Downtown Keene in summer time

Bicycle/Pedestrian Path Advisory Committee

Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan Update

Overview

We are developing a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan to make it safer and easier for people of all ages and abilities to walk, bike, and use mobility devices. The plan aims to create a connected network that provides reliable, sustainable access to schools, parks, shopping areas, and other everyday destinations. This update will use community input and data analysis to identify practical improvements that enhance safety, strengthen connections, and support an active and accessible future for Keene residents.

Project Timeline (Anticipated)

  • Project Kickoff: April 2026
  • Final Presentation: October 2026
  • Plan Adoption: November 2026

Community Survey

The City of Keene invites you to share your experiences walking, biking, or using a wheelchair in the community. Your feedback will help identify key issues and guide future improvements. Survey results will build on the input received during the Roadway Safety Action Plan project and will be used to shape recommendations for:

  • Infrastructure projects
  • Safety programs
  • Safe Routes to School initiatives
  • Project prioritization

The survey will be open through September 15, 2026 and takes about 10 minutes to complete. All responses are confidential.

Public Meetings and Events

Upcoming Events:

  • Keene Housing Resident Input Sessions:
    • Roosevelt East: August 13 at 3:30 PM.
    • Stone Arch Village: August 19 at 3:30 PM
  • Walk Audits (All ages & Abilities welcome!):
    • West St, Pearl St, and Island St: Saturday, August 29, 10:00 AM – Meet at the entrance to Ashuelot River Park (Registration Requested)
    • East Keene: Friday, September 4, 2:00 PM – Meet at Robin Hood Park in the upper parking area next to the pool (Registration Requested)

Past Events:

  • Tabling
    • KSC Earth Day Celebration: April 17 from 12-3 PM at Oya Hill.
    • Monadnock Earth Festival: April 25 from 11 AM to 3 PM at Railroad Square.
  • Public Meetings
    • Kick-off Meeting: April 22, 2026 at 3:00 PM – Keene Recreation Center Room 14, located at 312 Washington Street in Keene.
  • Input Sessions:
    • KSC Focus Group: April 22 from 1-2 pm in the Mountain View Room on the Keene State College Campus.
    • Keene High School – Mayor’s Youth Council: May 7 at 2:45 PM in the Cheshire Career Center.
    • City of Keene Energy and Climate Committee: May 27 at 4:30 PM – City Hall located at 3 Washington Street.
    • Monadnock Outdoors: Wednesday, July 22 at 10 AM (via Zoom).
  • Keene Housing Resident Input Sessions:
    • Central Square Terrace: July 28 at 3 PM.
    • Harper Acres: August 3 at 2:00 PM.

Background

Keene was an early leader in planning for walking and biking, creating its first Bicycle/Pedestrian Path Master Plan in 1999—well ahead of many similar communities. That plan guided many successful projects over the past two decades. Today, many of those projects have been completed, and the data used at the time is now outdated. Updating the plan will ensure it reflects current conditions, community needs, and future opportunities.

View the 1999 Bicycle/Pedestrian Path Master Plan (PDF).

Contact

For more information about the survey or the project, please contact:

Jason Nadeau, Parks and Recreation Programmer
(603) 357-9829 x6210

To request a walk audit, bike audit, or presentation/input session with your group or organization, please contact:

Megan Fortson, Planner
(603) 352-5440 or communitydevelopment@keenenh.gov