Forum on plans for downtown

The town will hold a public meeting next month seeking feedback about proposals to improve the Minuteman Bikeway route through Arlington Center. Using a $290,000 grant from the state Department of Transportation, the town is hoping to ease the crossing for cyclists by installing bicycle lanes where Massachusetts Avenue and Route 60/Mystic Street intersect. The current arrangement frequently results in cyclists riding on the sidewalk, despite signs put up over the summer warning that bikes on the sidewalk must be walked. The town has hired Boston-based Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates Inc. to help design a solution. The hearing will be held Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium. - Brock Parker