The Minuteman Bikeway is a rail trail formed from a historic railroad corridor, dedicated in the early 1990s, and named to honor those who fought at Lexington and Concord. Its path connects present-day recreation and commuting with the region’s revolutionary history.
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Railroad Origins:
The Bikeway follows the path of the former Lexington and West Cambridge Railroad, which opened in 1846. This rail line provided commuter and freight service between Boston and Lexington, and later to Bedford.
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Decline and Conversion:
As rail service declined (with passenger operations ending in 1977 and freight in 1981), local communities saw potential in converting the abandoned rail corridor into a multi-use trail for the public.
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The Birth of the Bikeway:
In 1992, the towns of Cambridge, Arlington, and Lexington collaborated to officially open the Minuteman Bikeway. Bedford extended its portion soon after, making it a four-town partnership. The Bikeway utilizes the original rail bed, making it mostly flat and accessible, with its official ribbon cutting in 1993.
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Connection to History:
The route roughly traces paths significant to the first battles of the American Revolution in 1775. Its name honors the colonial "Minutemen" who responded to the British advance on Lexington and Concord. Various parks and historical markers along the Bikeway illustrate its revolutionary past.
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Modern Renewals:
The trail has become a major commuter and recreation corridor. It’s part of the East Coast Greenway and has been repeatedly upgraded for safety, clarity, and accessibility. Today, it’s a model for rail trail development and urban greenways throughout the United States.
