Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

zeratul98 OP t1_iwcnlbd wrote

Reply to comment by Master_Dogs in Linear park redesign (Alewife to Davis) by zeratul98

>See how Somerville did their community path

As someone who frequents this path, it's quite nice but arguably not wide enough. There's people taking leisurely strolls in large groups and cyclists biking through (sometimes also in groups). I think it'd be nice to see a contraflow bike lane down the middle of the path to provide some structure for where to expect cyclists.

>It helps that people walking and biking weigh a fraction of your typical compact sedan.

Agreed. It's nice to now have a real example I can point to to show people just how long bike infrastructure lasts

9

Master_Dogs t1_iwczj0s wrote

> As someone who frequents this path, it's quite nice but arguably not wide enough. There's people taking leisurely strolls in large groups and cyclists biking through (sometimes also in groups). I think it'd be nice to see a contraflow bike lane down the middle of the path to provide some structure for where to expect cyclists.

Hmm, yeah at peak hours it can get fairly crowded. I'd probably rather see dedicated bike lanes added to Highland Ave, plus cross streets (Willow, Cedar, and Lowell) and separated lanes on Broadway (only paint at the moment). That would provide some alternative dedicated routes for cyclists plus calm some of those streets so people can spread out more.

8

zeratul98 OP t1_iwd1nmm wrote

I'd like to see that too. To me though, the reality is that a separate bike path is better than a bike lane. No assholes parking in the path, no risk of doorings, no danger from cars turning, and probably an easier time plowing

12

albertogonzalex t1_iwczop8 wrote

I actually think the widths are just fine. There are rarely, if ever, crashes on the paths themselves. People on bikes, strolling, walking dogs, etc are pretty naturally prepared to share space.

5

zeratul98 OP t1_iwd2gl9 wrote

I don't think a lack of crashes is the only metric we should use though. If we want these paths to not just be for pleasure, but for actual transportation too, then bikes have to be able to move through quickly without making pedestrians feel unsafe (perception is really important here because it determines if people enjoy and use something meant to be pleasant). I suspect this will become an increasing issue as e bikes become more common

12

albertogonzalex t1_iwds8o5 wrote

I think this is a totally accurate take. And, couldn't agree more. I guess I'm coming from the place of opportunity-cost thinking. The value -add of going wider here (and even doing this project at all given the current conditions are sufficient - they need a lot of work. But I feel 100% safe riding with my kids currently) isn't nearly as important as creating new infrastructure (like safely connecting Assembly to Alewife along the mess of paths along 16 or accelerating/more aggressively improving any of the street projects currently going etc).

Let's cross the "need to make an off street path bigger bc use is so high that people don't use it" when we get there and use those funds now for all the areas we know people are being killed and many more people aren't riding at all bc of the actual safety reality.

2

zeratul98 OP t1_iwdyc1l wrote

Very true. At least one thing can be said for prioritizing this: it's likely politically easy. I imagine it's also pretty cheap. Since it's not disrupting car traffic there's no opposition from angry drivers, and there's no need to pay signalers all the time.

I can only imagine what an undertaking a proper Assembly connection would be. That whole area is a transit island full of missed opportunities. The parking to non-parking ratio is absolutely bonkers, the T station is poorly integrated and annoying to use, and the area is shockingly difficult and uncomfortable to navigate on foot.

5

swni t1_iwemea9 wrote

I went biking through at like 6pm once and for half of it I may as well have been walking. It is still very pleasant and much preferred to being on the street, but I could see someone using it for commuting at rush hour getting impatient after a while.

5

SheeEttin t1_iwew1wo wrote

Heck, I've biked it on the weekends for pleasure and even I kept having to nearly come to a complete stop behind someone walking in order to wait for a clear spot to pass them. Just make it a bit wider so cyclists can go zoom without having to dodge pedestrians! As a pedestrian I always try to make room for cyclists, but sometimes there just isn't any way. :(

3