The second was, the desired goal would be best handled as a recommendation that states respect for existing improvements. The third was, the final wording did not made it clear that we are talking about improvements to the existing right of way and that safety must not be compromised in efforts to preserve these improvements. The fourth was, before we made any such statements I would like to be sure that we are in no way compromising the legal position of the city with regard to the corridor. I think the drafting committee should come back to the full committee with a recommendation that meets these needs. The paved surface should be ten feet wide, except from Commonwealth to Randall Avenue, where it should be twelve feet wide.
Experience shows that wider paths increase the comfort and safety of pedestrians.
Since the section from Commonwealth to campus will likely be the most heavily used, this section should be twelve feet wide. In the past we've had much discussion about path surface. It is clear that only a paved path will be able to serve the ADA and transportation needs of the corridor. In addition, most soft surfaces will still attract many of the same users. Depending on how solid the surface is, it could exclude some cyclists but not all.