9.3.2026 Bicycle Pedestrian Blue Ribbon Committee

The City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire Bicycle Pedestrian Blue Ribbon Committee met on September 8, 2026, to discuss various pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and safety initiatives. Key procurement-related topics included the proposal to submit a Capital Improvement Project (CIP) item for restriping and safety improvements on Maplewood Avenue, aiming to create bike lanes and improve pedestrian crossings. The committee also discussed ongoing and future projects such as the Edmond Avenue sidewalk and bike boulevard construction, the North Mill Pond multiuse path connection, and the potential for a shuttle loop pilot to enhance multimodal transportation connectivity. Motions were passed to adopt the safe system approach as the committee's framework and to have the Complete Streets Working Group develop and submit the Maplewood Avenue CIP proposal. The committee emphasized collaboration with the sustainability and parking and traffic safety committees to coordinate efforts on multimodal transportation projects. Additionally, the meeting covered community outreach initiatives like the bike bus program and educational efforts to improve bike and pedestrian safety. No specific contract awards or vendor selections were mentioned, but the discussions focused on planning, CIP submissions, and policy recommendations that could influence future procurement and capital projects.