycling. The city is
compact, features a well-connected street network, and
a diverse mix of land uses that make most trips within
the city possible by bike. The city’s public bicycle sharing
program has increased options for getting around by
bike. Bicycling is valued because it supports economic
and tourism growth. The community also understands
that better conditions for bicycling will attract and retain
residents, tourists, and students.
viii SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN |
The Salem Bicycle Master Plan (the Plan) was created to
establish a vision and plan of action for making Salem a place
that is bikeable for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
While the City has invested in bicycle infrastructure, many
barriers prevent people from bicycling more. People are
interested in bicycling as a fun, healthy, low-cost transportation
option but are discouraged by routes with little or no separation
from motor vehicles on high-speed and high-volume streets.
Other issues, such as lack of bike parking or maintenance of
trails can also deter people from bicycling.
The Plan was developed to address these issues through
discussions with stakeholders, members of the public and
City staff. It included a review of work the City has already
completed and analysis of existing conditions and safety
concerns for people biking in Salem. Through this process, over
100 infrastructure projects and policy changes were identified
that will enable the development of a safe, high-comfort network
of bikeways that will connect to destinations throughout Salem.
The projects identified in the Plan range from small traffic
calming interventions in North Salem and the Point, to improved
connections at Leslie’s Retreat Path, to new bike lanes on many
of Salem’s main corridors. The projects in the Plan will not
only provide a safer and more comfortable environment for
people biking, but will support Salem’s other livability, mobility,
economic, and environmental goals. Investments in biking
will take place over time and all projects will be thoughtfully
integrated into Salem’s existing transportation system. The final
section of this document, the Action Plan, serves as a guide
for making these smart, strategic investments with projects
prioritized and organized into short, medium, and long-term
projects.
Many people turn to biking as an affordable, convenient, healthy,
and fun way to move around Salem. With the implementation
of this Plan, Salem will become a place that is bikeable for
everyone, from eight-year-old children on their way to school,
to working professionals destined for the train, to 75-year-old
grandparents out for an evening ride.
With over 100 infrastructure and policy projects
identified, this Plan is a blueprint for creating a
citywide environment that is safe and comfortable for
people biking, regardless of their age or ability level.
These changes hold the potential to transform daily
transportation in Salem. With ever-growing traffic
congestion and gridlock wearing on quality of life and
the environment in Salem, one thing is certain: we
cannot build our way out of traffic with car-focused
streets. Through a well-connected network of high-
quality bike infrastructure and supportive policies
and programs, Salem will offer biking as a safe and
convenient transportation option, making it easier
and more appealing for large numbers of people to
leave their car keys at home.
The vision guiding this plan is based on five big
ideas, identified below:
1. Neighborhoods will connect to each other and
downtown with comfortable bikeways along key
arterials, including:
• North Street
• Bridge Street
• Boston Street
• Lafayette Avenue
• Derby Street
• Highland Avenue
• Loring Avenue
2. The Salem Commuter Rail Station will be
accessible via comfortable bike infrastructure
from all approaches.
3. Salem will connect to Beverly, Marblehead, Lynn,
and Peabody with on and off-street bikeable
connections.
4. Recreational trails and parks will be easy to
reach by bike for people of all ages, abilities,
and backgrounds.
5. Processes, regulations, and programming will
embed biking into the daily decision making of
City staff and officials.
Plan Highlights
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Introduction
Salem has all of the bones of a premiere biking city. At
just over eight square miles, Salem’s size is one of its
greatest assets. The city offers a rich density of activity
– cultural institutions, historic attractions, educational
and employment centers, parks, and more – within
short, bikeable distances of its residential neighborhoods
and transportation hubs. Furthermore, biking supports
the community values and vision set forth in Imagine
Salem, the city’s visioning plan. Recognizing its enviable
position as a city fit for bicycling, this Bicycle Master
Plan represents an important step toward realizing an
equitable and sustainable transportation future based on
smart investments that will improve safety, livability, and
transportation choices for its residents and visitors.
1
2 SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | INTRODUCTION
Introduction
1 Imagine Salem Progress Report. 2017. City of Salem.
2 U.S. Census Bureau Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: July 1,
2017
The Salem Bicycle Master Plan was born out of the
community that it will serve – the people who live, work, and
travel throughout Salem, regardless of mode. A balanced
transportation system that supports biking as an attractive
and safe option for people of all ages and abilities is essential
for continued economic growth, community health outcomes,
and quality of life for all people in Salem. Working together with
other transportation options available in Salem – walking, train,
bus, ferry, and personal vehicle – biking offers an important
transportation option that is widely accessible to virtually all
people regardless of where they live, their age, or their income.
Whether people choose to travel by bike, have few other options,
or ride around Salem simply for fun, this Plan charts a course for
providing the infrastructure, policy, and programming necessary
to support biking for all people in Salem.
Bikeable Salem
The city’s land mass of eight square miles includes an inner
core full of historic homes and mixed-use buildings, with
some suburban-style housing outside Downtown. Densely
settled, about 67% of housing is in multifamily buildings spread
throughout the city.1 Salem possesses a wealth of recreational
and natural areas, including 18.5 linear miles of shoreline on its
north and east sides. Salem is home to approximately 44,400
people,2 and the city hosts over a million tourists each year who
come to experience the city’s rich historic and cultural legacy.
The relatively small size of the city is an asset for biking (See
Figure 1). Because of the physical exertion required for biking,
distance is a main factor people consider when deciding
whether a trip may be made by bike or not. From any point within
the city’s boundaries, the core of Downtown can be reached
within a bike ride of approximately three or less miles (under
30 minutes riding time). Whether for shopping, recreation, or
employment, virtually every trip within the city is of a bikeable
distance.
The Planning Process
Beginning in the fall of 2017, the City of Salem launched
the planning process by identifying a Steering Committee
comprised of City Councilors, municipal department leaders,
advocates, members of Salem’s Bicycle Advisory Committee,
and other community stakeholders. The Steering Committee
was selected in recognition of the collaboration and consensus-
building required to plan, design, and implement meaningful
changes to the built and policy environment in Salem.
With the Steering Committee as a guiding force throughout
the Plan development, the community was engaged through
a variety of outreach methods to collect feedback about the
current state of bicycling in Salem, including barriers to bicycling
and priorities for improvement. The outreach strategies used
are outlined below:
Steering Committee: The 15-person Steering Committee met
four times throughout the planning process and played a
pivotal role in the early community engagement efforts, project
prioritization, and general plan review.
Listening Sessions: A series of listening sessions were held with
14 stakeholder groups and focused on the unique expertise or
interest of the interviewee(s). Through the listening sessions,
the City evaluated specific policy and regulatory conditions
– such as zoning requirements and site plan review – as they
relate to biking.
Community Bike Rides: Two community bike rides were held in
December 2017 that covered two routes starting and ending at
the Salem Commuter Rail station (an 11-mile loop and a 9-mile
loop). The general public were invited to attend the bike rides
and despite snowy and cold conditions, those in attendance
were well-acquainted with bicycling in Salem and shared a
detail-rich narrative of the current conditions for bicyclists.
Figure 1: Distance to Downtown from Around Salem
Public Open House: An interactive open house was held in
February 2018 to spark the community conversation about
specific challenges the bike Plan should address. In addition
to a brief presentation about the Plan, members of the public
were prompted by hands-on activities to identify streets that are
challenging for biking, what kinds of infrastructure the community
would like to see, and where people want to travel to and from by
bike. The open house flyer was formatted in English and Spanish,
and Spanish translation was available at the open house.
Online Interactive Map: An online interactive map was used
to identify current routes and destinations in Salem, as well
as desired routes and destinations. Provided in both English
and Spanish, the map was open for user feedback from
between December 2017 and March 2018, during which time
179 users logged 509 unique insights about their current and
desired routes and destination in Salem. The wikimap received
comments from daily bike riders, casual and infrequent riders,
and those who do not ride at all.
In addition, completed and ongoing planning initiatives were
consulted to ensure this Plan built on and coordinated with
existing City efforts.
Steering Committee Members
Members of the Public
Listening Session Participants
Andrew Zimmerman, RCG
Salem Maritime and Saugus Ironworks National
Historic Sites
Beth Debski, The Salem Partnership
David Valecillos, North Shore Community
Development Coalition
David Pabich, Salem Renewal
Jason Consalvo, Salem Five Bank, Salem Rotary
Andy Goldberg, Goldberg Properties
Bicycling Advisory Committee
Salem State University Focus Group
North Shore Medical Center
South Salem Neighborhood Association
Bob Monk, Peabody Essex Museum
Kelley Rice, Salem Public Schools
Steve Feldman, Salem Business Owner
Community Bike Ride Attendees
Tom Devine, City of Salem
Matt Smith, City of Salem
Eric Papetti, Steering Committee
Paul Tucker, Massachusetts State Representative
Christine Madore, City Councilor, Ward 2
Thank You For
Participating!
The public discussed biking in Salem at the Public Open House
4 SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | INTRODUCTION
Community engagement for the plan included Open House interactive street design and comment stations plus an online interactive map survey.
5SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | INTRODUCTION
Bike rides and Open House interactive mapping stations encouraged community members to share their knowledge of locational issues for biking.
SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | INTRODUCTION
Salem believes in an accessible local and regional
transportation system that provides alternative
modes of transportation and choices. Salem aims
to have a true multimodal transportation system that
encourages active and sustainable transportation
choices for everyday trips and empowers all travelers
to safely use the streets. The City recognizes the
crucial role that a sustainable transportation system
plays in opening up opportunities for the Salem
community.
People should have options when choosing to get
around the city regardless of their age and ability.
People have differing preferences and abilities, and
therefore choice should be embedded in all parts of
the transportation system. In many places, providing
choice entails rebalancing streets after nearly 80
years of automobile-oriented investment. In other
places, it means designing streets and sidewalks
to be ensure safety and comfort for all users,
particularly the elderly and people with disabilities.
Elements of the transportation system should
connect, so that the system becomes multimodal. It
is unreasonable to expect all transportation modes to
work for all trips, and creating independent systems
for all transportation modes would be redundant in
many places. The transportation system should allow
travelers to string together different mode choices
where appropriate.
• 2003 North River Corridor Master Plan
• 2012 North River Canal Corridor Transportation Plan
• 2015-2022 Open Space and Recreation Plan
• 2016 Route 107 Corridor Study
• 2017 1A – Vinnin Square Priority Corridor Study
• 2017 MassDOT District 4 Enhancement Plans
• 2018 Shuttle Feasibility Study
• Bates Elementary Safe Routes to School Plan
• Canal Street Rail Trail Extension Plans
Streets should be designed to enable active and sustainable
transportation modes. The transportation system will work
best when people who can reasonably walk, bike, or use
transit can do so safely, comfortably, and reliably. Making
these modes work is especially important for trips taken
along existing transit lines and for short trips within Salem
and to adjacent communities. By enabling these modes,
valuable “real estate” in the public right of way will become
free. Allowing people to not use their cars unnecessarily
relieves traffic congestion, increases retail foot traffic, fosters
community, and ameliorates public health.
The transportation system should be design for safety and
a “Vision Zero” standard. Major injuries and deaths from
traveling are largely if not entirely preventable. Improper street
designs, including those that incentivize fast travel speeds,
can increase the likelihood of casualties. When reconfiguring
streets, Salem should design for low speeds and low
casualties in its neighborhoods. Ultimately, Salem should aim
to have zero deaths and major injuries—a standard called
“Vision Zero.”
The transportation system should complement
neighborhoods. Quality of life in Salem’s neighborhoods
should be bolstered by the transportation system. Rather
than communities accommodating inflexible transportation
infrastructures, the transportation system should be designed
with the unique character of each neighborhood in mind.
• Comprehensive Subdivision Regulations Update
• East Coast Greenway Network
• Essex Street Pedestrian Mall Conceptual Plan
• Imagine Salem Visioning Plan
• MAPC LandLine Network Plan
• Salem Complete Streets Prioritization Plan
• Salem Power Station Redevelopment Plan
• South Salem Commuter Rail Station Conceptual Plan
• Various studies completed for Bridge, Boston, and North
Streets (including MBTA access studies)
Imagine Salem: Transportation Guiding Principles
Other Current and Ongoing Planning Initiatives
7SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | INTRODUCTION
Existing Conditions
Salem will soon celebrate its quadricentennial. Nearly 400
years of history, technological advancement, and growth
are embedded into Salem’s streets, reflecting the ever-
changing nature of the city. This Plan is responsive to the
existing environment to ensure the Plan recommendations
work in the service of the Salem that exists today, while
anticipating and preparing for the needs of Salem in the
future.
