Bike and Talk: Exploring Shared Streets with a fun, Fall group ride
As shelter-in-place orders are extended and social distancing protocols deplete available sidewalk space, cities are grappling with how, or if, they should temporarily limit vehicular traffic on some streets to allow people to safely be outside and make essential trips while remaining at least 6’ apart (NACTO). Commonly branded as Shared Streets, these quick-build measures - often utilizing temporary signage and materials - have offered not only an opportunity to address the near term needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, but also demonstrate strategies for more connected communities and the reallocation of public space away from single-occupancy vehicles.
This past Thursday, November 5th, the Neighborways Design team led a group of transportation professionals from the Greater Boston area on a tour of Shared Streets pilots and people-friendly mobility infrastructure in the communities of Cambridge, Arlington and Somerville.
A brief group stop on a shared street
Garden Street, Cambridge
Beginning and ending at the SomerNova development in Somerville, attendees had the opportunity to share their experiences and feedback about the Shared Streets pilots; their planning and design, as well as the nuances of deploying such programs in a quick-build manner.
Making introductions at the start of the Shared Streets group ride
SomerNova Alley, Somerville
The tour’s route led riders along calm neighborhood streets while highlighting examples of quality, permanent infrastructure intended to enhance the safety and experience of people who bicycle and walk. Examples included the Fern Street Path and Yerxa Road Underpass in Cambridge, contra-flow bike lanes (Scott Street, Cambridge; Hancock St, Somerville), and popular multi-use paths such as the Minuteman Bikeway, Alewife Linear Park and Somerville Community Path.
Riders enjoying easy-going, low volume streets
Agassiz neighborhood, Cambridge
Riders discussed each community’s unique approach to Shared Streets, noting that while the City of Somerville opted for more interconnected side streets, the City of Cambridge opted for fewer, larger corridors. While both helped to increase access to essential services and recreational opportunities, each had their own learnings with regards to their design, operation and ongoing maintenance.
Group Discussion
Fern Street, Cambridge
In Arlington, which opted to trial Shared Streets on select neighborhood streets, community members worked with the Town’s transportation staff to pilot a mini-roundabout, which helps to limit the speed of traffic moving through the intersection.
The Neighborways team had the privileged opportunity to collaborate with several municipalities on their Shared Streets pilots this year, including Somerville, Arlington, Salem and Everett. Though temporary in design, Shared Streets offer a tangible opportunity for communities to capture valuable quantitative and qualitative data from which to enhance their complete streets and traffic calming programs.
Rider’s experiencing a shared street
Garden Street, Cambridge
Riders observing Cambridge’s Shared Street pilot on Garden Street
Neighborways would like to give a special thanks to all our wonderful riders last week. It was a fun, safe way to enjoy just a few of the elements which make our communities great places to live, work, play and move!
Enjoying a beautiful fall day in a public space
Cambridge Common
Interested in riding with us in the future? Let us know!
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Neighborways Design is a planning and design firm specializing in transportation, art, and community engagement. Our vision is to build networks of slow, welcoming streets inviting everyone; places that prioritize people – children to older adults - walking and biking. Learn more about our work at neighborways.com and by find us on social media. LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram.
