In 2018, after several years of significant public engagement, including public comment, public meetings, and stakeholder meetings, DCR announced a consensus short term plan which, in addition to dedicated bus lanes and bike/ped safety improvements on Mt Auburn St, also included a two-way protected bike lane on Gerrys Landing Road/Fresh Pond Parkway south of Mt Auburn St.
This protected bike lane was included in the consensus short-term plan because it is a critical connection along this heavy-traffic corridor that provides access to the Charles River path from north/west Cambridge and beyond. Not only would this stretch provide access to/from the river for many cyclists who use it to commute to work, but it would also help students who bike to BB&N.
Despite these considerations and the hundreds of hours invested in the plan by the community, DCR announced on Tuesday that they will not implement the consensus short-term plan’s protected bike lanes on Gerrys Landing Road, prioritizing vehicle traffic instead.
Action:
- Please email mass.parks@mass.gov, William.Brownsberger@masenate.gov, Jonathan.Hecht@mahouse.gov, Marjorie.Decker@mahouse.gov, Sal.DiDomenico@masenate.gov, Patricia.Jehlen@masenate.gov, council@cambridgema.gov and CC info@cambridgebikesafety.org (click here for a link to all emails). Ask them to move forward with the two-way protected bike lane they announced in 2018, after the community and stakeholder group invested hundreds of hours coming to consensus, along Gerrys Landing Road between Mt Auburn and the Charles River. DCR is only accepting comments until this Saturday, Feb 8th. Just a quick 1-2 sentences is perfect, and can go a long way toward making DCR reconsider their position.