2
8 SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | EXISTING CONDITIONS
Existing Conditions
3 American Community Survey. 2016. United States Census Bureau.
4 Forman, Ben and Hodge, Daniel. The Promise and Potential of Trans-
formative Transit-Oriented Development in Gateway Communities. 2018.
MassINC.
This section summarizes the current state of biking in
Salem. Using existing city-wide data, public input, and field
observations, the existing conditions described below
establish the framework that was used to craft the Plan
recommendations. By first examining Salem’s current
characteristics and the City’s efforts to build out a network for
biking, the future comes into focus: Where are opportunities
to fill network gaps and better connect people to desired
destinations? Where do constraints exist that may preclude or
complicate future intervention? What are the main barriers that
prevent people from biking, and how can thy be overcome?
Travel Patterns
Though compact in size, Salem is comprised of a variety of
neighborhood types and scales. From the densely-settled
Point neighborhood to the suburban environment in Witchcraft
Heights to the bustling Downtown core, Salem residents rely on
a variety of transportation tools to travel between their homes
and places around Salem.
Outreach to the Salem community revealed the many ways
people currently use a bike to experience Salem. People in
Salem bike to reach their jobs, local parks, and daily destinations
(such as shops or restaurants). In addition, a significant
percentage of people bike to make their transit connections.
Although the current bike mode share in Salem is relatively
small – just one percent of people in Salem report biking as
their primary mode to traveling to work3 – the community
processes completed for this Plan, as well as Imagine Salem,
demonstrate a strong preference for increasing the share of
trips made by active modes and expanding low-cost, reliable
transportation options, like biking.
Multimodal Connectivity
Salem’s transit hubs are among the most important destinations
for Salem residents. The scale of Salem makes biking an
extremely convenient choice for people who use the commuter
rail, ferry, or bus service for longer-distance travel. Through trip
chaining – linking together two or more legs of a trip through
various modes – biking may be used for the first or last segment
of a trip to make longer-distance trips possible without the use of
a car. In this way, biking is a far more effective tool than walking.
While only 20% of Salem residents can reach the commuter rail
or ferry within a 10-minute walk, 70% can reach the two transit
hubs within a 10-minute bike ride (See Figure 2). Data from the
MBTA and other recent studies illustrate the importance of and
connection between biking and transit use in Salem. The Salem
commuter rail station is one of the most heavily used in the entire
MBTA system, with weekday ridership over 2,000.4 Data from the
2015-17 MBTA Systemwide Passenger Survey shows that the 90
Figure 2: Salem’s Access to Commuter Rail and Ferry
Terminal via a 10-minute Walk vs 10-minute Bike Ride
10 min. walk
10 min. bike ride
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
3%2%
58%
27%
11%
Walk or Bike Drive Alone Carpool Drop off by
Personal
Vehicle
Drop off by
Other Vehicle
Figure 3: Mode Used to Access Salem Commuter Rail Station
9SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | EXISTING CONDITIONS
percent of people taking the commuter rail daily do so for work
trips, with 72 percent of passengers taking the train five days
weekly.5
Of the people who board the commuter rail in Salem, 12 percent
do not have access to a car and 11 percent are from low-income
households earning $43,500 per year or less. Owing to the
overall scale of the city and the relatively dense development
pattern around the station (over 3,000 working-age people
live within a half-mile of the station), walking and biking are
attractive modes for access to and from the train; As shown in
Figure 3, over 1,200 (58 percent of riders) access the station via
walking or biking while 27 percent access the station by driving
alone.6 7
The importance of multimodal connections was echoed
throughout the public process completed for this Plan. Fully ten
percent of all biking destinations identified by the public were
concentrated at just two locations: the MBTA commuter rail
station and ferry terminal.
Utility Trips
Utility trips – those made for transportation purposes to work,
school, shopping, or other daily destinations – play a significant
role in the number of people biking around Salem every day
5 2015-2017 MBTA Systemwide Passenger Survey. Central Transportation Planning Staff.
6 2015-2017 MBTA Systemwide Passenger Survey. Central Transportation Planning Staff.
7 Forman, Ben and Hodge, Daniel. The Promise and Potential of Transformative Transit-Oriented Development in Gateway Communities. 2018. MassINC.
8 Community comments collected via Wikimap
9 Community comments collected via Wikimap
10 American Community Survey. 2016. United States Census Bureau.
11 Imagine Salem Progress Report. 2017. City of Salem.
(See Figure 4).8 Although many in the community bicycle for
recreation, people most frequently bike for transportation
purposes (See Figure 5).9
Salem plays a significant role in the regional employment and
consumer economy, with tens of thousands of people traveling
in, around, and out of Salem daily for access to jobs and other
daily destinations. Approximately half of Salem’s residents
are of working age (21,801 residents 16 years or older),10 and
19% of those residents work within Salem.11 An additional
Utility Trips
59%
Non- Utility
Trips
41%
Recreation
41%
Transit
Connection
10%
Dining 9%
Social/
Entertainment
15%
Shopping
8%
School
3%
Work
14%
Figure 4: Current Biking Destinations by Type
Recreation Transportation
Daily or almost daily A few times each week A few times each month A few times each year
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
7%
22%
25%24%
37%
20%
32%33%
Figure 5: Biking Frequency of Current Bicyclists in Salem by Trip Type
10 SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | EXISTING CONDITIONS
17,000 people commute into Salem each day for work. Salem
has clusters of high-activity employment and shopping
located Downtown, along Highland Avenue, and in pockets of
southeastern Salem. High concentrations of workers report
to a single or small handful of locations for the city’s largest
non-government employers such as North Shore Medical
Center (over 3,000 employees) and Salem State University
(approximately 1,500 employees). Major shopping destinations
also include regional malls, such as Northshore Mall in Peabody
and Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers. While some people currently
bike to these areas, the existing infrastructure does not provide
a sense of safety or comfort required to encourage a larger
share of the population to bike to their jobs or daily errands.
Biking for Fun
Salem contains dozens of parks of varying sizes located
throughout the City, in addition to an exceptional array of
cultural attractions. The broad distribution of the City’s parks
allows people who live in any neighborhood to access a
green space within a short distance of their home. Similarly,
the vast majority of Salem’s museums and historic sites are
concentrated within the Downtown area, making it easy to travel
between sites using active modes.
The strong tourist economy in Salem brings over a million
people into Salem, most within a short time period around
October. The heavy influx of people into Salem strains all
modes of transportation, placing an even greater emphasis on
the need for transportation choices to support the increased
demand. The availability of Salem’s hybrid dockless bikeshare
system gives tourists access to the whole of Salem by bike.
With a concentration of docking stations located Downtown, the
system is especially well-equipped to handle visitors to Salem’s
main tourist attractions.
12 Community comments collected via Wikimap
13 Dill, D. and N. McNeil. Revisiting the Four Types of Cyclists. In Transpor-
tation Research Record 2587. TRB, National Research Council, Washington,
DC, 2016.
Salem’s Bike Network
In the intervening years since the 2010 Bicycle Circulation
Master Plan was completed, Salem has made many positive
changes that have made biking accessible. Several miles of bike
lanes and new shared-use paths have been opened, creating
new routes and options for moving around the City. However, the
current system of bike infrastructure does not always provide
adequate separation or connectivity to make most people feel
that it is a safe way to travel. The primary challenge facing
Salem is inadequate separation between people biking and
driving along many of Salem’s main high-volume, high-speed
streets. These streets are the primary connectors in Salem
- those that carry people from neighborhoods to Downtown,
Salem State, the ferry terminal, and other destinations described
above.
Existing Lanes and Paths
As shown in Map 1, Salem currently has approximately seven
miles of bike infrastructure installed throughout the City,
including just under three miles of off-street shared use path
and approximately four miles of on-street bike lanes. While
these bike lanes and paths are useful tools for a portion of the
population, most of the on-street bike facilities that exist today
are along relatively high-volume, high-speed streets and do not
prove any separation between people biking and moving traffic.
As a result, the majority of Salem’s existing on-street lanes are
considered low-comfort. National research shows that routes
like these are likely to attract a maximum of around seven
percent of the total population, while an additional 65 percent
would consider biking if routes provided a more comfortable
ride. In Salem, the public identified the primary reasons they
don’t currently ride a bike, demonstrating that for a greater bike
mode share to be achieved, greater comfort and separation is
required along Salem’s streets (See Figure 6).12
Comfort and Safety
Salem’s bicycle network currently supports a small population
of highly confident bicyclists who are willing to ride on roads
with traffic and without bike lanes. By contrast, most people
(51-56%) are interested in biking but concerned about safety
and seek off-street or separated bicycle facilities or quiet,
traffic-calmed residential roads (See Figure 7).13 This research
is supported by feedback collected from Salem residents who
identified ‘no bike facilities on part of my route’ and ‘too much
traffic on my route’ as the main reasons they currently elect to
not travel by bike.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
No bike
facilities on
part of my
route
No secure
place to
park my
bike
Feels unsafe
for children
OtherToo much
traffic on
my route
42%
59%
20%22%
14%
Figure 6: Community-Reported Challenges to Biking in Salem
11SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | EXISTING CONDITIONS
Map 1: Existing Bicycle Facilities
12 SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | EXISTING CONDITIONS
The community’s perception of unsafe conditions was
examined alongside the numerical results of a crash analysis
and a Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress tool that quantifies how
comfortable a given route is based on the road context. The
analysis evaluated characteristics that most strongly contribute
to bicyclist comfort: the level of separation from motor vehicles,
traffic volume, and traffic speed. A weakest link principle was
then used to score road segments based on vehicular speed,
volume, curbside use, and bicycle facility width/separation.
The lowest-stress segments (LTS 1) are suitable for almost
all people – including children – to bike on while the highest-
stress segments (LTS 4) require riding near and negotiating with
moderate to high-speed traffic.
The results of Salem’s Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress analysis
are shown in Map 2. In general, Salem’s many local, residential
streets were designated high-comfort due to the low traffic
volumes and speeds found on those streets. The main streets
that carry the majority of people to the places they want to go
were generally categorized as high-stress or highest-stress.
These streets - some of which include existing painted bike
lanes - do not provide separated infrastructure to mitigate
exposure to significant traffic volumes and high speeds.
A comparison of the Level of Traffic Stress analysis and crash
data for the most recent five years show a trend between
high-stress streets and the crashes resulting in serious injury
or death. Most crashes (57%) were located along high-stress
streets, and a high concentration of crashes occurred in the
dense and busy Downtown street network. Of the total 245
crashes involving vulnerable users, seven crashes resulted in
the end of a person’s life.
Bike Parking
An often-overlooked component of bike infrastructure is bike
parking. There are a variety of public bike racks with total
capacity for 647 bikes around Salem. High-capacity racks
are located at Mack Park, Salem State University, Salem High
School, Carlton Innovation School, the ferry dock, and the MBTA
garage near Salem Station. The location of municipal bike
parking facilities is shown in Map 1. Although the majority of
existing bike parking is centralized in the downtown area, Salem
residents still reported that this is where bike parking is most
in need of additional supply. The 2018 Salem Community Food
Assessment also disclosed that bike racks are available at only
one of Salem’s forty-seven food stores and that the lack of bike
racks at these stores was a deficit to food access.
Figure 7: Bicyclist Design User Profiles
13SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | EXISTING CONDITIONS
Map 2: Comfort and Safety
14 SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | EXISTING CONDITIONS
Policies and Programs
Salem’s ability to provide a safe and comfortable biking
experience throughout the city is dependent on how well biking
is integrated into Salem’s routine processes and procedures.
Biking in Salem is currently supported through several existing
policies and programs, described below. Although Salem
has made progress toward achieving a bike network that is
accessible for people of all ages and abilities, a primary focus
of this Plan is the coordination of City procedures and policies
to ensure biking is built in as an upfront consideration in City
decision-making processes.
Bicycling Advisory Committee
In June 2006 the City established the Salem Bicycling Advisory
Committee to help guide Salem’s bike path network and
promote a bike and pedestrian-friendly environment citywide.
The committee coordinated with City staff and a consulting
team to produce Salem’s first-generation bike plan, the 2010
Bicycle Circulation Master Planning Study, which identified a
4.85-mile pilot route consisting of shared use paths, bike lanes,
and shared lane markings connecting Winter Island south to
Marblehead. The City has implemented this route in stages, with
many shared lane markings and lanes completed. In their role
as advisors to the City, the Bicycling Advisory Committee’s will
continue to be engaged in City-led initiatives including planning
and engineering projects that affect biking.
