The Fairhaven Bikeway Committee’s proposal to install hitching post style bike racks at the Town Hall has been approved by the Community Preservation Committee. Pending approval by Town Meeting in May, there will be safe, convenient parking for bikes in our historic town center.
Historical photo showing original hitching posts at Town Hall
The Fairhaven Bikeway Committee exists to make Fairhaven a bicycle-friendly community. One important part of a bike-friendly community is secure and convenient parking accommodation. The Committee has been making an effort to increase the parking available to the growing number of cyclists in town.
Last year, with the help of a SRPEDD grant we installed more than 14 racks all over town at schools, the Rec center, playgrounds, along the bike path and a number of other public locations. One spot that conspicuously lacks bike racks is Fairhaven’s historic Town Hall. With the Phoenix Bike Path and our quiet downtown streets, so many in town can safely take a bike to conduct business at Town Hall, they just need a good spot to park.
The Bikeway Committee is applying for Community Preservation funding to install four hitching-post style bike racks, curbside, on the Town Hall property. The racks would be placed around the perimeter of the building; two in front on Center Street, and one on either side of the building on William and Walnut Streets.
Town Hall was built pre-automobile and was surrounded by hitching posts (see attached sheet with historical photographs and details). The proposed, single pole bike racks restore the spirit of the historic hitching posts, while offering a practical modern use.
The Bikeway Committee has sought and gained approval of the Board of Selectmen, and the Fairhaven Historical Commission.