hopkinton-independent-logo2x
Hopkinton, MA
loader-image
Hopkinton, US
3:49 pm, Monday, May 25, 2026
71°F
76 %
Wind Gust: 3 mph
Clouds: 100%
Sunrise: 5:16 am
Sunset: 8:09 pm

SIGN UP TODAY!
BREAKING NEWS & DAILY NEWSLETTER





Letter to the Editor: Stone dust better choice for trails

by | Jun 15, 2020 | Letter to Editor

I’m one of the signers of the petition to keep Hopkinton’s woodland trails soft-surfaced. With 210 signatures so far on the online petition and more on the original paper petition, it seems like a lot of trail users agree with me.

I usually make two points about the issue: First, a 10-foot wide paved path is a road, not a trail. If I want to walk on a road, I can find one at the end of my driveway. Second, the only trail activity not supported on a packed stone dust trail (like the Center, Echo and Hughes trails) is rollerblading. Wheelchairs, strollers, runners, walkers, horseback riders and bike riders can all use stone dust trails. I’ve ridden my skinny tire road bike the entire length of the Upper Charles Trail, through Milford (paved) and Holliston (stone dust). There was no difference in performance between the two surfaces.

Stone dust trails are ADA-compliant, cheaper to build and maintain, easier on the body to walk/run, and permeable (better for the land). A paved path may be appropriate for a commuter bike route in an urban setting, used by bike riders moving at high speed rather than leisurely walkers, but not for the walking trails in our suburban town.

I urge the town join me in supporting this initiative.

— John Ritz, Hopkinton

0 Comments

Related Articles

Letter to the Editor: Krishna for School Committee

I am writing to express my support of my friend Sravana Krishna for the Hopkinton School Committee. My family came to Hopkinton for school. We became friends with Sravan Krishna's family through classroom activities, and over time our conversations kept circling...

Letter to the Editor: McSweeney for School Committee

I’m writing in support of Kyla McSweeney for reelection to the Hopkinton School Committee. As a parent and community member, I’ve appreciated Kyla’s thoughtful leadership and her willingness to make decisions that support all students and families in our district....

Letter to the Editor: Mannan for Board of Health

I am writing to support Nasiba Mannan for reelection to the Hopkinton Board of Health. Over the past three years, Nasiba has helped guide the Health Department through staffing changes, funding challenges and difficult public health issues. She has stayed focused...

Letter to the Editor: Krishna for School Committee

On Monday, May 18th, I will be voting for Sravan Krishna for School Committee because his actions show me what he believes in. He is not just a talker; he’s a doer. He has a history of volunteer service to the town. He has stood up to racism and to anti-LGBTQ...

Letter to the Editor: Krishnan for School Committee

I am writing in support of Sravana Krishna for the School Committee. I first met Sravan through the Friends of SEPAC committee, where I quickly came to appreciate his thoughtful, helpful and community-focused approach. Having known Sravan for some time and having...

Letter to the Editor: Irwin for School Committee

I am writing in support of Sandra Irwin for School Committee. Like many Hopkinton residents, Sandra is passionate about our strong school system and is focused on the long-term success of our students. As a mother of three, she has children at various stages and...

Key Storage 4.14.22