14 Complete Streets Improve Mobility for Older Americans. National Complete Streets Coalition, Smart Growth America.
15 Renee, J., and Bennett, P., Socioeconomics of Urban Travel: Evidence from the 2009 National Household Travel Survey, World Transport Policy and Prac -
tice 20(4):7-27. September 2014
Community Planning
In 2016 the City commenced the Imagine Salem planning
process to establish a collective vision for the city’s future.
The process is focused on achieving community, housing,
employment, and transportation goals by 2026, with a strong
emphasis on providing greater access to active transportation
modes throughout Salem. With its focus on bike network safety,
comfort, and connectivity, this Plan is directly in line with all of
the transportation goals identified by Imagine Salem.
In addition, the Salem for All Ages initiative charts a course
of action for making Salem a livable place for people of all
ages and abilities. The plan provides a vision for accessible,
coordinated, and affordable intra-city transportation options,
supporting policies that provide multi-modal options and links
between various modes. A key plan initiative points to the
need to evaluate the safety and walkability of intersections
throughout Salem. Although Salem for All Ages does not
identify bicycling as a transportation strategy, evidence
suggests that supportive policies to improve bicycling
infrastructure – as well as technology enhancements such
as electric bicycles – may increase rates of bicycling in older
population groups.14 15
Policies
The City established a Complete Streets policy in 2014
that seeks to make every Salem transportation project an
Salem’s bikeshare system launched in 2017 with 10 stations around Salem, primarily in the Downtown area
15SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | EXISTING CONDITIONS
opportunity for improving streets for all transportation modes.
The City’s policy and associated prioritization plan opens
the door for the City to receive funding through MassDOT’s
Complete Streets Funding program, which allocates up to
$400,000 for municipal projects selected through a competitive
application process. Thus far Complete Streets funding has
been awarded for upgrades to the intersection of Lafayette
Street, Loring Avenue, and West Avenue.
Site plan review is a primary vehicle for reviewing and guiding
changes to the built environment in Salem. As part of the City’s
site plan review process, applicants must disclose the location
and dimensions of all bicycle racks and storage areas, however
there is no requirement to include these facilities as part of
a project. Although zoning does not currently mandate bike
parking requirements for new development, the City maintains
an updated inventory of all municipal bike parking and is
currently in the process of preparing bike parking guidelines for
private developments reviewed by the City Planning Board.
Programs
The City participates in the federally-funded MassDOT Safe
Routes to School (SRTS) initiative, which seeks to provide
students with an opportunity to walk or bike to school on a
frequent basis. In Salem, there is significant opportunity to
improve the share of people walking and biking to school.
Travel data for the over 4,000 public school students in Salem
demonstrates that 39 percent arrive by bus and much of the
remaining 61 percent arrive by car. Though the SRTS program,
Walk to School days, bike rodeos, and other programs are
coordinated with five local schools – Bates Elementary, Bentley
Elementary, Horace Mann Laboratory, Nathaniel Bowditch,
and Saltonstall. In addition, Bates Elementary school was the
recipient of MassDOT SRTS infrastructure funding for a safety
improvement project that will include signal upgrades and
sidewalk improvements. The Bates Elementary School SRTS
infrastructure project is currently in preliminary design.
Salem also supports improved conditions for biking through a
recently instituted neighborhood traffic calming program that
provides residents the opportunity to request traffic calming
through a formal application process. Two projects are currently
underway and slated to be finished in late 2018. The program
was initially administered by the City’s Engineering Department
but is now managed by the Traffic and Parking Department and
funded through the City’s Capital Improvement Plan.
Salem is supportive of enforcement educations programs, and
was one of 12 initial communities to participate in the MassDOT
Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Awareness and Enforcement
Program in 2014. Approximately 30 officers have completed
the Massachusetts Police Mountain Bike Patrol School training.
Through this Plan’s outreach process, the Police Department
expressed support for biking infrastructure throughout Salem,
noting that compliance by all users increases with dedicated
infrastructure.
Finally, Salem launched a bikeshare program in 2017 with 50
bikes available at 10 stations. In its first year of use, the system
accommodated approximately 2,500 rides, with 6,953 rides as
of September 11, 2018. The City also piloted a bikeshare feature
that allowed users to lock a bike at any bike rack in addition
to designated docks around the city. In general, the bikeshare
docks are concentrated around Downtown with two stations
on the Salem State University Campus and one in North Salem.
Through public engagement, the Salem community shared
concerns that current system is limited geographically, and that
additional docks or stations outside of Salem (for example, in
Marblehead) would provide additional functionality to residents
and employers in Salem. Others suggested that the cost of a
membership acts as a disincentive for some of Salem’s lower-
income residents. Several stakeholders involved in development
activity suggested that bikeshare should be better promoted,
especially to new residents.
The City recognizes that all
roadway projects – including new
construction, maintenance and
reconstruction – are potential
opportunities to apply Complete
Streets design principles. The
City will, to the maximum extent
practical, design, construct,
maintain, and operate all streets to
provide for a comprehensive and
integrated street network of facilities
for people of all ages and abilities.
Salem Complete
Streets Policy
16 SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN |
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17SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN |
Recommendations
Planning for a more bikeable future will require the
coordination, time, and resources of many City
departments, neighboring jurisdictions, and the public.
The recommendations of this Plan address specific
infrastructure changes, city policy, and programming
that will enable the development of citywide network of
bikeways that is comfortable for people of all ages and
abilities.
3
Recommendations
1 Winters, M., K. Teschke, M. Grant, E. Setton and M. Bauer. How Far
Out of the Way Will We Travel?: Built Environment Influences on Route
Selection for Bicycle and Car Travel. Transportation Research Record:
Journal of the Transportation Research Board, No. 2190, 2010, pp. 1-10.
The recommendations were developed based on the review of
existing conditions, ongoing planning and design efforts, and
with the input of community members, the Steering Committee,
and City staff. Recommendations align with the six principles
for connected bike networks as identified by the Federal
Highway Administration as described below.
The recommendations of the Plan are grounded in a
commitment to safety, security, and comfort. Along busy, fast,
or wide streets, shared use paths and separated bike lanes
are preferred because they provide the greatest degree of
separation from motor vehicles (See Figure 8). Conventional
or buffered bike lanes may be appropriate on streets with
moderate volumes and low speeds and where parking turnover
is low. Neighborhood greenways are reserved for low-volume,
low-speed local streets. While the bikeway solutions selected
for each recommendation reflect a planning level analysis of
traffic volume, speed, road width, and other factors, the final
selection and design of each facility will require detailed site
analysis and additional public outreach.
The recommendations address other infrastructure
components that contribute to comfort and safety, such as
wayfinding signage, bike racks, and intersection treatments
such as bike crossings and queue boxes. An additional design
consideration that will affect project design and implementation
is the character of Salem’s streets and historic districts. Bicycle
facilities can be designed to minimize pavement markings and
signage or to integrate them into an aesthetic scheme that
preserves community identity and historic contexts.
Cohesion and access were considered in terms of how the
network could connect Salem’s high-demand employment,
shopping, and recreation destinations. Recommendations
focus on creating a dense network of bikeways in the busy
Downtown area, with routes connecting Downtown to all areas
of Salem. Routes that increase access to the MBTA Commuter
Rail Station, MBTA Ferry Terminal, and bust stops were also
prioritized given their unique value to the transportation network.
Directness and alternatives were balanced by comparing the
feasibility of developing safe and comfortable routes on main
streets versus parallel local streets. As research shows, most
people are willing to lengthen a trip only by 25 percent1 to avoid
difficult traffic conditions, alternatives requiring significant
out-of-direction travel were not substituted for high-comfort
bikeways on busy corridors.
Safety and Security
Does the network provide routes that minimize risk of
injury, danger, and crime?
Comfort
Does the network appeal to a broad range of age and
ability levels with consideration given to user amenities?
Cohesion
How connected is the network in terms of its
concentration of destinations and routes?
Directness
Does the network provide direct and convenient
access to destinations?
Access
How well does the network accommodate travel for
all users, regardless of age, income level, or ability?
Alternatives
Are there many different route choices available
within the network?
FHWA’s Principles of
Connected Networks
15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60+
Shared Use Path or
Separated Bike Lane
Bike Lane
(Buffer Pref.)
Neighborhood
Greenway
Speed (MPH)Motor Vehicles per Day10k+
9k
8k
7k
6k
5k
4k
3k
2k
1k
0
Figure 8: Facility Selection Guidance18
SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | RECOMMENDATIONS 19
The following bikeway treatment types are identified throughout
the Plan recommendations:
Shared Use Path
A shared use path is
physically separated
from traffic and permits
two-way operations
for use by all non-
motorized users.
Separated Bike
Lane
A separated bike lane
is physically separated
from traffic with
vertical and horizontal
elements. They may be
designed for one-way
or two-way use and
may be constructed at
the street, sidewalk, or
intermediate level.
Buffered Bike
Lane
A buffered bike lane is
an on-street bikeway
separated from an
adjacent travel lane or
on-street parking lane
by a striped buffer area.
Conventional Bike
Lane
A conventional bike lane
is an on-street bikeway
delineated from an
adjacent travel lane
or on-street parking
lane with pavement
markings.
Neighborhood
Greenway
A neighborhood
greenway (or bike
boulevard) is a low-
volume, low-speed
street – typically a
local street – that has
prioritizes bicycle travel
with signs, pavement
markings, traffic
calming measures, and
enhanced crossing
treatments.
≥12’
10’
≥6’
2’
Rec.
Min.
Rec.
Min.
≥6’
2’
≥6.5’
5’
6’
5’
4’
3’
Rec.
Min.
6’
5’
Rec.
Min.
Designing for Comfort and Safety
Shared
Use Path
Separated
Bike Lane
Conventional
Bike Lane
Neighborhood
Greenway
Buffered
Bike Lane
20 SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN |
Map 3: Infrastructure Project Recommendations
21SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN |
Infrastructure Recommendations
Eighty-seven infrastructure recommendations are listed
according to their position on a map of Salem (See Map 3).
The Action Plan in the following section provides additional
information on cost and funding sources, suggested time to
completion, feasibility, and physical or other constraints.
1 Kernwood Avenue Bridge
Add conventional bike lanes to Kernwood Avenue bridge.
Consider a wider shared use path on one side of the
bridge to accommodate people biking and walking in
a completely separated environment. Consider adding
non-slip plates across bridge grates to improve traction.
Coordinate with MassDOT on maintaining boardwalk
sidepath.
2 Kernwood Avenue
Provide conventional bike lanes along Kernwood Avenue.
3 Essex Bridge (Sgt. James Ayube Memorial Drive)
Coordinate with MassDOT to provide separated bike
lanes on the Essex Bridge extending from Sgt. Ayube
Drive into Beverly. Consider grade-separated or concrete
barriers to provide adequate protection from high-speed
traffic. Coordinate with Beverly to provide continuous
high-comfort route.
Current Initiative: MassDOT upgrades to Beverly side
5 Liberty Hill Avenue, Appleton Street
Provide buffered or separated bike lane on Liberty Hill
Avenue from Appleton Street to Kernwood Avenue.
Consider a shared use path along the east side of the
street (against the cemetery).
Current Initiative: Bates Elementary School SRTS
Infrastructure Project
4 Sargent Street
Provide neighborhood greenway treatment from Orne
Street to Kernwood Avenue.
6 Felt Street
Provide neighborhood greenway treatment from
Dearborn Street to Kernwood Avenue
10 Szetela Lane, Memorial Drive, Restaurant Row
Provide neighborhood greenway treatment from
Settlers Way to Bay View Avenue via Memorial Drive and
Restaurant Row.
12 Fort Avenue
Narrow parking lanes to provide buffered or separated
bike lanes along Fort Avenue. Coordinate with Salem
Power Plant development to strengthen bicycle
connectivity. Consider a fully separated multi-use path.
Current Initiative: Salem Power Plant Study
9 Orne Street
Provide neighborhood greenway treatment along Orne
Street from North Street to Sargent Street.
7 Bridge Street Neck Path
Evaluate feasibility of extending Bridge Street Path to
close gap between Skerry Street and Burnside Street
between Sgt. James Ayube Memorial Drive and Essex
Bridge.
8 Liberty Hill Avenue at Appleton Street
Tighten intersection and improve communication of
traffic control.
