To the editor: 

Thank you for last week’s article about the grants awarded to the shared-use paths in Marion and Mattapoisett. Both the Marion and Mattapoisett shared-use paths are part of the larger South Coast Bikeway, which will be a 50-mile continuous system of multi-use paths and bike lanes connecting existing routes in Rhode Island to Cape Cod. Several segments of the bikeway already exist in Swansea, Fall River, New Bedford, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett and Wareham.  

The South Coast Bikeway is part of the Commonwealth’s Regional Bicycle Plan, which will improve the ability of bike users of all ages and abilities to safely, comfortably and conveniently travel across the region and increase community engagement, local awareness and public support for bicycle networks and infrastructure.  

The towns of Marion and Mattapoisett as well as the Marion Pathway Committee and the Friends of the Mattapoisett Bicycle and Recreational Path are to be applauded for their vision and commitment to the completion of the safe pedestrian and cycling connection of our two communities.  

Please contact me at thesouthcoastbikeway@gmail.com if you wish to learn more about Marion’s proposed Phase 2 connection of the shared use path to Wareham’s segments of the South Coast Bikeway. By working together we can complete the South Coast Bikeway! 

Jeffrey Oakes 

Town of Marion representative to the South Coast Bikeway Alliance