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Boston looks to install bike lanes on Mass. Ave. from the river to Symphony Hall
By adamg on Mon, 04/11/2011 - 4:40pm
The city holds a hearing on Thursday to see what people think of the proposed addition of bike lanes to one of Boston's busiest streets.
City officials say bicycles now account for up to 14% of vehicle traffic on the avenue during rush hours - and that Mass. Ave. has one of the highest rates of bicycle accidents in the city. Under the city proposal, five-foot bike lanes would be striped on both sides of the road.
The hearing begins at 7 p.m. at the BPL main branch in Copley Square.
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Comments
I'm all for bike infrastructure, but...
...I worry it would make my commute more dangerous.
I ride that stretch every day, turning left into the Christian Science Plaza. I worry that bike lanes would make it more likely for drivers to get even more angry at me than they already do when I'm taking the left lane on Mass Ave in preparation for my turn.
Many drivers seem to be under the impression that, if a bike lane exists, bikes are required to be in it.
Personally, I'd rather they just reduce the speed limit to 20mph and put up prominent "Bikes May Use Full Lane" signs every 100 feet or so.
I definitely agree that there
I definitely agree that there should be "Bikes May Use Full Lane" signage instead of bike lanes. Cars often double-park on Mass Ave and when cars double-park, they use the bike lanes, not the driving lanes. Going around double-parked cars into driving lanes is, in my opinion, more hazardous than just riding in the driving lane.
My only question for you, Eoin... aren't you not allowed to make that left turn? It might be easier for you to turn left onto Boylston, right onto Dalton, and then right onto Huntington and just go down the spiral ramp into the CSC parking garage (if that's your ultimate destination).
It never occurred to me that
It never occurred to me that I might be making an illegal left turn, but maybe it is prohibited. But I don't see any signs prohibiting it, and there are often police there directing traffic at that spot, and none of them has given me a hard time, whether I'm on my bike or in my car.
I have taken the other route that you describe, but I've found that traffic goes pretty fast on that part of Huntington, faster than they do on Mass Ave.
(For what it's worth, I don't use the bike lanes at all on Mass Ave in Cambridge. I used to, but then one day in September I collided with a jaywalking pedestrian who stepped out from between two cars, and broke three of my ribs. The cops and the courts blamed me for the collision. So now I take the lane on that stretch.)
Please tell me
that the jaywalker was hurt worse than you.
double yellows
If there's double yellows with no break, it's illegal.
Right. There aren't any
Right. There aren't any double yellows or any type of signage saying it's illegal.
As for my crash, despite being 77 years old, the jaywalker remained standing. He later said that he had some minor bruising. But he didn't seem hurt at the time. He and his friends immediately insisted that it was my fault.
Me, I was thrown off my bike and into the back of an SUV, and was taken away in an ambulance to be treated for broken ribs and internal bleeding.
I sued the jaywalker in small claims court, and the clerk-magistrate ruled in his favor without explanation.
Re: Double Yellows
The Mass. Driver's Manual states that Double Yellow lines only prohibit the passing of vehicles. They do not prohibit left- or U-turns. This is similar in most other states.
http://www.mass.gov/rmv/dmanual/chapter4.pdf
In Boston, left-turns are permitted everywhere unless there is a sign specifically prohibiting it. U-turns are permitted everywhere as long as there is no sign prohibiting it, and "unless such turn can be made without backing up and without causing any approaching driver to slacken speed or change his/her course."
http://www.cityofboston.gov/Images_Documents/Traff...
Yes, it is illegal.
Which probably explains the honking!
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&g...
No it's not!
There's no double yellow (obviously - it's a four(five) way intersection). And the only no-left-sign at that intersection is clearly oriented to prohibit left turns from Westland onto North-bound Mass Ave.
No left turn
No, there's a no-left sign clearly visible in the linked Streetview photo pointing to the left of Horticultural Hall, which appears to be the left turn that Eoin is describing, off Mass Ave into the Christian Science Center complex - look just above the rear end of the red car.
I know the sign that you're
I know the sign that you're talking about, and it is facing Westland, not Mass Ave. Maybe it was bent, but if it was really meant for southbound traffic on Mass Ave, shouldn't it be on the other side of the street?
No, it wouldn't.
That sign in that linked photo is obviously meant for southbound traffic on Mass Ave, prohibiting a left turn onto Westland. No-left-turn signs at intersections are usually--if not always--posted to the left of the drivers they're meant for, for reasons a moment's thought would make plain: if you're looking to make a left-hand turn, you're gonna be looking to the left, not to the right.
What?
You can't take a left onto Westland heading south on Mass. Ave. It ends there. The only left you can take there (going southbound) would be onto the CC plaza, which isn't a thru way (and was, I think, what Eion was originally talking about).
Look at it from this angle, coming from Westland. There it is, consistent with the fact that you are indeed not allowed to make that left. Pan to the right, even, and you'll see another such no-left-turn sign where a stop sign would be if there were no light.