Current Initiative: Bates Elementary School SRTS
Infrastructure Project
11 Sgt. James Ayube Memorial Drive
Install vertical separation along existing bike lane on
Sgt. James Ayube Memorial Drive from Bridge Street to
proposed connection on Essex Street Bridge.
15 Bridge Street Neck
Provide buffered bike lanes on Bridge Street.
13 Collins Street, East Collins Street, and Planters
Street
Transition Peter Tracy Multiuse Path / Collins Cove Path
to an on-street bike lanes. Provide connection from end
of path to Bridge Street Neck via Collins Street, East
Collins Street, and Planters Street
14 Dearborn Street
Provide neighborhood greenway treatment from North
Street to Felt Street.
16 North Street
Consider quick build project to complete minimum
grid. Evaluate feasibility to eliminate travel lane, and/or
narrow travel/parking lanes to provide buffered bike lanes
extending from Franklin Street to the Peabody City Line.
Carry bike lanes through all intersections. Coordinate
with Peabody to provide continuous high-comfort route.
Current Initiative: Complete Streets Prioritization Plan;
2010 Bicycle Circulation Master Planning Study
22 SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN |
18 School Street
Provide buffered bike lanes on School Street between
North Street and Tremont Street. Consider removing
center lines or other methods to calm traffic. Provide
neighborhood greenway treatment on narrower section
(close to North Street).
17 Bridge Street at Webb Street
Provide transition opportunity for bikes exiting path to
turn left onto Bridge Street. Add bike box in front of stop
bar for northbound Webb Street traffic, and consider
signage to allow bikes to use pedestrian signal to cross.
Current Initiative: City-planned path extension
25 Tremont Street
Provide conventional bike lanes along Tremont Street
between Peabody City Line and Mason Street.
26 Winter Street
Provide separated bike lanes along Winter Street from
Salem Common to Bridge Street.
23 Webb Street
Provide conventional bike lanes from Bridge Street
(connecting to Peter Tracy Multiuse Path) to Derby Street.
21 Entry to Peter Tracy Multiuse Path at Andrew Street /
Webb Street Intersection
Widen entry to Peter Tracy Multiuse Path north of Andrew
Street / Webb Street intersection.
Current Initiative: Collins Cove Multi-use Path Project
19 Collins Cove Path
Extend and widen Collins Cove Path from terminus at
Webb Street to Settlers Way along waterfront desire line
in accordance with Complete Streets Prioritization Plan.
Current Initiative: Complete Streets Prioritization Plan;
2010 Bicycle Circulation Master Planning Study; Collins
Cove Living Shoreline Project
20 Furlong Park / Ferris Lot
Coordinate with landowners to provide shared use path
connection along waterfront behind Furlong Park and
Ferris lot. Formalize goat path along North River across
train tracks to connect to MBTA Commuter Rail station.
24 Andrew Street
Provide neighborhood greenway treatment to connect to
Salem Common.
22 Tremont Street at School Street
Tighten intersection.
29 North Street Bridge
Consider quick build project to complete minimum grid.
Provide separated bike lanes along both sides of the
North Street Bridge.
Current Initiative: MassDOT District 4 Pedestrian, Bicycle
Upgrades at Various Locations, and MassDOT Route 114
Road Safety Audit
30 MBTA Commuter Rail Station
Strengthen bicycle and pedestrian access to the train
station at the Bridge Street / Washington Street entrance
and from MBTA parking lots. Clarify bicycle route of travel
through main entrance on Bridge Street / Washington
Street to lower platform and bike cage. Formalize
connections to station from Leslie’s Retreat Park and
path behind former HMA site. Add additional rail crossing
pads.
Current Initiative: Complete Streets Prioritization Plan
28 North Street at Franklin Street
Improve crossing conditions for vulnerable users.
Formalize and sign connection along North Street spur to
Commercial Street and Leslie’s Retreat Path.
Current Initiative: MassDOT Route 114 Road Safety Audit
27 Collins Cove Path (Beattie Park)
Extend Collins Cove Path east through City land and
David J. Beattie Park to connect to Derby Street in
accordance with Complete Streets Prioritization Plan.
Provide crossing at Fort Avenue.
Current Initiative: Complete Streets Prioritization Plan and
Collins Cove Multi-use Path Project
31 Leslie’s Retreat Path at Bridge Street (Path Entrance)
Formalize connection from Bridge Street and the MBTA
Commuter Rail Parking lot driveway to the entrance
of Leslie’s Retreat Path west of the MBTA Commuter
Rail Parking Lot in accordance with Complete Streets
Prioritization Plan.
Current Initiative: Complete Streets Prioritization Plan
32 Mason Street
Provide conventional bike lanes along Mason Street
between Flint Street and Tremont Street. Provide signage
to direct people to high-comfort options for crossing the
North River into downtown.
23SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN |
33 Bridge Street (MBTA Commuter Rail Station)
Consider quick build project to complete minimum grid.
Provide separated bike lanes on Bridge Street between
Bridge Street Neck and North Street. Install bike box
at Bridge Street / Washington Street intersection and
leading bike interval to allow bikes to maneuver into left
lane to continue on Bridge Street and into the MBTA
parking lot. Stripe green lane across intersection to
indicate movement for bikes going to MBTA parking low
at lower level.
Current Initiative: Complete Streets Prioritization Plan
34 Salem Common Loop
Provide continuous bikeway loop around perimeter of
Salem Common with strong access/egress connections
on feeder streets (Andrew Street, Winter Street,
Hawthorne Street, and Brown Street.)
Current Initiative: Concept Design to convert existing
sidewalk to multiuse path at Salem Station Apartments
35 Salem Power Station Redevelopment
Consider providing bike facilities and wayfinding
throughout Salem Power Station Redevelopment site.
Current Initiative: Salem Harbor Plan Update
36 Harmony Grove Road
Consolidate right-of-way and narrow travel lanes to
provide shared use path along one or both sides of
Harmony Grove between Grove Street and Peabody City
Line.
38 Federal Street
Provide neighborhood greenway treatment from St. Peter
Street to North Street.
39 Brown Street
Provide neighborhood greenway treatment from the
Salem Common to St. Peter Street. Coordinate with
proposed pedestrian improvements documented in
Complete Streets Prioritization Plan.
Current Initiative: Complete Streets Prioritization Plan
37 North Washington Square at Brown Street
Consider squaring off intersection to make plaza.
41 North Street at Federal Street
In the short-term, complete proposed plans to stripe
conventional bike lanes through the intersection. In the
long-term, consider reconstructing the intersection with
tightened geometry and improved crossings for people
biking and walking. Consider closing slip lane from North
Street southbound, and formalize goat path to create
high-comfort connection to Leslie’s Retreat path and
MBTA commuter rail through green space. Use jug handle
to facilitate bikes turning left from Summer Street / North
Street into path. Widen crosswalk and path to provide
a comfortable shared pedestrian / bike environment.
Provide queue box for bikes exiting path and entering
Summer Street southbound.
Current Initiative: MassDOT District 4 Pedestrian and
Bicycle Upgrades at Various Locations
40 Washington Street at Federal Street
Stripe green bike lanes through the intersection and
enhance crosswalk markings and signage to improve
pedestrian access to bikeshare station. Consider RRFB,
curb extensions, and other crosswalk enhancements plus
improvements to left turn from Washington to Federal.
42 Derby Street
Provide bike lanes on Derby Street between Lafayette
Street and Fort Avenue. Consider parking-protected
bike lanes on wider section (west of Orange Street).
Consider contraflow lanes on Derby Street east of
Orange Street. Current Complete Streets Prioritization
Plan recommendations include a mix of conventional
bike lanes and shared use paths to improve connectivity
to the MBTA Ferry Terminal via full reconstruction east of
Orange Street.
Current Initiative: Complete Streets Prioritization Plan
44 Bridge Street
Install separated bike lanes along Bridge Street
between Flint Street and Boston Street. Evaluate potential
to widen north side of street to accommodate connected
bike lanes along Bridge Street between Rt. 114 ramp and
Flint Street. Formalize bike connection within shoulder
area if widening is not possible. Complete planned
project to convert Bridge Street between Flint Street
and Boston Street to a three-lane cross section with
separated bike lanes. Integrate design with proposed off-
street path connection from Grove Street to Bridge Street
behind self storage building.
Current Initiative: 2012 North River Canal Corridor Study;
Bridge Street Massworks Project “Complete Streets”
Enhancements
43 Essex Street (Hawthorne Boulevard)
Consider traffic calming and wayfinding between New
Liberty Street and Hawthorne Boulevard to clarify bike
connection to high activity pedestrian mall via this low-
volume, low-speed segment.
24 SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN |
47 Leslie’s Retreat Path at Flint Street
Formalize connection of terminus of Leslie’s Retreat Path
to meet intersection of Flint Street and Bridge Street.
Current Initiative: Boston/Bridge/Flint MassWorks Project;
Salem Suede Redevelopment Project
45 Washington Street
Consider quick build project to complete minimum grid.
Provide separated bike lanes on Washington Street
between New Derby Street and Bridge Street as a priority
north/south bike route. Consider a two-way facility on
the west side of the street as an extension of the Salem
Bike Path or one-way separated pairs on both sides of the
street.
Current Initiative: Complete Streets Prioritization Plan;
MassDOT District 4 Pedestrian and Bicycle Upgrades at
Various Locations; East Coast Greenway link
46 Essex Street Pedestrian Mall
Reconstruct the Essex Pedestrian Mall in accordance
with the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall Improvements
project to improve accessibility and clarify travel zones.
Consider revising City ordinance to permit bike travel
along the Mall outside of the busy season (October).
Provide signage to inform people biking of seasonal bike
restrictions. Provide wayfinding to bike parking locations
outside of mall, and consider providing moveable bike
racks within mall.
Current Initiative: Essex Street Pedestrian Mall Conceptual
Design
48 Boston Street
Consider quick build project to complete minimum grid.
Provide separated bike lanes for the length of the street,
with buffered bike lanes near Bridge Street intersection.
Improve crossings for vulnerable users. Coordinate with
Peabody to provide continuous high-comfort route.
Current Initiative: 2012 North River Canal Corridor Study;
Bridge Street Massworks Project “Complete Streets”
Enhancements; 2010 Bicycle Circulation Master Planning
Study; MassDOT Boston Street Redesign
50 Central Street at Essex Street Pedestrian Mall
Consider converting Central Street to shared street from
near Essex Street Pedestrian Mall to intersection with
Lafayette Street and Charter Street.
51 Norman Street
Provide bike lanes on each side of the street between
Summer Street and Margin Street. Consider removing or
shortening right turn lane (coordinate with Margin Street
closure recommendation) to provide additional space for
separation.
Current Initiative: MassDOT District 4 Pedestrian and
Bicycle Upgrades at Various Locations
49 Congress Street / Hawthorne Boulevard
Provide buffered bike lanes as able from Palmer Cove
Park north to Salem Common. Where space does not
exist for buffering, provide conventional bike lanes.
Current Initiative: 2010 Bicycle Circulation Master Planning
Study
53 New Derby Street
Provide parking-protected bike lanes on New Derby
Street between Margin Street and Lafayette Street. Note:
Current Complete Streets Prioritization Plan recommends
conventional bike lanes.
Current Initiative: Complete Streets Prioritization Plan
52 Essex Street
Consider quick build project to complete minimum
grid. Provide separated bike lanes along Essex Street
between Jackson Street / Route 107 and Summer Street.
Construct bike lanes in accordance with proposed
Complete Streets Prioritization Plan for the segment
between Summer Street and Washington Street.
Connect to a short traffic calmed or bike lane segment
along Flint Street to coordinate with Chestnut Street
recommendations (#55).
Current Initiative: Complete Streets Prioritization Plan
54 Margin Street between Norman Street and Gedney
Street
Consider closing or restricting motor vehicle access on
Margin Street between Norman Street / New Derby Street
and Gedney Street. Enable two-way operations between
Gedney Street and Mill Street. Create shared street
between Riley Plaza and Post Office. Clarify preferred
bike crossing movement from Riley Plaza to Washington
Street northbound through intersection striping and
phasing.
Current Initiative: Redevelopment Sites at 212 Washington,
Riley Plaza parking, and hotel to be built at Dodge St
25SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN |
55 Chestnut Street
Consider quick build project to complete minimum
grid. Provide neighborhood greenway treatments on
Chestnut Street from Flint Street to Summer Street as an
alternative east/west connection. Consider contraflow
connection with street calming while maintaining
residential parking on both sides. Modify geometry
of Summer Street / Chestnut Street / Norman Street
intersection and stripe contraflow bike movement
through intersection, including consideration of
neighborhood roundabout.
