Getting Around New Britain: Walkability, Public Transit & Biking

New Britain offers a moderately walkable environment, particularly in its compact downtown area where improvements have been made to enhance pedestrian accessibility. The city center features amenities like brick sidewalks, way-finding signage, seating, and Wi-Fi access. This makes the downtown conducive for travelers to explore local cafes, restaurants, and shops without needing a car. However, walkability tends to decrease as one moves away from the downtown core, requiring reliance on longer walks or public transportation for certain errands.

New Britain's public transit system, highlighted by the CTfastrak bus rapid transit service, provides effective connections to Hartford and nearby areas. This, alongside CTtransit buses, ensures that travelers have access to key routes linking to other towns such as Bristol and Meriden. The transit options are bolstered by developments like 'The Brit' that place them conveniently near transit hubs. While the transit system serves the main corridors effectively, its reach and frequency might be limited in less central areas, necessitating careful planning for trips outside the main routes.

Efforts are underway in New Britain to enhance its bikeability through the 'BIKE NEW BRITAIN' initiative, which includes plans to create safer bike routes connecting major community nodes like parks, schools, and public transport lines. Streets like Stanley Street and Corbin Avenue are currently more bike-friendly. Although the city is recognized for its commitment to becoming bike-friendly, existing infrastructure is still developing, leaving some areas less accommodating for cycling, especially beyond the central neighborhoods.