City Council supports improvements to Mass. Ave. Bridge
The Massachusetts Avenue Bridge, also known as the Harvard Bridge, is one of the state’s most heavily-utilized yet most dangerous bicycling links.
Cyclists are up to 20% of the bridge’s daily traffic and the current bridge design does not prioritize safety or discourage drivers from speeding. Radar speed measurements taken on the bridge found nearly 100% of vehicles exceeding the 25 mph posted speed limit, with a median speed of 41 mph during daytime hours.
During this week’s City Council meeting, the Council voted to adopt a resolution supporting key safety improvements on the Mass. Ave. Bridge. To ensure that people can bike safely, the Council believes that MassDOT should implement traffic-calming measures and separated bike lanes before the end of this construction season. Such adjustments would include an immediate reduction from four to three general travel lanes to slow motor vehicle speeds and create space for wider bike lanes with flex posts and a buffer in both directions.
The resolution offered by Councilor Bok states that this urgent fix for the Mass. Ave. Bridge would increase safety and encourage commuting by biking, walking, and taking public transportation.