Current Initiative: Traffic Calming Program
56 Salem Harborwalk
Formalize and sign harborwalk bike connections.
Consider bike facilities in conjunction with waterfront
park and path development. Utilize Chapter 91 review
process to identify and leverage new path opportunities.
57 Bridge Street at Boston Street
Square off intersection corners to slow traffic
movements. Carry bike lane striping through the
intersection. Evaluate signal timing options to protect
vulnerable user movements through the intersection.
Current Initiative: Boston/Bridge/Flint MassWorks Project
58 Washington Street between New Derby Street and
Mill Street (Salem Bike Path)
Extend bike path to intersection of Washington Street
/ New Derby Street and connect to separated facility
on Washington Street. Consider connection through
municipal parking lot instead of on-street.
Current Initiative: City-planned bike lanes
61 Harbor Street
Provide buffered or separated bike lane. Consider
providing contraflow lane.
64 Prince Street
Provide neighborhood greenway treatment from Harbor
Street to Leavitt Street. Consider coordinating with Salem
Public Space Project.
63 Gallows Hill Park Paths
Formalize path through Gallows Hill Park connecting the
ends of Witch Hill Road and Hanson Street. Formalize and
sign path connecting Witch Hill Road and Varney Street
through existing path.
Current Initiative: Gallows Hill Park Renovation
59 Summer Street
Provide separated bike lanes along Summer Street from
Essex Street to Gedney Street. Transition to contraflow
lane with neighborhood greenway treatments on Summer
Street from Gedney Street to Jefferson Street to maintain
bi-directional bike connectivity.
Current Initiative: City-planned bike lanes; East Coast
Greenway link
62 Broad Street / Dalton Parkway
Provide parking-protected bike lanes with formalized
crossings at each intersection.
60 Washington Street at Mill Street / Canal Street
Tighten intersection and improve crossings for people
biking and walking. Consider closing slip lanes. Enhance
terminus of existing bike path to direct people biking to
crosswalk instead of mid-block location.
Current Initiative: Canal Street Reconstruction
66 Jackson Street
Provide buffered bike lanes on each side of the street.
Between Route 107 and Broad Street, route bike lanes
between embankment and parking and work with school
district to formalize access to the playground parking lot
at Jackson Street and Broad Street, with appropriate bike
lanes routing through the intersection.
67 Leavitt Street
Provide buffered bike lane. Consider providing contraflow
lane.
65 Route 107 (Highland Avenue / Essex Street) at
Jackson Street
Provide bike lane striping and bike boxes on N/S route.
Consider providing contra flow lane to Dalton Parkway
/ Broad Street by widening Warren Court. Stripe Dalton
Parkway across to Warren Court for bike access.
Consider removing slip lane on Dalton Parkway.
68 Palmer Cove
Formalize and sign bike connections. Consider bike
facilities. Provide direct path connection to Saltonstall
School with enhanced crossing treatment on Salem
Street.
Current Initiative: Palmer Cove Park Redesign
69 Martin Lane / Circle Hill Road
Formalize a non-motorized connection from Martin Lane
to Circle Hill Road through Dibiase Park.
26 SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN |
70 Jefferson Avenue, Margin Street
From Margin Street to Dove Avenue, provide buffered
bike lane. From Dove Avenue to Adams Street provide
conventional bike lanes. Consider consolidation or
reduction of on-street parking to provide fully separated
bike lanes.
71 Lafayette Street
From Front Street to Dow Street consider removing
parking to provide space for bike lanes with greater
separation. Upgrade existing bike lanes to parking-
separated bike lanes from Dow Street south to Salem
Bike Path. Stripe bike lane between West Avenue
and Savoy Road. Strengthen connection to bike path.
Coordinate with Marblehead to provide continuous high-
comfort route.
72 Ocean Avenue
Provide bike lanes along Ocean Avenue. Consider
reconstructing the footbridge over the rail tracks to form
an east-west connection that reduces the north-south
disconnect around the rail line from a mile to a half mile.
Consider future access ramifications for proposed South
Salem Commuter Rail station in future designs.
73 Marlborough Road
Provide buffered bike lanes from Route 107 (Highland
Avenue) to Peabody Line. Coordinate with Peabody to
provide continuous high-comfort route.
75 Willson Street
Provide bike lanes on Willson Street between Highland
Ave and Jefferson Avenue. Strengthen connections to
the schools and Salem Woods.
74 Old Road
Consult with North Shore Medical Center regarding
feasibility of formalizing and signing bicycle and
pedestrian access from Willson Street to North Shore
Medical Center via Old Road and parking lots.
78 Story Road / Castle Hill Park
Formalize path through Castle Hill Park to connect
Willson Street to Jefferson Avenue through Story Road.
Current Initiative: Story Road Cluster Subdivision
79 Salem Bike Path
Extend Salem Bike Path in accordance with existing
plans.
Current Initiative: 2010 Bicycle Circulation Master Planning
Study
81 Jefferson Avenue / Canal Street / Route 1A (Loring
Avenue)
Consider closing slip lanes and tightening intersection
through quick-build or reconstruction in long-term.
Stripe bike lanes through intersection. Minimize conflicts
between southbound bicyclists on Route 1A and right
turning cars. Evaluate signal timing options to protect
vulnerable user movements through the intersection.
Current Initiative: Route 1A - Vinnin Square Priority Corridor
Study; MassDOT Canal Street Reconstruction Project
76 West Avenue
Provide neighborhood greenway treatment to Forest River
park. Integrate connection to neighborhood greenway
with proposed Complete Streets Prioritization Plan to
redesign of the Lafayette/Loring/West Intersection.
Current Initiative: Complete Streets Upgrades to Lafayette/
Loring/West Intersection
77 Canal Street
Provide buffered bike lanes. Look for opportunities to
consolidate curb cuts.
Current Initiative: City-planned bike lanes; East Coast
Greenway link
80 First Street
Provide buffered or separated bike lanes or shared-use
paths from Highland Avenue to Swampscott Road.
Current Initiative: 2010 Bicycle Circulation Master Planning
Study; Planned First Street/Traders Way Traffic Circle
82 Route 107 (Highland Avenue)
Work with massDOT to provide separated bike lanes
along the length of Highland Avenue from the Lynn City
Line to Jackson Street. Provide sufficient separation to
protect people biking from high-speed traffic. Stripe all
major driveways with green paint. Remove median.
Current Initiative: MassDOT Route 107 Corridor Study
83 Route 1A (Loring Avenue)
In accordance with Complete Streets Prioritization Plan
pilot project, provide buffered or separated bike lanes
from Lafayette Street to Lincoln Road and separated bike
lanes south to Vinnin Square, with appropriate design
treatments at bus stops.
Current Initiative: Complete Streets Prioritization Plan;
Route 1A - Vinnin Square Priority Corridor Study
27SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN |
84 Route 1A Shared Use Path
Consider an off-road path connection in green space
on southbound Loring Avenue between Salem State
South Campus and Riverview Street. Improve crossing
treatments at Intersection with Lincoln Road and provide
signage to direct people to Salem Bike Path via local, low-
stress streets.
85 Swampscott Road
Provide bike lanes along Swampscott Road between the
Swampscott town line and Highland Avenue. Consider
installation of a two-way facility or shared use path along
the north side of the street. On-street bike lanes may
substitute if widening is infeasible.
86 Route 1A at Leggs Hill Road
Prioritize vulnerable user crossings with crosswalk
enhancements and ADA upgrades. Consider RRFB, HAWK
signal, upgrading advance crosswalk warning signage,
enhanced pavement markings, or other treatments.
Current Initiative: Route 1A - Vinnin Square Priority
Corridor Study
87 Vinnin Square
Consider feasibility study for reconfiguring ROW to
provide buffered bike lanes or working with private
developers to provide shared use (bicycle and pedestrian)
path(s) through parking areas.
Current Initiative: Route 1A - Vinnin Square Priority
Corridor Study
28 SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN |
Policy and Programming Recommendations
Policy and programming recommendations will support
the growth of biking in Salem. These recommendations are
organized into three main categories:
• Education and Encouragement programs to popularize and
normalize cycling
• Regulations and Operations to address gaps in project
review and bikeway maintenance processes
• Evaluation to measure and report progress on the Plan
Recommendations include only those which are feasible
and that meet the goals of improving safety, comfort, and
connectivity. These policy and program changes are based on
methods that have been proven to integrate considerations for
bicycling into decision-making processes in other communities
throughout New England and the country.
Education and Encouragement
1. Continue to host educational opportunities on bike safety,
maintenance, and infrastructure for all ages, with a focus
on children. Salem should continue to coordinate through
the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) and Mass in Motion
initiatives to provide bicycle safety classes that instruct
children how to ride a bicycle, complete a bicycle safety
check, use safe riding skills, and follow the rules of the road.
The same content should be tailored to teenagers, adults,
and seniors along with information on the design and
use of evolving bike facilities and infrastructure including
bike racks, bikeways, pavement markings, signals, etc.
Demonstration projects may be used to alert and explain
new bicycle infrastructure to all road users. Additionally,
Salem may consider providing bicycle maintenance classes
for all ages that introduce basic skills to casual riders to
maintain bicycles for transportation and recreation.
2. Provide education and training to City staff on bicycle
planning and engineering. These may include online or in
person trainings from Baystate Roads, National Association
of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), or others.
3. Continue to provide training to law enforcement personnel
on bicycle and pedestrian rights and responsibilities.
Salem should continue to utilize the Massachusetts Police
Mountain Bike Patrol School training for officers joining the
Salem Bicycle Patrol Unit.
4. Continue to promote biking in Salem with up-to-date
online and printed materials. As the conditions for biking
in Salem evolve, the available information too must reflect
the most up to date information. Clarify bicycle facilities,
laws, and safe riding habits to both residents and visitors by
updating the Salem Bike Routes Map brochure as city bike
facilities evolve. Provide copies of the brochure to realtors,
businesses, schools, and City departments for dispersal
to residents, and target visitors by providing copies to
tourism organizations and local hospitality establishments.
Consider incorporating information into existing city
tourism webpages and/or providing a permanent website
with this information, updates on relevant City projects,
and a calendar of bike-related events. At a minimum, all
materials should be provided in English and Spanish.
5. Organize bike-focused community events. These may
include open streets events (where streets are closed to
vehicular traffic), Bike to Work days, family-oriented outings,
increased Salem Bike Party rides, and other events that
enhance the visibility of bicycling. Consider events or tours
that promote Salem’s historic sites.
6. Work with Salem businesses and employers to encourage
bicycling. Encourage employers to establish commuter
benefit programs to provide incentives for people who bike
to and from work. Encourage businesses to include walking,
biking, and transit directions on websites and to install
covered, secure, and well-lit bike parking.
Regulations and Operations
1. Review and improve crash reporting procedures to better
identify factors contributing to serious and fatal crashes.
Ensure that crash reports include accurate information
about pedestrian, bicyclist, and motor vehicle pre-crash
maneuvers and crash conditions. This data can help the
City to identify the countermeasures for specific types of
crashes or locations.
2. Update guidelines to incorporate bike parking
requirements into development and retrofit projects.
Evaluate existing guidelines for development within the
City and revise to encourage new developments to provide
bicycle parking on-site. Consider supporting reductions
in parking ratios and/or providing density credits for
bike-friendly developments. Refer to the Association of
Bike and Pedestrian Professional (APBP) Bicycle Parking
Guidelines for information on parking best practices. For
development within Chapter 91 jurisdiction, ensure bicycle
and pedestrian access is prioritized through the open space
and access requirements.
3. Establish a regular review of the routine road repaving
program to identify opportunities where bicycle facilities
may be implemented as part of routine maintenance.
29SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN |
Work with the City Engineer and Department of Public
Works to review Paving Program list(s) several months
in advance. When repaving occurs, ensure that existing
bike infrastructure is reimplemented according to best
practices.
4. Use the Bike Master Plan for project and development
review. Utilize the Bicycling Advisory Committee to review
all proposed and relevant capital projects and development
projects against the infrastructure recommendations in
the Bike Master Plan to identify opportunities to implement
recommendations.
5. Coordinate with Salem’s other planning initiatives and
those of neighboring municipalities. Consider bike planning
within other City-led initiatives including Imagine Salem and
the Salem Harbor Plan. In addition to collaboration among
City departments, work with neighboring communities to
ensure that bicycle network developed in Salem meets and
extends seamlessly into adjacent municipalities. Consider
accelerating Plan recommendations in the event that a
neighboring jurisdiction plans to construct a bike facility
along a connecting street.
