FAQs

Poor Design Process: Many residents argue that the current bike lanes were implemented hastily, without a comprehensive master plan or adequate community involvement. Meetings for public input were perfunctory, which has led to frustration among residents who feel sidelined in the decision-making process.
- High Accident Rates: There is a perception that the bike lanes are poorly designed, increasing the risk of accidents. In particular, high-traffic streets like Commonwealth Avenue are seen as hazardous due to the absence of continuous, protected bike lanes, which expose cyclists to vehicle traffic.
- Lack of Enforcement: Residents point to the lack of enforcement of bike and electric scooter safety regulations, such as speed limits, as a safety risk. Unlike motor vehicles, bikes and electric scooters are not subject to registration or consistent enforcement, which can create chaotic and unsafe conditions for all road users.
Many of Boston’s streets were not designed to support bike lanes alongside vehicles, leading to narrow or poorly protected lanes that force interactions between bikes and cars. This setup is particularly dangerous at intersections, where there are frequent "interfaces" with pedestrian crosswalks and vehicle paths.

Creating truly safe bike lanes would require substantial investment—far more than has currently been allocated. We see Boston’s approach as a low-cost, short-term concept that sacrifices safety for budget savings. Due to lawsuits and constant repairs and reconstruction, this approach will end up being more costly in the long run.
- Some residents suggest that bike lanes should be elevated or rerouted in specific corridors to provide a safer, dedicated infrastructure that doesn’t interfere with vehicle traffic. This approach, they argue, would prevent conflicts with cars and pedestrians by creating a separate system designed solely for cyclists.
Cambridge’s Two-Year Moratorium: Nearby Cambridge recently paused further bike lane expansion to assess its impacts, a move seen by many Boston residents as a prudent step that Boston should copy. The moratorium allows for additional safety studies and data analysis before moving forward.
A Safer, Well-Planned System: Opposition to current bike lanes is not a rejection of bike infrastructure. Instead, we are calling for a thorough Master Plan that prioritizes safety and accommodates all road users. The goal is to ensure that Boston’s bike lanes are part of a sustainable network that minimizes risk while promoting cycling as a viable mode of transportation.