Pedal for the Path, with bikers and protesters

Over 100 riders participated in the seventh annual Pedal for the Path bike ride on Sunday, Aug. 30. Bikers were not the only ones in attendance, with protesters of the Northern Scenic Greenway showing up to voice their disapproval of the shared-use path. 

The Northern Scenic Greenway is a 9.8 mile regional trail that would connect Westport and New Bedford bike paths along a 5.4-mile long stretch through Dartmouth, probably along Old FalL River Road. This path would be separated from the road where feasible.

“It is not our intent to change or impact the neighborhood negatively, but to provide a safe way for all users to navigate this 9.8 mile route, which has no bicycle or [pedestrian] facilities,” said Sandra Medeiros, the President of the South Coast Bikeway Alliance and serves on the Dartmouth Pathways Committee.

Medeiros pointed out that there are not many sidewalks or bike paths between Kings Highway and Whites of Westport.

Currently, the path is in the study phase. The study, conducted by a hired consultant, will be looking at the existing conditions. 

There was a conceptual design posted, which was purely designed as something to show when presenting the path. 

This pathway is an alternative route that could potentially complement the East Coast Greenway, a 2,900 mile path from Maine to Florida. However, the project is also a “Mass trails priority network,” according to Medeiros. 

Those participating in the ride donated money toward the study of the Northern Scenic Greenway, and could participate in a raffle or buying merchandise. The Jethos played during the after-ride party, and guests could get drinks from the tasting room or food from their food truck. 

Other town organizations, such as the Dartmouth Historical and Arts Society, helped out with the event by manning booths along the ride. 

“I think we should have a dedicated path for people to ride their bike safely,” said Alanna Parsons of New Bedford, who participated in the ride, “We can give up a little bit of our roadway in order to do that. And it is also good that people see that there’s a dedicated bikeway so that they’re more aware that there’s bikers on the road.”

The ride began and ended at Running Brook Vineyards. Riders had the choice of two paths; a 35-mile loop that follows the newly established Dartmouth Heritage Trail bicycle route and a scenic 21-mile ride. The Heritage Trail path winds through Dartmouth's 10 founding villages, spanning from Hixville to Round Hill. 

“People were very pleased with the route,” said Medeiros, “They loved the town.”

The protesters stood across the road from the Vineyard, with many passersby honking in support. Their main concern is the location of the bike path on Old Fall River Road.

“If they open [this road] … wider, it’s going to be even more of a dragway,” said Kathy Normore, a resident of Old Fall River Road, “Secondly, we have environmental, historical, agricultural aspects of this road that it can affect.”

She added that there are wells, telephones and mailboxes close to the road. 

Medeiros stated that a shared use path could actually slow traffic, as with thinner roads and pedestrians near the road drivers would need to slow down. 

Public comment for studies on the latest findings regarding the Northern Scenic Greenway will open around October.