6. Establish snow clearance and other maintenance
procedures for bike facilities. Review current snow
clearance operations and develop procedures that
prioritizes winter bike access on primary roads and paths.
For reference, see guidance in the 2018 MassDOT Municipal
Resources Guide for Biking and MassDOT Separated
Bike Lane Planning and Design Guide. Incorporate
maintenance of bike facilities into annual budgets and
planning programs. Publish a snow clearance schedule to
inform residents of which routes receive prioritized snow
clearance.
7. Continue to expand bike parking program including
maintenance of inventory, working with schools to site
new racks, and addition of new bike racks in high-activity
areas. Maintain up-to-date inventory of all city-owned bike
parking and conduct routine utilization checks at high-
activity areas. Adjust and expand inventory as needed.
Work with all Salem schools to ensure bike parking is
provided at all school entrances. Review major employment
and shopping areas, open spaces, and historic sites, and
install bike parking where appropriate and/or requested.
Codify bike parking standards for all city-maintained racks
and encourage use of standards by developers and other
partners.
8. Continue to work with a bikeshare operator to maintain
and expand bikeshare in Salem. Throughout the public
engagement process, stakeholders noted the geographic
limitations of bikeshare stations, with some requests
made to accommodate travel between Salem and nearby
towns. Consider working with adjacent municipalities
to expand bikesharing opportunities. Consider working
with a bikeshare operator to provide a subsidy for low-
income residents of Salem to offset membership costs.
Encourage employers to provide a health benefit incentive
by subsidizing membership for bikeshare. Promote station
sponsorship opportunities to anchor employers in Salem.
Evaluation
1. Evaluate and communicate progress on the Plan yearly.
Collect and evaluate the following information:
• Number and severity of crashes involving people
walking or biking
• Miles of high-comfort bike lanes/paths constructed
• City-wide bicycle mode share
• Before and after bike counts for major infrastructure
projects
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30 SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN |
SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | 31
Action Plan
The following pages present an Action Plan for the
implementation of recommendations to aid in the strategic
growth of biking in Salem. The Action Plan provides a
prioritization of recommendations and clarifies cost,
feasibility, and a suggested timeline for completing each
project. Potential funding sources for each project have
been identified.
3
SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | ACTION PLAN
Action Plan
The Action Plan presented here is a starting point. The City
will monitor changing conditions to ensure the implementation
of the plan responds to new opportunities that may arise or
shifting priorities of the community.
Action Plan for Infrastructure
Infrastructure-based recommendations range from low-cost
projects with short completion timelines to more ambitious
endeavors that require coordination among multiple landowners
and complex review and funding structures. These differences
are reflected in the Action Plan through a listing of projects by
implementation timelines (short, mid, and long) and potential
sources of funding (city, state, federal) for each project.
Cost and Feasibility
Planning-level assessments of cost and feasibility (low,
medium, high) and were used to determine the most likely
timeline for the completion of each project.
Cost estimates are generally based on the general intensity
of construction required for the facility types included in each
recommendation. Therefore, projects that can be completed
with paint and signage are generally estimated to be less costly
than those that may require relocation of curb or new signal
equipment. Each infrastructure recommendation is listed with a
symbol reflecting its relative expense.
A planning-level evaluation of feasibility for each project was
completed based on the physical and regulatory constraints
that are likely to affect the project. Conditions used to
measure feasibility included project jurisdiction, routes with
bus service, historic districts, constrained rights-of-way, and
significant environmental challenges, such as steep elevation or
waterbodies.
Taken together, the cost and feasibility estimates correlate to
the implementation timelines for each project, with less costly
and simpler projects programmed for the short-term and more
costly and complex projects expected to be completed on a
longer time schedule.
Implementation Timelines
Implementation timelines need to consider the time and
resources required to complete a project. Projects with
significant cost and collaboration requirements will necessarily
require more time to complete than small projects that can
Implementation
Considerations
Project Cost Estimates
$ - Neighborhood greenways and traffic calming,
standard bike lane painting, buffered bike lanes, and
small spot treatments such as widening an entrance to
a path.
$$ - Separated bike lanes, new shared-use paths, and
minor intersection modifications.
$$$ - Projects requiring new signal equipment or
modifications at intersections, building new structures,
closing streets and/or creating shared streets or
plazas, creating vertical separation on bridges.
Project Feasibility
Low feasibility: Project has significant infrastructural
challenges (such as constrained right-of-way) and
jurisdictional (MassDOT or historic) implications
Medium feasibility: Project may have jurisdictional
implications but minor infrastructural challenges
High feasibility: Project may be in a historic district
but is otherwise relatively unconstrained. Project may
already be planned or in progress as part of an ongoing
initiative.
City Funding Sources
Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program (NTCP): This
is a program geared at small-scale projects that can be
implemented quickly with paint and other inexpensive
materials and then potentially hardened over time.
Salem Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): The CIP is a
comprehensive investment strategy that may cover
anything from new street painting for bicycles to
bike racks to signage. CIP funding is a path for more
expensive projects or as a means to fund a large
number of similar projects.
Engineering/Public Works Funding: The City receives
state grants for roadway projects, as well as an
annual Chapter 90 disbursement from the state for
routine roadwork, which can include adding bicycle
infrastructure. The funding needed to include bike
infrastructure is relatively small compared to the
overall cost of road projects. Under this category,
bikeways may be implemented as a component of
larger City projects.
SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | ACTION PLAN
be completed through an existing City project or process.
The implementation timelines established for the Plan
recommendations reflect the time to completion from initial
site analysis and concept development through construction
closeout, and include:
• Short-term projects: projected to be completed within five
years (See Map 4)
• Mid-term projects: projected to be complete within five to
ten years (See Map 5)
• Long-term projects: projected to require ten years or more
to complete (See Map 6)
The implementation timelines established for each project
are intended to represent a permanent installation. In some
cases, however, the immediate or rapid installation of a project
using temporary and inexpensive materials will have significant
benefits on overall safety and connectivity benefits. A select few
projects, for example, are along streets that are vitally important
for providing basic connectivity to and through the core of
Salem, but will require a significant effort to reconstruct the
street in a permanent condition with relocated curbs and other
features. These projects are noted throughout the Action Plan
as candidates for ‘Quick Build’ implementation.
Project Benefits and Prioritization
Under each implementation term in the Action Plan, projects
are listed according to their priority. Prioritization is important
to help a City with a great vision for biking – like Salem – begin
the process of implementing positive changes to the built
environment. Working with the Steering Committee, each
recommended project was evaluated according to their benefit
to the community based on projects that:
• Result in a significant safety improvement in high-stress
and high-crash areas
• Improve connectivity in high-demand destinations
• Address public input collected through the planning
process
• Bolster equity in transportation access and opportunity
Using quantitative data points, each project was assigned a
score based on the project location and the expected benefit to
the community. Projects that have a significant impact on the
overall safety or connectivity of biking in Salem are considered
highest priority, while those that benefit fewer people or have
less dramatic positive impacts are considered lower priority.
Each project was evaluated on a scale of 0 to 100, as shown in
Table 1. High priority projects were those scoring 75 and above,
with medium priority projects scoring between 50 and 75, and
all others categorized as lower priority.
Variable Total Possible
Points
Safety
High Existing Level of Traffic Stress 25History of Vulnerable User Crashes
Demand
Population Density
25
Commercial/Institutional Land Uses
Schools
Employment Density
Major Transit Hubs (including high-use bus stops)
Connections to Neighboring Municipalities
Bikeshare
Public Input
Destinations Identified by the Public
25Desired Routes Identified by the Public
Challenging Areas Identified by the Public
Parks
Equity
Low Car Ownership Populations
25
High Density of Low Income Residents
High Density of Minority Residents
High Density of Elderly Residents
High Density of Children
High Density of Disabled Residents
Total Possible Points Per Project 100
Table 1: Project Prioritization Scoring Criteria
33
34 SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | ACTION PLAN
SALEM’S GROWING NETWORK
Existing Short-term
Short-term + Quick Build
0 years 1-5 years
Figure 9: Salem’s Growing Network
This series of maps show how the
projects in this Plan will take shape over
time, building out Salem’s network and
creating safe, comfortable connections
across the City.
SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | ACTION PLAN
Mid-term Long-term
5-10 years 10+ years
Quick Build Projects to
Achieve Minimum Grid
A key component of a low-stress bicycle network is to
provide access to and connectivity between origins and
destinations on safe and comfortable routes. Segments
or intersections that are unsafe or feel uncomfortable
to cyclists can render a network incomplete. This Plan’s
ultimate goal is to create an extensive low-stress network
throughout Salem, but a minimum network that provides
connectivity between many of the City’s origins and
destinations can be established much sooner by using
inexpensive and temporary materials to implement an
interim solution.
Seven projects identified through this Plan as medium-term
projects based on their probable cost and feasibility are
vital to providing basic connectivity throughout the City.
These projects may be temporarily implemented using low-
cost design treatments – such as paint and flex posts – to
establish a minimum network before the projects are fully
constructed in a permanent state. The ‘Short-term + Quick
Build’ map to the left shows what a connected network will
look like in the short-term, with existing facilities and those
implemented in the short-term as solid lines, connected by
quick-implementation projects in dotted lines. These quick-
implementation projects are listed below.