That sign is all Westland, baby, and giving Mass Ave no love.
"Bikes May Use Full Lane"
I always worry that some drivers will see those "Bikes May Use Full Lane" signs, and assume that when the signs aren't present, bikes aren't allowed in the lane.
That's a really good point.
That's a really good point. Maybe they should just put them everywhere.
Or maybe the signs should read "Reminder: Bikes May Use Full Lane."
Mommy Dearest Approach
The only way bad motorists will learn is to have it beaten into them.
Give me diplomatic immunity and a handful of the sheet metal signs on poles and I will go up and down Mass Ave all day using them like giant paddles to spank the cars that honk at bikers taking a lane.
Sorry, but...
I wouldn't want to see the same principles applied to cyclists who aren't following the rules either. If we make this into a war, guess what? The cars win. Please let's not head in that direction.
Yes, please add them here!
The bike lanes on Mass. Ave. in Cambridge make the street considerably more pleasant, and the same would be true on the Boston side. Don't stop at Symphony Hall, either; bring them all the way down to Columbia Road in Dorchester.
Yes. I am also strongly in
Yes. I am also strongly in favor of lanes along this section. They are desperately needed and would serve to greatly improve the access for cyclists to one of Boston's central arteries.
I respectfully disagree with the proposal for signage instead of lanes for cycling facility. Well planned lanes for bicycles, appropriately narrow the travel lane for autos and thereby reduce speeds without the need for signage. Though lanes are far from absolute protection and will never be free from double parked or meandering vehicles, they draw the cars closer to the midline of the street and allow cyclists a few more inches of comfort. Furthermore, in stopped traffic, cars will idle closer to the center of the street and allow cyclists to advance to the stop line at the intersection (an issue that is prominent on Mass ave).
In response to the last comment, the portion of Mass ave now under construction is planned to have bike lanes in place once the project is complete from Symphony to Albany street. This project is supposed to be complete this year.
For all cyclists, this meeting will be critical to expanding access for in Boston. Please attend and show your support if you are able.
here here!
What she said.
Why cant these be installed
Why cant these be installed in Charlestown.
Yes. I am also strongly in
Yes. I am also strongly in favor of lanes along this section. They are
desperately needed and would serve to greatly improve the access for
cyclists to one of Boston's central arteries.
I respectfully disagree with the proposal for signage instead of lanes
for cycling facility. Well planned lanes for bicycles, appropriately
narrow the travel lane for autos and thereby reduce speeds without the
need for signage. Though lanes are far from absolute protection and
will never be free from double parked or meandering vehicles, they
draw the cars closer to the midline of the street and allow cyclists a
few more inches of comfort. Furthermore, in stopped traffic, cars will
idle closer to the center of the street and allow cyclists to advance
to the stop line at the intersection (an issue that is prominent on
Mass ave).
In response to the last comment, the portion of Mass ave now under
construction is planned to have bike lanes in place once the project
is complete from Symphony to Albany street. This project is supposed
to be complete this year.
For all cyclists, this meeting will be critical to expanding access
for in Boston. Please attend and show your support if you are able.
I hear you. I was commuting
I hear you. I was commuting from Symphony to Andrew Square last summer and got hit by a left turning car. If there was a bike lane they "may" have paid more attention.
Also I really hate where they put the bike l lines, it is very easy to be doored. I wish that they would switch it so they separate the bike lanes. LIke they do in Montreal.
The Boston Cyclists Union was
The Boston Cyclists Union was flagging down cyclists on Mass Ave this evening, asking them to sign a petition for the bike lane.
I signed it. Even though I think that bike lanes tend to force cyclists to ride a part of the road where people don't look, they also tend to increase the perception of safety, leading to more cyclists on the road, leading to an actual increase in safety, including my own as I try to get to and from work. At least that was my reasoning.
But then, a few minutes later, as I was riding on Mass Ave right past the spot where I was badly injured last year, a guy in an SUV buzzed me while honking at me, presumably because I wasn't riding in the bike lane.
I reached for my bike lock, and then reminded myself that violence is not the answer. But sometimes I'm not so sure.
stats show...
..that bike lanes are in fact safer. More people ride on those streets, and whether the lane makes them safer or the increase in bike traffic does, the end result is the same. Fewer ambulances and bodybags.
Just because bike lanes make
Just because bike lanes make the roads safer, it doesn't necessarily mean that *riding* in a bike lane is safer than taking the lane. Maybe it does, but since I stopped using the bike lanes on Mass Ave. in Cambridge, I've had fewer close calls with doors, jaywalkers, right-hooks, and so on. People tend to watch the middle of the road and ignore stuff off to the side.
I've had some drivers threaten me, but I'd rather contend with an angry motorist than an inattentive one.
Who knows? I'm a sample size of one.
It could be that bike lanes make things safer because they narrow the amount of space available to cars, forcing them to go slower.
