Boston Cyclists Union

The Top Projects to look forward to in 2018

By Boston Cyclists Union | December 21, 2017 | 0

This year we’ve seen some monumental changes on our streets, including the completion of projects that have been underway for years, as well as a number of pop-up projects that were quick to implement, but will have a lasting impact for people biking.

Next year is looking to be even better. Over the last week of December, we’ll be showcasing some of the projects that you can look forward to in 2018 that may have big implications for your commute! You can find the first installment in the series below, and follow us on social media for future posts!

The South Bay Harbor Trail

A plan that has been in the works since the early 2000s will take a major step forward in 2018. The City of Boston has secured funding to build a section of the trail connecting the Fort Point Channel, South Boston and the South End.

As part of the plan, bike facilities will be installed on:

  • West 4th Street Bridge
  • Traveler Street Bridge
  • Foundry Street
  • parts of D Street

Currently, the bridges linking South Boston to the South End over the MBTA train yards can be daunting to bike on, with high traffic volumes and many drivers rushing to get onto the Mass Pike and I-93. With the completion of these bike facilities, residents will finally have a low-stress bike route between South Boston, the South End and Roxbury.

The Bike Union and our members have been highly engaged in the public process over the past year, advocating for the City and MassDOT to make adjustments to the design that will improve conditions for people biking.

One notable change that came about through our efforts was the decision to remove the median on D Street between West Broadway and West 4th Street, in order to make room for a curb-separated bike lane. Originally, the bike lane was planned as a standard buffered bike lane, which likely would have been used for double parking. With a curb separating the bike lane from the travel lane, drivers will not be able to block the lane.
 Here is the design proposed in May 2017:
And here is the final design presented in August 2017:

Construction on this project is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2018!

 

Fighting for changes on our streets that will improve the safety and comfort of people biking is the kind of work that you support when you become a member or donate to the Bike Union! 

PLUS, when you join or donate between now and the end of 2017, you have a chance to win a bike from our friends at Crimson Bikes! Become a member today and help us make 2018 the best year ever for biking in the Boston area!
Posted in Bikeways for Everybody

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