December 17, 2023

City of Cambridge provides template for bike lane expansion as cycling numbers soar

Positioned as something of a pioneer in the cycling landscape, the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts just across the Charles River from Boston, has not just embraced but mandated protected bike lanes, setting an inspiring example for North American cities. Now, the new city bicycle report shows the results. The numbers of cyclists in the city […]

Written by: Ron Johnson

The journey toward this cycling utopia began with the passing of the Cycling Safety Ordinance (CSO).

“After many years of advocacy, the City Council passed an updated Cycling Safety Ordinance in 2020, the result of which has been the city building new separated bike lanes every year,” said a spokesperson for the Cambridge Bicycle Safety organisation. “So we’ve seen a significant growth in safer infrastructure, and we’re very grateful for the City’s efforts.”

Recently, the city presented its 2023 Bicycling in Cambridge Data Report, offering a deep dive into the city’s dynamic cycling landscape. The report showcases a thriving biking culture, influenced by innovative infrastructure initiatives and policies laid out in the 2020 Bicycle Plan Update.

Surge in Bicycling Trends

Cambridge residents are increasingly turning to bicycles, marking a significant uptick in ridership according to Bluebikes data. Notably, 9% of residents now choose bicycles for their daily commute, setting a new record. The city’s commitment to a bike network for all ages is validated by the rising numbers of child cyclists.

Pandemic Impact and Post-COVID Landscape

The global shifts in travel patterns due to the COVID-19 pandemic have left their mark on Cambridge’s cycling scene as it has across North America. While overall cycling numbers experienced a temporary dip during the pandemic, intersections witnessed a resurgence in ridership. The report acknowledges uncertainties surrounding the pandemic’s lasting effects on travel patterns and the rise of alternative micromobility devices.

“In general there is some variation (in the numbers), so we’ve seen temporary declines in some previous years. However, it’s worth noting the final two numbers you’re looking at are from 2019 and 2022,” said the Cambridge Bicycle Safety spokesperson. “In between there was a huge shift to work-from-home, e.g. for Cambridge workforce 30% of people were working from home in 2022 according to the census. The City’s biking volumes are measured during the morning and early evening of work days, so they’re skewed towards commuting, which was much more strongly impacted by work-from-home than other bicycle uses.”

Cambridge Bike-Friendly Initiatives

Cambridge’s commitment to becoming a bike-friendly town is exemplified by its innovative infrastructure projects. The city, home to Harvard University, stands out as one of the first in the U.S. to introduce separated bike lanes and notably the first to mandate protected bike lanes in 2019. Separated bike lanes, as defined by the city, feature physical barriers, ranging from paint to vertical plastic bollards or concrete curbs, ensuring a safe distance between cyclists and motor vehicle traffic.

The report sheds light on the city’s journey toward mandating protected bike lanes, revealing a unique approach compared to other cities. The Cycling Safety Ordinance (CSO), initiated in 2019 with a unanimous 7-0 vote, mandates the construction of separated bike lanes during street reconstructions as part of the Bicycle Network Vision. The CSO aims to add a 25-mile network of protected bike lanes across the city by 2026, with yearly milestones guiding progress.

“We hope to see a neighboring city following in Cambridge’s legislative footsteps in the next few months, and in general we hope other advocacy groups can pass similar legislation, it makes a huge difference when the City is required to build separated bike lanes on a schedule,” they said.

Cambridge Public Support and Advocacy

Cambridge’s journey towards a bike-friendly city is fueled by the support of its residents. A study revealed that 60% of Cambridge residents expressed a desire for more protected bike lanes, showcasing a collective vision for safer and more sustainable transportation. Citizen bike advocacy groups, including the influential Cambridge Bike Safety, played a pivotal role in championing the cause and influencing public opinion.

The Present Challenges

Despite widespread support, the implementation of new bike lanes has not been without controversy. Concerns about parking loss and access for commuters have sparked protests and legal challenges. Lawsuits have been filed, with opponents claiming the CSO adversely impacts businesses and communities by reducing on-street parking. A study opposing the new bike lanes’ safety record was released, leading to disputes about data accuracy and completeness.

“We continue to see opponents spreading misinformation about the new bike lanes, e.g. false claims that they’re unsafe,” said the spokesperson for Cambridge Bicycle Safety. “One group of residents sued the City in an attempt to remove all the new bike lanes; so far they’ve repeatedly lost in court.”

It is crucial to note that studies, including those from the Federal Highway Administration and Portland State University and many more, support the positive outcomes of bike lanes. Contrary to claims of increased injuries, these studies assert that well-designed bike lanes significantly reduce crash risks.

What’s next?

In April 2022, the City Council approved a groundbreaking initiative to implement separated bike lanes on Mass Ave from Harvard Square to Arlington, emphasizing pedestrian safety, bus improvements, and retaining curbside functionality. This comprehensive project spans 2 miles, involving roadway enhancements, utility upgrades, and community engagement. The project aims to enhance safety, improve transit, and align with Cambridge’s cycling and safety plans.

“Mass Ave is the core street of Cambridge, going across it and acting as a key connector, so it’s critical to have safe infrastructure along the whole stretch. The City has already installed separated bike lanes on many stretches, and is currently planning a partial reconstruction project that will add separated bike lanes on (almost all of) the rest of Mass Ave over the next three years,” says Cambridge Bicycle Safety. “They’re also using it as an opportunity to improve pedestrian infrastructure, and even more so to improve bus infrastructure, with floating bus stops and dedicated bus lanes. There’s been a volunteer working group providing feedback on designs this year, and the first larger public meeting happened last week. Initial construction is supposed to start next year.”