• 16: North Street
• 29: North Street Bridge (from #16 terminus to Bridge
Street)
• 33: Bridge Street (MBTA Commuter Rail Station)
• 45: Washington Street
• 48: Boston Street
• 52: Essex Street (from Highland Ave to Chestnut
Street)
• 55: Chestnut Street
36 SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | ACTION PLAN
Map 4: Short-term Project Recommendations
37SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | ACTION PLANPriorityProject IDLocationFunding SourceCostFeasibilityMassDOT RoadBus RouteNotesProject RecommendationHigh Priority15Bridge Street NeckCIP$MediumXXPotential to coordinate with #17Provide buffered bike lanes on Bridge Street.40Washington Street at Federal StreetState$$MediumXSee recommendation: current plans show standard bike lanesStripe green bike lanes through the intersection and enhance crosswalk markings and signage to improve pedestrian access to bikeshare station. Consider RRFB, curb extensions, and other crosswalk enhancements plus improvements to left turn from Washington to Federal.42Derby StreetState$MediumXSee recommendation: cost and term may increase with shared use path; current plans show standard bike lanesProvide bike lanes on Derby Street between Lafayette Street and Fort Avenue. Consider parking-protected bike lanes on wider section (west of Orange Street). Consider contraflow lanes on Derby Street east of Orange Street. Current Complete Streets Prioritization Plan recommendations include a mix of conventional bike lanes and shared use paths to improve connectivity to the MBTA Ferry Terminal via full reconstruction east of Orange Street.49Congress Street / Hawthorne BoulevardCIP$HighX Provide buffered bike lanes as able from Palmer Cove Park north to Salem Common. Where space does not exist for buffering, provide conventional bike lanes.58Washington Street between New Derby Street and Mill Street (Salem Bike Path)CIP$$MediumPotential to coordinate with #54 & #60Extend bike path to intersection of Washington Street / New Derby Street and connect to separated facility on Washington Street. Consider connection through municipal parking lot instead of on-street.66Jackson StreetCIP$Medium Provide buffered bike lanes on each side of the street. Between Route 107 and Broad Street, route bike lanes between embankment and parking and work with school district to formalize access to the playground parking lot at Jackson Street and Broad Street, with appropriate bike lanes routing through the intersection.82Route 107 (Highland Avenue)State$$MediumXX Provide separated bike lanes along the length of Highland Avenue from the Lynn City Line to Jackson Street. Provide sufficient separation to protect people biking from high-speed traffic. Stripe green paint across all commercial and major driveways. Remove median.Table 2: Short-term Project Implementation PlanNTCP = Neighborhood Traffic Calm ProgramCIP = Capital Improvement ProgramEng/DPW = City Engineering Budget/Department of Public Works Repaving Program
38 SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | ACTION PLANPriorityProject IDLocationFunding SourceCostFeasibilityMassDOT RoadBus RouteNotesProject RecommendationHigh Priority86Route 1A at Leggs Hill RoadState$$MediumXX Prioritize vulnerable user crossings with crosswalk enhancements and ADA upgrades. Consider RRFB, HAWK signal, upgrading advance crosswalk warning signage, enhanced pavement markings, or other treatments.Medium Priority12Fort AvenueState$High Narrow parking lanes to provide buffered or separated bike lanes along Fort Avenue. Coordinate with Salem Power Plant development to strengthen bicycle connectivity. Consider a fully separated multi-use path.17Bridge Street at Webb StreetCIP$HighXEarly Action Item: Quick (<1 yr) implementation possible; potential to coordinate with #15 and #27Provide transition opportunity for bikes exiting path to turn left onto Bridge Street. Add bike box in front of stop bar for northbound Webb Street traffic, and consider signage to allow bikes to use pedestrian signal to cross.21Entry to Peter Tracy Multiuse Path at Andrew Street / Webb Street IntersectionCIP$High Widen entry to Peter Tracy Multiuse Path north of Andrew Street / Webb Street intersection.22Tremont Street at School StreetCIP$$High Tighten intersection.23Webb StreetEng/DPW, CIP$High Provide conventional bike lanes from Bridge Street (connecting to Peter Tracy Multiuse Path) to Derby Street.34Salem Common LoopCIP$MediumX Provide continuous bikeway loop around perimeter of Salem Common with strong access/egress connections on feeder streets (Andrew Street, Winter Street, Hawthorne Street, and Brown Street.)39Brown StreetState$High Provide neighborhood greenway treatment from the Salem Common to St. Peter Street. Coordinate with proposed pedestrian improvements documented in Complete Streets Prioritization Plan.43Essex Street (Hawthorne Boulevard)NTCP$HighIntensity of traffic calming may affect costConsider traffic calming and wayfinding between New Liberty Street and Hawthorne Boulevard to clarify bike connection to high activity pedestrian mall via this low- volume, low-speed segment.51Norman StreetState$MediumXPotential to coordinate with #54Provide bike lanes on each side of the street between Summer Street and Margin Street. Consider removing or shortening right turn lane (coordinate with Margin Street closure recommendation) to provide additional space for separation.67Leavitt StreetEng/DPW$HighPotential to coordinate with #49 & #68 Provide buffered bike lane. Consider providing contraflow lane.NTCP = Neighborhood Traffic Calm ProgramCIP = Capital Improvement ProgramEng/DPW = City Engineering Budget/Department of Public Works Repaving Program
39SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | ACTION PLANPriorityProject IDLocationFunding SourceCostFeasibilityMassDOT RoadBus RouteNotesProject RecommendationMedium Priority75Willson StreetEng/DPW$High Provide bike lanes on Willson Street between Highland Ave and Jefferson Avenue. Strengthen connections to the schools and Salem Woods.77Canal StreetState$Medium Provide buffered bike lanes. Look for opportunities to consolidate curb cuts. 81Jefferson Avenue / Canal Street / Route 1A (Loring Avenue)Eng/DPW$$High Consider closing slip lanes and tightening intersection. Stripe bike lanes through intersection. Minimize conflicts between southbound bicyclists on Route 1A and right turning cars. Evaluate signal timing options to protect vulnerable user movements through the intersection.Lower Priority4Sargent StreetNTCP$High Provide neighborhood greenway treatment from Orne Street to Kernwood Avenue.6Felt StreetNTCP$High Provide neighborhood greenway treatment from Dearborn Street to Kernwood Avenue.9Orne StreetEng/DPW$High Provide neighborhood greenway treatment along Orne Street from North Street to Sargent Street. 10Szetela Lane, Memorial Drive, Restaurant RowEng/DPW$High Provide neighborhood greenway treatment from Settlers Way to Bay View Avenue via Memorial Drive and Restaurant Row. 13Collins Street, East Collins Street, and Planters StreetNTCP$High Transition Peter Tracy Multiuse Path / Collins Cove Path to an on-street bike lanes. Provide connection from end of path to Bridge Street Neck via Collins Street, East Collins Street, and Planters Street14Dearborn StreetNTCP$High Provide neighborhood greenway treatment from North Street to Felt Street.18School StreetNTCP, Eng/DPW$HighIntensity of traffic calming may affect costProvide buffered bike lanes on School Street between North Street and Tremont Street. Consider removing center lines or other methods to calm traffic. Provide neighborhood greenway treatment on narrower section (close to North Street).19Collins Cove PathState/ Complete Streets$$High Extend and widen Collins Cove Path from terminus at Webb Street to Settlers Way along waterfront desire line in accordance with Complete Streets Prioritization Plan.24Andrew StreetNTCP$High Provide neighborhood greenway treatment to connect to Salem Common.25Tremont StreetEng/DPW$High Provide conventional bike lanes along Tremont Street between Peabody City Line and Mason Street.26Winter StreetCIP$$HighX Provide separated bike lanes along Winter Street from Salem Common to Bridge Street.NTCP = Neighborhood Traffic Calm ProgramCIP = Capital Improvement ProgramEng/DPW = City Engineering Budget/Department of Public Works Repaving Program
40 SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | ACTION PLAN NTCP = Neighborhood Traffic Calm ProgramCIP = Capital Improvement ProgramEng/DPW = City Engineering Budget/Department of Public Works Repaving ProgramPriorityProject IDLocationFunding SourceCostFeasibilityMassDOT RoadBus RouteNotesProject RecommendationLower Priority27Collins Cove Path (Beattie Park)State$$$High Extend Collins Cove Path east through City land and David J. Beattie Park to connect to Derby Street in accordance with Complete Streets Prioritization Plan. Provide crossing at Fort Avenue.32Mason StreetEng/DPW$HighCoordinate with private property owners to provide access to Leslie’s retreat pathProvide conventional bike lanes along Mason Street between Flint Street and Tremont Street. Provide signage to direct people to high-comfort options for crossing the North River into downtown.68Palmer CoveCIP$$High Formalize and sign bike connections. Consider bike facilities. Provide direct path connection to Saltonstall School with enhanced crossing treatment on Salem Street.72Ocean AvenueCIP$MediumCost and term increases with footbridge reconstructionProvide bike lanes along Ocean Avenue. Consider reconstructing the footbridge over the rail tracks to form an east-west connection that reduces the north-south disconnect around the rail line from a mile to a half mile. Consider future access ramifications for proposed South Salem Commuter Rail station in future designs.73Marlborough RoadEng/DPW$High Provide buffered bike lanes from Route 107 (Highland Avenue) to Peabody Line. Coordinate with Peabody to provide continuous high-comfort route.74Old RoadCIP$High Consult with North Shore Medical Center regarding feasibility of formalizing and signing bicycle and pedestrian access from Willson Street to North Shore Medical Center via Old Road and parking lots.76West AvenueNTCP, State$$HighIntensity of traffic calming may affect costProvide neighborhood greenway treatment to Forest River park. Integrate connection to neighborhood greenway with proposed Complete Streets Prioritization Plan to redesign of the Lafayette/Loring/West Intersection.79Salem Bike PathState$$High Extend Salem Bike Path in accordance with existing plans.
41SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | ACTION PLAN
Map 5: Medium-term Project Recommendations
42 SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | ACTION PLANPriorityProject IDLocationFunding SourceCostFeasibilityMassDOT RoadBus RouteNotesProject RecommendationHigh Priority8Liberty Hill Avenue at Appleton StreetCIP$$HighCoordinate with #5Tighten intersection and improve communication of traffic control.16North StreetState$HighRecommended quick-build project to complete minimum gridConsider quick build project to complete minimum grid. Evaluate feasibility to eliminate travel lane, and/or narrow travel/parking lanes to provide buffered bike lanes extending from Franklin Street to the Peabody City Line. Carry bike lanes through all intersections. Coordinate with Peabody to provide continuous high-comfort route.28North Street at Franklin StreetState$$High Improve crossing conditions for vulnerable users. Formalize and sign connection along North Street spur to Commercial Street and Leslie’s Retreat Path.29North Street BridgeState$$MediumXSee recommendation: current plans show standard bike lanes; recommended quick-build project to complete minimum gridConsider quick build project to complete minimum grid. Provide separated bike lanes along both sides of the North Street Bridge.30MBTA Commuter Rail StationState$$$MediumXCoordinate with #33; recommended quick-build project to complete minimum gridStrengthen bicycle and pedestrian access to the train station at the Bridge Street / Washington Street entrance and from MBTA parking lots. Clarify bicycle route of travel through main entrance on Bridge Street / Washington Street to lower platform and bike cage. Formalize connections to station from Leslie’s Retreat Park and path behind former HMA site. Add additional rail crossing pads31Leslie’s Retreat Path at Bridge Street (Path Entrance)State$High Formalize connection from Bridge Street and the MBTA Commuter Rail Parking lot driveway to the entrance of Leslie’s Retreat Path west of the MBTA Commuter Rail Parking Lot in accordance with Complete Streets Prioritization Plan.33Bridge Street (MBTA Commuter Rail Station)State$$MediumXCoordinate with #30Consider quick build project to complete minimum grid. Provide separated bike lanes on Bridge Street between Bridge Street Neck and North Street. Install bike box at Bridge Street / Washington Street intersection and leading bike interval to allow bikes to maneuver into left lane to continue on Bridge Street and into the MBTA parking lot. Stripe green lane across intersection to indicate movement for bikes going to MBTA parking low at lower level.37North Washington Square at Brown StreetCIP$$$MediumX Consider squaring off intersection to make plaza.Table 3: Medium-term Project Implementation PlanNTCP = Neighborhood Traffic Calm ProgramCIP = Capital Improvement ProgramEng/DPW = City Engineering Budget/Department of Public Works Repaving Program
43SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | ACTION PLAN NTCP = Neighborhood Traffic Calm ProgramCIP = Capital Improvement ProgramEng/DPW = City Engineering Budget/Department of Public Works Repaving ProgramPriorityProject IDLocationFunding SourceCostFeasibilityMassDOT RoadBus RouteNotesProject RecommendationHigh Priority41North Street at Federal StreetState$$MediumXSee recommendation: requires traffic analysis for phasingIn the short-term, complete proposed plans to stripe conventional bike lanes through the intersection. In the long-term, consider reconstructing the intersection with tightened geometry and improved crossings for people biking and walking. Consider closing slip lane from North Street southbound, and formalize goat path to create high-comfort connection to Leslie’s Retreat path and MBTA commuter rail through green space. Use jug handle to facilitate bikes turning left from Summer Street / North Street into path. Widen crosswalk and path to provide a comfortable shared pedestrian / bike environment. Provide queue box for bikes exiting path and entering Summer Street southbound.44Bridge StreetState$$Medium Install separated bike lanes along Bridge Street between Flint Street and Boston Street. Evaluate potential to widen north side of street to accommodate connected bike lanes along Bridge Street between Rt. 114 ramp and Flint Street. Formalize bike connection within shoulder area if widening is not possible. Complete planned project to convert Bridge Street between Flint Street and Boston Street to a three-lane cross section with separated bike lanes. Integrate design with proposed off-street path connection from Grove Street to Bridge Street behind self storage building.45Washington StreetState$$MediumXSee recommendation: current plans show standard bike lanes; recommended quick-build project to complete minimum gridConsider quick build project to complete minimum grid. Provide separated bike lanes on Washington Street between New Derby Street and Bridge Street as a priority north/south bike route. Consider a two-way facility on the west side of the street as an extension of the Salem Bike Path or one-way separated pairs on both sides of the street.48Boston StreetState$$MediumXRecommended quick-build project to complete minimum gridConsider quick build project to complete minimum grid. Provide separated bike lanes for the length of the street, with buffered bike lanes near Bridge Street intersection. Improve crossings for vulnerable users. Coordinate with Peabody to provide continuous high-comfort route.52Essex StreetCIP/ State$$MediumXRecommended quick-build project to complete minimum grid Consider quick build project to complete minimum grid. Provide separated bike lanes along Essex Street between Jackson Street / Route 107 and Summer Street. Construct bike lanes in accordance with proposed Complete Streets Prioritization Plan for the segment between Summer Street and Washington Street. Connect to a short traffic calmed or bike lane segment along Flint Street to coordinate with Chestnut Street recommendations (#55).