In any case, I'm for it in this instance because it'll make my commute safer.
Rule of thumb..
as someone who road many, many miles as a recreational bike rider as well as a commuter from the burbs to the city of Boston, I understood that I should share the road with the cars. That means that I did not ride crazy, understood rules of the road, obeyed traffic signals, did not make illegal turns or act obnoxious, cutting off drivers. And there were no bike lanes in those days.
I also made sure to keep an eye out for jaywalkers and people sitting in the driver's seat of a parked car (so I would be ready for the any car door opening fast, especially on narrow roads.) I understood that bike riding in the city could be dangerous and that I had to keep my eyes open.
Violence is never the answer for anything. So I encourage all of us to remember that we all share the road-bike riders, car drivers and pedestrians-and each of us has as much right to that road as the other person.
From what I understand, the
From what I understand, the bike lanes wont require taking a car or parking lane, so I dont see why a public hearing is needed.
Are hearings held when the yellow dividing lines are freshened up? Are hearing held when crosswalks are painted?
What makes bike lanes special?
If we held a hearing for every change made on roads, nothing would ever get done. I for one, was not asked for an opinion concerning my favorite pothole, and now it's gone, and it makes me sad.
Lanes are better for everyone.
I only occasionally bike on Mass.Ave. but as a fairly cautious city cyclist, I'm strongly for lanes. They not only provide a real space for cyclists--I think they actually contribute even more to legitimizing cyclists' place on the road and raising awareness for drivers and pedestrians--not so different from a zebra crossing. I find such a huge difference in the attitudes of drivers and my own feelings of safety and confidence when there are lanes. Drivers still aren't conditioned to expect bicycles or to look out for them--bike lanes are a huge visual heads-up. Right now Mass. Ave. is pretty much anarchy--cars ignore the cyclists and I've sat in a car or on the bus and watched cyclists weave between cars or race alongside the #1 and it's pretty horrifying. I know there will always be a-hole drivers and a-hole cyclists, but in my experience biking around the city, bike lanes have a hugely civilizing and clarifying influence--bring them on!
It would be more impressive
It would be more impressive if they were talking about adding bus lanes for the Route 1
It would be more impressive
It would be more impressive if they were talking about adding bus lanes for the Route 1
It appears the the 1 will
It appears the the 1 will actually be losing some of its bus lanes
(mass ave and commonwealth ave, 1 whole bus-exclusive mini-block)
Bus stop, not bus lane
The "mini-block" at Mass Ave & Comm Ave is a bus stop, not a bus lane - as part of a program of revising several major bus routes, the Comm Ave stops in both directions are being eliminated.
*Five* Feet?
Are they really proposing five feet wide lanes? That could actually be useful. The current lanes I see around town look to be closer to three feet. I find them useful only for avoiding the dooring-zone where they occur next to parked cars.
I'm simply not convinced that non-segregated bike lanes are that useful. Drivers expect bikes to be exclusively in that lane, no matter how more dangerous it might actually be for the cyclist, and I worry that it gives less seasoned cyclists a completely false sense of security.
I disagree, Lecil.
I second the notion of having bike lanes installed from the River all the way up to Symphony Hall and beyond, on Mass Ave, and in more places, generally, because it would force cars to slow down, and, secondly, it would help cyclists to act in a more responsible manner and not weave in and out of car traffic, which can be quite dangerous on the face of it. We need more bike lanes, not fewer of them! I, too ride around the city for errands and appointments in good weather, and feel much more safe and secure when there are bike lanes present.
Assumptions
You're making two assumptions here, and evidence doesn't seem to back either of them up:
1) The existance of bike lanes slows cars down. Unless there is a physical barrier, there is nothing about a painted line on the street which is going to slow traffic down. The same drivers who disregard cyclist safety are going to do so anyways.
2) All cyclists will use the bike lane exclusively. Cyclists who weave in and out of traffic are not going to feel restrained by that painted line either. Heck, they don't seem to feel retrained by simple common sense!
Here is an interesting question; are they any avilable statistics for a comparable urban setting which shows the effect of painted bike lanes on injuries to cyclists?
Depends on what you consider "comparable"
I know that there have been studies in European cities with similar layouts to Boston, and US Cities with dissimilar layouts.
Don't have time to dig them out now - Copenhagen and Utrecht in Europe and Portland, Or in the US have some numbers.
bike lanes
The more bike lanes the better. The bike lane on Mass ave in Cambridge around MIT is great until a bus pulls into the lane cutting you off and you are forced into the vehicular traffic. This is very dangerous, needless to say.
You've made good points, Kay.
This:
is something I agree with, but, in the rare instances that I've had this happen, rather than risk my limb and life by swerving into the vehicular traffic, I just stop and wait for the bus to empty or pick up fares at their bus stop, and then resume riding, or, if there's enough space between me and a car behind me, I just signal and then go.