To: Thomas M. Menino, Mayor of Boston
Bicyclists' Urban Ring at Boston Common
The city of Boston should build separated two-way cycle tracks around the entire perimeter of Boston Common (a Bicyclists' Urban Ring), as well as along Charles Street in Beacon Hill. The Charles Street tracks would replace one lane of traffic, which could be recovered in rush hour by not allowing parallel parking on one side of the street. Bicycle traffic signals should be added along the entirety of this route.
Why is this important?
Boston's bicycle network currently has a gaping hole at its center which limits the functionality of existing bicycle lanes in the city. Tell Mayor Menino that Boston deserves a new "Bicyclists' Urban Ring" which would fully connect the many bike lanes that radiate outwards from Boston Common towards neighborhoods throughout the Boston Metropolitan Area.
This ring would be composed of two primary parts:
1. Boston Common "Bicyclists' Urban Ring": Separated 2-way cycle tracks would encircle the entire perimeter of the Common and the Public Garden with spur connections down Tremont, Charles, and Arlington Streets.
2. Beacon Hill Cycle Track: A two-way cycle track on Charles St in Beacon Hill would connect Cambridge Street, Esplanade, and Longfellow Bridge bicycle traffic to Boston Common. One traffic lane would need to be removed to achieve this goal, but it could be recovered during rush hour if parallel parking was not allowed during peak commute times.
Adding these crucial links would greatly increase the number of safe options for bicyclists traveling through downtown, without inconveniencing cars or pedestrians. Including bicycle traffic lights along these routes would also maximize safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. I urge you to sign this petition and voice your support for improved bicycle safety in downtown Boston.
This ring would be composed of two primary parts:
1. Boston Common "Bicyclists' Urban Ring": Separated 2-way cycle tracks would encircle the entire perimeter of the Common and the Public Garden with spur connections down Tremont, Charles, and Arlington Streets.
2. Beacon Hill Cycle Track: A two-way cycle track on Charles St in Beacon Hill would connect Cambridge Street, Esplanade, and Longfellow Bridge bicycle traffic to Boston Common. One traffic lane would need to be removed to achieve this goal, but it could be recovered during rush hour if parallel parking was not allowed during peak commute times.
Adding these crucial links would greatly increase the number of safe options for bicyclists traveling through downtown, without inconveniencing cars or pedestrians. Including bicycle traffic lights along these routes would also maximize safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. I urge you to sign this petition and voice your support for improved bicycle safety in downtown Boston.