MVPC’s Transportation Program initiated its public engagement process for the Active Transportation Plan (ATP) – or MV Moves. MV Moves builds upon the original ATP completed in 2014 and the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), which was endorsed by the MVMPO in September 2023. MV Moves studies the existing paths and nodes that make up the region’s existing active transportation network and plans for expansions to further connect the region.
Concept of Connecting the Region Through the Active Transportation Network (Paths and Nodes).
The MV Moves public engagement process started by focusing on people living near and using the region’s shared use paths. MVPC transportation staff collected weeklong user count data on the Lawrence Spicket River Greenway, Methuen Rail Trail, Bradford Rail Trail, Groveland Community Path, Newburyport Clipper City Trail, Amesbury Riverwalk, and the Salisbury East Marsh Trail. Following this data collection, MVPC staff set up tables at the same count locations for 3-hour periods during the week and invited path users to take a survey and share their experiences using the paths. Among the feedback received, respondents highlighted quality-of-life enhancements that the paths provide, conflicts between e-bikes and pedestrians, and desires to reach more destinations without having to interact with cars.
MV Moves Timeline of Process and Public Engagement.
MVPC will next undertake an abutters survey that will be mailed to households living within 300 feet of the paths mentioned above. The survey will help MVPC staff understand the experience of living near a path and help foster meaningful engagement of abutters for future projects.
The engagement process will inform the prioritization of active transportation projects for future funding opportunities. MVPC will convene an Active Transportation Committee to complete the prioritization of conceptual projects. The Active Transportation Committee will be comprised of up to two people from each subregion and the cities of Lawrence and Haverhill, MVMPO liaisons, and MassDOT representatives.
- Subregion 1 – Amesbury, Salisbury, and Newburyport
- Subregion 2 – Newbury, Rowley, and West Newbury
- Subregion 3 – Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, and Merrimac
- Subregion 4 – Andover, Methuen, and North Andover
MVPC is excited to invite the regional community to take part in the planning process and welcomes input throughout the completion of the plan. Visit the ATP webpage to learn more and share your input!