Marblehead Town Planner Rebecca Curran Cutting announced that the Town’s Bicycle Plan request for proposal is taking the next big step toward becoming a reality at the most recent Traffic Safety Advisory Committee meeting.

“You guys know this has been kicking around for a while,” Curran Cutting said. “We’re just about to issue.”

The plan’s objective is to identify and prioritize biking improvements on a townwide level based on the needs of Marblehead cyclists.

According to Curran Cutting, some of the plan’s purposes include guiding the Town in creating a lasting bicycle transportation program; identifying convenient, attractive, and safe routes for bicycling to important destinations; increasing bike ridership in town; finding additional local, state, and federal funding options; and identifying opportunities to connect bike accommodations with adjacent communities.

Once the proposal is issued, contractors will bid for the ability to complete it.

Curran Cutting also gave the latest update pertaining to the Rail Trail. The Leadmills Conservation Area is a large portion of where the inter-municipality trail is located. She said that the Select Board designated $1.4 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds for the Lead Mills portion of the Rail Trail master plan. Curran Cutting revealed the latest change to the plan, which could have a long-term positive impact on the Rail Trail’s resources as a whole.

“Originally, the plan included replacing both bridges,” Curran Cutting explained. “After more discussion with utilities and public safety, it was determined they did not need or want vehicular access. Therefore, we can replace the surfaces and railings and make it more universally accessible.”

She added that this determination will allow funds to be utilized to further extend trail improvements in accordance with the master plan, such as an area near West Shore Drive with obstructions and puddling.

TSAC member Rick Smyers placed a large emphasis on advocating for pedestrians and cyclists when he campaigned for his appointment. As one of the founders of Bike Marblehead, he said at the meeting that he wanted to ensure that the committee could be involved in the Bicycle Plan and similar ongoing developments. Curran Cutting assured the committee that it will be consulted on the Bicycle Plan. As for the Rail Trail, she said the committee’s input will be sought “wherever it’s needed.”