Newton Requests $34,626 for Bike Parking at High Schools, Parks

Newton is seeking Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to add more bike parking at public high schools and parks as part of a three‑phase improvement plan. The CPA has requested $34,626 to complete the additional bike parking during the summer of 2026.

According to a Newton Beacon report, the plan calls for 10 bike hoops at the schools and expanded covered parking, following broken plexiglass at the high schools. An extra 67 bike racks will be installed across 18 parks in Newton. Park rules and conservation land considerations will guide where the bikes can be parked in park areas and at City Hall.

Jenn Martin, director of transportation planning for Newton, stated at a Newton Finance Committee meeting that Newton North needs more bike racks, and that Newton South is also often at capacity. She suggested cost as a barrier to constructing more bike racks.

According to Community Preservation Program Manager Molly Hutchings, parks on conservation land don't allow bikes into the park. Additional parking at the entrance would allow residents to commute by bike without bringing their bikes into the park.

Doug Cornelius from Bike Newton, a community bike advocacy group, appreciates the city's investment in Newton's kids. Bike Newton agrees that the bike parking installations will generate visibility in the community and motivate people to bike more; however, there is still room for improvement.

Community Preservation Act funds bring in approximately $4.5 million annually. Approximately $1 million of the fund is reserved for open space, recreation, historic resources, or affordable housing. Additional support is anticipated from the state via the Boston Region MPO Community Connections Program.