The Union Rider: December 2021
Thank you for another great year
As we close the book on 2021, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on all we accomplished together this year. With your support, we:
- Reached 750+ Bostonians through our electoral organizing and education drive. (We’ve already seen the impact of this work with Mayor Wu’s appointment of long-time streets advocate and BCU member Jascha Franklin-Hodge as Boston’s new Chief of Streets!)
- Won temporary protected bike lanes on the Mass Ave Bridge and a commitment to make them more permanent in the spring
- Built power through community organizing in and around Egleston Square, Nubian Square (Warren St and Malcolm X Blvd), the Arborway and Charles St.; we will continue to push in 2022 to ensure these projects are on the ground this coming summer
- Hired and trained 8 residents from Roxbury and nearby neighborhoods to lead outreach and engagement around street changes in the area; this work was part of a deeper partnership with LivableStreets Alliance
- Provided free bike repair to hundreds of Bostonians through Bike to Market and hired 4 youth employees to support the program
- Led efforts to remove policing from Vision Zero and joined the Defund BosCops coalition to center equity and civil rights in transportation policy
- Held a powerful “Build Back Bikeable” rally in support of people-first streets
- Won the release of a long-delayed study about parkways managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and can now use it as a tool to keep pushing for improvements
…and much more!
Although on-the-ground projects stalled amid Boston’s leadership transition, there are big opportunities to advance key initiatives in 2022. Will you help us get those transformative changes on the ground?
Two ways you can support us heading into 2022
Donate to the BCU!
Your year-end, tax-deductible gift supports our work to make Boston the best bike city in America. All gifts of $125+ get you a limited-edition BCU buff. Plus, everyone who donates in December could win a new bike!
Get involved!
Enthusiastic volunteers power our efforts to create people-first streets. On January 6th, we’re hosting a virtual orientation to share opportunities for getting involved in our work. Sign up below to connect with other people passionate about mobility justice and learn the best ways you can create greener, safer streets in every neighborhood.
BCU 10th Birthday Bash
Thank you to the 200+ people who joined us December 9th to wish the BCU a happy 10th birthday. We had a wonderful time! Thank you as well to all the tireless advocates who are part of our community—for your time, efforts and contributions.
If you missed the party, you can still view a video of the whole event here.
Public Garden Crossings
The Boston Transportation Department has shared proposals for improving crossings around the Public Garden as the next phase of the Connect Downtown project. These proposals are primarily aimed at improving pedestrian crossings. For bikes though, the plans would also allow two-way bike traffic on Charles Street between the Garden and Common, and replace flex posts with more durable curbs in key locations. We’re especially excited about the Charles Street piece, which lays the groundwork for extending bike lanes all the way to Charles Circle!
Share feedback with the city by taking their survey or making an appointment to speak with a planner via phone or virtual meeting.
Chain of Events
- January 6, 2022 – BCU Virtual Orientation
- January 10, 2022 – BCU Development Committee Meeting (on Zoom)
- January 17, 2022 – BCU Governance Committee Meeting (on Zoom)
- January 18, 2022 – BCU Activist Group Meeting (on Zoom)
- January 19, 2022 – BCU Finance & Operation Committee Meeting (on Zoom)
- February –The BCU is planning to host Black History Month programming, including a bike ride. We’re seeking volunteers, especially from Boston’s BIPOC communities, to shape this programming. If you would like to get involved, please contact Malaysia.
What We’re Reading
- Wu Appoints GovTech Expert Jascha Franklin-Hodge As Boston’s New Chief of Streets (Streetsblog MASS)
- City gives final OK to dropping parking requirements for affordable housing (Boston Globe)
- Boston City Council green lights Wu’s plan for 3 free bus routes (WBUR)
Job Listings
- Bikes Not Bombs – Bike School Program Manager, Roxbury Hub; $45,000-$55,000 annual salary
- Transportation for Massachusetts (T4MA) – Community Engagement Manager; $50,000 – $70,000 annual salary