Frequently Asked Questions

1) How did the Bay Colony Rail Trail project start?

The Bay Colony Rail trail project was first identified as part of the Needham Bikes effort in the spring of 2009, and Medfield and Dover representation was quickly brought into the fold.

2) How far along is the project to becoming a reality?

To this date the fastest rail trail conversion in Massachusetts took 6 years. The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail had the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first section on August 29, 2009. The people who made it happen started working on it in 1987 - 22 years ago. Other projects have taken 7 to 10 years. Our project is currently in its infancy, and it is too early for a prognosis.

3) What are your immediate priorities?

1) Getting approval from Medfield, Needham and Dover to conduct a feasibility study (we’ve received two out of three so far); 2) Continuing to reach out to our rail trail neighbors; 3) Building our volunteer and supporter base, and 4) Incorporating as a nonprofit organization.

4) Is this path something that will cater mostly to bikers?

The trail will be shared by joggers, walkers, bikers, cross-country skiers, parents with strollers, and other non-motorized users. We also believe that a rail-trail corridor can accommodate horseback riding either on the same trail, or parallel trails. We believe that ultra-fast road bikers will prefer the road, and that the character of the trail will cater to recreational users and families.

5) Will the trail affect public safety?

Various studies have shown that crime rates may be lower along multiuse trails because they are used frequently and busy areas tend to discourage opportunistic crimes, and that factors external to the trail seem to be better indicators of crime rates than the presence of the trail. Source: excerpt from a study about the Pinellas Trail near St. Petersburg, FL. Additionally, the Arlington and Lexington police departments have 16 years of experience policing the Minuteman Bikeway, one of the most heavily used community paths in the United States, and Arlington Police Chief Fred Ryan said that the "value of the Minuteman Trail as a recreational asset far outweighs public safety issues, which are few and far between." Lexington Police Lt. Mike O'Connell also noted, “People enjoy walking, biking, jogging, skiing, snowshoeing, or rollerblading on the Minuteman Bikeway. There are few problems that occur except when people over-exercise during hot weather, collide accidentally with each other on the path, or use unsafe practices when crossing roadway intersections... I would therefore encourage neighboring towns to adopt similar safe and healthy recreation areas for their residents, too."  

6) Do you see people gaining a better appreciation for the conservation land through which the path would traverse?

Yes! The Trustees of Reservations are interested in this project because it would create a link between the Needham Town Forest, Red Wing Bay (DCR), the Charles River Peninsula (TTOR),  several parcels in Dover (the Gregg, Channing, Trout Brook, and Rice conservation land), and Sawmill Brook and Charles River Reservation in Medfield. Rocky Woods Reservation, through trail easements, is accessible from the Dover side of the town as well, and is not far away. The trail would create both awareness of and appreciation for the conservation land in our area.