44 SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | ACTION PLAN NTCP = Neighborhood Traffic Calm ProgramCIP = Capital Improvement ProgramEng/DPW = City Engineering Budget/Department of Public Works Repaving ProgramPriorityProject IDLocationFunding SourceCostFeasibilityMassDOT RoadBus RouteNotesProject RecommendationHigh Priority53New Derby StreetState$$MediumSee recommendation: current plans show standard bike lanesProvide parking-protected bike lanes on New Derby Street between Margin Street and Lafayette Street. Note: Current Complete Streets Prioritization Plan recommends conventional bike lanes.56Salem HarborwalkCIP$MediumRequires coordination with new developmentFormalize and sign harborwalk bike connections. Consider bike facilities in conjunction with waterfront park and path development. Utilize Chapter 91 review process to identify and leverage new path opportunities.57Bridge Street at Boston StreetState$$$MediumXIntersection reconfiguration and traffic controlSquare off intersection corners to slow traffic movements. Carry bike lane striping through the intersection. Evaluate signal timing options to protect vulnerable user movements through the intersection.71Lafayette StreetCIP$$LowXX From Front Street to Dow Street consider removing parking to provide space for bike lanes with greater separation. Upgrade existing bike lanes to parking-separated bike lanes from Dow Street south to Salem Bike Path. Stripe bike lane between West Avenue and Savoy Road. Strengthen connection to bike path. Coordinate with Marblehead to provide continuous high-comfort route.87Vinnin SquareState$$-$$$LowXXSee recommendation: requires feasibility studyConsider feasibility study for reconfiguring ROW to provide buffered bike lanes or working with private developers to provide shared use (bicycle and pedestrian) path(s) through parking areas.Medium Priority11Sgt. James Ayube Memorial DriveState$$$MediumXPotential to coordinate with #3Install vertical separation along existing bike lane on Sgt. James Ayube Memorial Drive from Bridge Street to proposed connection on Essex Street Bridge. 46Essex Street Pedestrian MallCIP$$$LowPotential to coordinate with #50Reconstruct the Essex Pedestrian Mall in accordance with the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall Improvements project to improve accessibility and clarify travel zones. Consider revising City ordinance to permit bike travel along the Mall outside of the busy season (October). Provide signage to inform people biking of seasonal bike restrictions. Provide wayfinding to bike parking locations outside of mall, and consider providing moveable bike racks within mall.59Summer StreetCIP$$MediumX Provide separated bike lanes along Summer Street from Essex Street to Gedney Street. Transition to contraflow lane with neighborhood greenway treatments on Summer Street from Gedney Street to Jefferson Street to maintain bi-directional bike connectivity.
45SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | ACTION PLANNTCP = Neighborhood Traffic Calm ProgramCIP = Capital Improvement ProgramEng/DPW = City Engineering Budget/Department of Public Works Repaving ProgramPriorityProject IDLocationFunding SourceCostFeasibilityMassDOT RoadBus RouteNotesProject RecommendationMedium Priority60Washington Street at Mill Street / Canal StreetCIP$$MediumSee recommendation: current plans show standard bike lanes. Potential to coordinate with #54 & #58Tighten intersection and improve crossings for people biking and walking. Consider closing slip lanes. Enhance terminus of existing bike path to direct people biking to crosswalk instead of mid-block location.61Harbor StreetEng/DPW$Medium Provide buffered or separated bike lane. Consider providing contraflow lane.62Broad Street / Dalton ParkwayCIP$$Medium Provide parking-protected bike lanes with formalized crossings at each intersection.64Prince StreetNTCP$HighIntensity of traffic calming may affect cost Provide neighborhood greenway treatment from Harbor Street to Leavitt Street. Consider coordinating with Salem Public Space Project.Lower Priority1Kernwood Avenue BridgeState$MediumXSee recommendation: cost reflects bike lanes only. Shared use path increases costAdd conventional bike lanes to Kernwood Avenue bridge. Consider a wider shared use path on one side of the bridge to accommodate people biking and walking in a completely separated environment. Consider adding non-slip plates across bridge grates to improve traction. Coordinate with MassDOT on maintaining boardwalk sidepath.5Liberty Hill Avenue, Appleton StreetCIP$MediumSee recommendation: cost reflects buffered bike lanes option. Coordinate with #8Provide buffered or separated bike lane on Liberty Hill Avenue from Appleton Street to Kernwood Avenue. Consider a shared use path along the east side of the street (against the cemetery).7Bridge Street Neck PathCIP$$MediumCoordinate with schoolEvaluate feasibility of extending Bridge Street Path to close gap between Skerry Street and Burnside Street between Sgt. James Ayube Memorial Drive and Essex Bridge.35Salem Power Station RedevelopmentState/ Federal$High Consider providing bike facilities and wayfinding throughout Salem Power Station Redevelopment site.36Harmony Grove RoadCIP$$High Consolidate right-of-way and narrow travel lanes to provide shared use path along one or both sides of Harmony Grove between Grove Street and Peabody City Line.38Federal StreetNTCP$HighIntensity of traffic calming may affect costProvide neighborhood greenway treatment from St. Peter Street to North Street.50Central Street at Essex Street Pedestrian MallCIP$$$LowPotential to coordinate with #46Consider converting Central Street to shared street from near Essex Street Pedestrian Mall to intersection with Lafayette Street and Charter Street.
46 SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | ACTION PLANPriorityProject IDLocationFunding SourceCostFeasibilityMassDOT RoadBus RouteNotesProject RecommendationLower Priority55Chestnut StreetNTCP; CIP$MediumSee recommendation: traffic control important at Summer Street for contraflow. Intensity of traffic calming may affect cost. Recommended quick-build project to complete minimum gridConsider quick build project to complete minimum grid. Provide neighborhood greenway treatments on Chestnut Street from Flint Street to Summer Street as an alternative east/west connection. Consider contraflow connection with street calming while maintaining residential parking on both sides. Modify geometry of Summer Street / Chestnut Street / Norman Street intersection and stripe contraflow bike movement through intersection, including consideration of neighborhood roundabout.63Gallows Hill Park PathsCIP$$High Formalize path through Gallows Hill Park connecting the ends of Witch Hill Road and Hanson Street. Formalize and sign path connecting Witch Hill Road and Varney Street through existing path.69Martin Lane / Circle Hill RoadCIP$High Formalize a non-motorized connection from Martin Lane to Circle Hill Road through Dibiase Park.78Story Road / Castle Hill ParkCIP$High Formalize path through Castle Hill Park to connect Willson Street to Jefferson Avenue through Story Road.80First StreetCIP$$High Provide buffered or separated bike lanes or shared-use paths from Highland Avenue to Swampscott Road.84Route 1A Shared Use Path$$MediumX Consider an off-road path connection in green space on southbound Loring Avenue between Salem State South Campus and Riverview Street. Improve crossing treatments at Intersection with Lincoln Road and provide signage to direct people to Salem Bike Path via local, low-stress streets.85Swampscott RoadCIP$HighSee recommendation: widening of road for shared use path would affect costProvide bike lanes along Swampscott Road between the Swampscott town line and Highland Avenue. Consider installation of a two-way facility or shared use path along the north side of the street. On-street bike lanes may substitute if widening is infeasible. NTCP = Neighborhood Traffic Calm ProgramCIP = Capital Improvement ProgramEng/DPW = City Engineering Budget/Department of Public Works Repaving Program
47SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | ACTION PLAN
Map 6: Long-term Project Recommendations
48 SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | ACTION PLANPriorityProject IDLocationFunding SourceCostFeasibilityMassDOT RoadBus RouteNotesProject RecommendationHigh Priority65Route 107 (Highland Avenue / Essex Street) at Jackson StreetState$$$LowXX Provide bike lane striping and bike boxes on N/S route. Consider providing contra flow lane to Dalton Parkway / Broad Street by widening Warren Court. Stripe Dalton Parkway across to Warren Court for bike access. Consider removing slip lane on Dalton Parkway.70Jefferson Avenue, Margin StreetState$LowXX From Margin Street to Dove Avenue, provide buffered bike lane. From Dove Avenue to Adams Street provide conventional bike lanes.83Route 1A (Loring Avenue)State$MediumXX In accordance with Complete Streets Prioritization Plan pilot project, provide buffered or separated bike lanes from Lafayette Street to Lincoln Road and separated bike lanes south to Vinnin Square, with appropriate design treatments at bus stops. Medium Priority3Essex Bridge (Sgt. James Ayube Memorial Drive)State/Federal$$LowXX Coordinate with MassDOT to provide separated bike lanes on the Essex Bridge extending from Sgt. Ayube Drive into Beverly. Consider grade-separated or concrete barriers to provide adequate protection from high-speed traffic. Coordinate with Beverly to provide continuous high-comfort route.54Margin Street between Norman Street and Gedney StreetState/ Federal$$$LowPotential to coordinate with #51, #58, and #60Consider closing or restricting motor vehicle access on Margin Street between Norman Street / New Derby Street and Gedney Street. Enable two-way operations between Gedney Street and Mill Street. Create shared street between Riley Plaza and Post Office. Clarify preferred bike crossing movement from Riley Plaza to Washington Street northbound through intersection striping and phasing.LowerPriority20Furlong Park / Ferris LotCIP$$MediumSee recommendation: right-of-way acquisition likelyCoordinate with landowners to provide shared use path connection along waterfront behind Furlong Park and Ferris lot. Formalize goat path along North River across train tracks to connect to MBTA Commuter Rail station.NTCP = Neighborhood Traffic Calm ProgramCIP = Capital Improvement ProgramEng/DPW = City Engineering Budget/Department of Public Works Repaving ProgramTable 4: Long-term Project Implementation Plan
49SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | ACTION PLAN
Action Plan for Policies and Programs
While policies are generally implemented by the City,
coordination with various City agencies, and potentially non-
City entities, will be required. The Action Plan for implementing
policy and program recommendations focuses on identifying a
champion for each initiatives with additional partners identified,
as shown in Table 5.
Recommendation Champion City Partners Other Partners
Education and
Encouragement
Continue to host educational opportunities on bike
safety, maintenance, and infrastructure for all ages, with
a focus on children.
Planning &
Community
Development
Schools, Health
Department
MassRIDES, Safe
Routes To School,
Salem State University,
Bike Shops
Provide education and training to City staff on bicycle
planning and engineering.Engineering
Planning & Community
Development, Public
Works
Bay State Roads,
NACTO
Continue to provide training to law enforcement
personnel on bicycle and pedestrian rights and
responsibilities.
Police
Department
Planning & Community
Development MassDOT
Continue to provide and enhance on-line and printed
materials on biking in Salem.
Planning &
Community
Development
Information Technology
Tourist Attractions,
Developers, Hotels,
Businesses
Organize more bike-focused events. Recreation
Department
Planning & Community
Development, Bicycling
Advisory Committee
Advocate Groups
Work with Salem businesses and employers to
encourage bicycling.
Planning &
Community
Development
Local Businesses
Regulations and
Operations
Review and improve crash reporting procedures. Salem Police
Department
Planning & Community
Development MassDOT
Codify bike parking into development and retrofit
requirements.
Bicycling
Advisory
Committee
Mayor’s Office, City
Council, Planning &
Community Development
Developers
Establish a regular review of the road repaving program
to identify opportunities where bicycle facilities may be
implemented as part of routine maintenance.
Public Works
Planning & Community
Development, Bicycling
Advisory Committee
Use the Bike Master Plan for project and development
review.
Planning &
Community
Development
Bicycling Advisory
Committee
Coordinate with Salem’s other planning initiatives and
those of neighboring municipalities.
Planning &
Community
Development
Bicycling Advisory
Committee
MassDOT,
Neighboring Towns
and Cities
Establish snow clearance and other maintenance
procedures for bike facilities. Public Works Planning & Community
Development
Continue to expand bike parking program including
maintenance of inventory, working with schools to site
new racks, and addition of new bike racks in high-activity
areas.
Traffic &
Parking
Bicycling Advisory Committee,
Planning & Community
Development, Schools,
Recreation Department
Developers
Continue to work with a bikeshare operator to maintain
and expand bikeshare in Salem.
Planning &
Community
Development
Bicycling Advisory
Committee, Traffic &
Parking
Salem State University,
Neighboring Towns
and Cities, Bikeshare,
Businesses
Evaluation Evaluate and communicate progress on the Plan yearly.
Planning &
Community
Development
Police, Public Works,
Bicycling Advisory
Committee
Table 5: Policy and Programming Implementation Plan
50 SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | ACTION PLAN
51SALEM BICYCLE MASTER PLAN | ACTION PLAN
Conclusion
A more bikeable Salem is one that aligns with the values
and goals of this great City. Access to opportunity, safety
for all users, and multimodal connectivity are key priorities
for Salem. Through smart investments that support people
biking as integrated members of the transportation system,
Salem may realize significant safety, environmental, quality
of life, economic, and health benefits for its residents and
visitors. This Plan represents a significant first step toward
this vision, but significant work remains. The Plan should
be treated as a living document where achievements are
measured and celebrated, and updates are made according
to changing conditions. Through collaboration and patience,
the City of Salem is on the path to realizing its potential as
one of the most bikeable cities in all of New England.