Intersections are among the most hazardous areas for cyclists, and Boston’s current bike lane designs often leave them unprotected at these critical points. Many bike lanes abruptly end or merge with vehicle traffic at intersections, forcing cyclists to navigate chaotic environments where they’re most vulnerable. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), intersections account for 63% of cyclist fatalities in urban areas. [1] Boston is no exception—busy intersections like those along Commonwealth Avenue have seen frequent accidents involving cyclists and vehicles. [2] The lack of continuous protection at intersections and awkward/non-existent transitions puts cyclists in direct conflict with cars, where visibility and right-of-way confusion further increase the likelihood of collisions.

Protected bike lanes—those separated from vehicle traffic by physical barriers or elevation—are proven to significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Yet Boston’s bike lane network relies heavily on painted lanes, which offer no real protection. Research from the University of British Columbia shows that protected bike lanes reduce risk of injury rates by 90% compared to unprotected lanes. [3] Despite this, Boston has just 17.5 miles of protected bike lanes, leaving the majority of its cycling infrastructure exposed. Painted lanes do little to deter cars from encroaching on bike space, and cyclists are frequently subjected to “dooring” accidents when vehicles parked along the street open their doors into the lane. Without barriers, cyclists remain vulnerable to fast-moving traffic, particularly on busy streets.

Boston’s current bike lane system fails to establish a sense of safety or predictability for cyclists. This inadequacy perpetuates a dangerous, fear-inducing culture on the roads, where cyclists are forced to improvise and take risks to navigate poorly designed infrastructure. The lack of enforcement of traffic laws for all road users—including cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians—further compounds the issue. Cyclists often report feeling unsafe, even in designated lanes, due to unclear designs and the behavior of other road users. [4, 5]

Most urgently, the current state of Boston’s bike lanes is putting lives at risk. Cyclists are forced to navigate inconsistent and dangerous routes, leading to a significant number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Massachusetts saw over 800 bicycle-related crashes in 2022, with Boston accounting for a large share of these incidents. In 2022 alone, Boston recorded 243 serious injuries from bicycle crashes and one fatal accident, highlighting the critical need for safer infrastructure. Every crash represents not only personal tragedy but also a failure of the city’s transportation system to protect its most vulnerable road users. The lack of adequate bike lanes is leaving cyclists with no safe options, discouraging people from choosing this sustainable mode of transportation. [2]

Poor planning and execution of bike lane projects are wasting taxpayer money, often resulting in costly redesigns or removals. Hastily implemented bike lanes that don’t meet safety or usability standards require additional funding for corrections. This wasteful cycle of “build, fail, rebuild” undermines public support and stretches city budgets unnecessarily.

One of the most damaging consequences of Boston’s current bike lane strategy is the erosion of public trust. Residents, cyclists, and drivers alike feel that their voices are not being heard, and the resulting frustration is creating resistance to future projects. Community engagement has often been an afterthought, with residents and businesses feeling excluded from the planning process. This has led to opposition not just to the bike lanes themselves, but to the broader idea of expanding cycling infrastructure. If public trust continues to decline, it will become increasingly difficult for Boston to implement the changes needed to create a safer, more sustainable city.