Those looking to get around Boston on two wheels during the Orange Line shutdown will have no shortage of options. However, many riders have said they are concerned about biking on the busy streets.
“It gets really difficult to be on the side of the road with competing for space with cars with buses, especially which are a way bigger risk,” said biker John Nagasaw. “They don’t have as great visibility.”
The city will offer free Bluebike ride passes during the span of the month-long shutdown. The free ride passes will be available to anyone and provide an unlimited number of 45-minute trips.
“We expect more people than ever are going to be choosing to walk or take advantage of free Bluebikes, and to cycle to their destinations throughout this diversion period,” said MassDOT State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver.
Boston city officials also announced that the city will implement “pop-up” bike lanes on Columbus Avenue, Stuart Street and Boylston Street. The lanes will be separated from vehicle traffic by barrels. In addition, officials are planning bus priority lanes in several key areas around the city.
Officials have also recommended bicycle routes riders can take instead of driving into the city or riding one of the shuttle buses. The routes were designed to specifically avoid areas that will be frequently visited by Orange Line shuttle buses. The recommended northern inbound route will carry riders down the Revere Beach Parkway and the southern inbound route up the Santilli Highway.
MassDOT asked bikers not used to being on congested streets to take precautions.
MassDOT reminded cyclists to:
- Yield to pedestrians.
- Follow the rules of the road.
- Use hand signals.
- Leave 2-3 feet of space between you and a car.
“Parked cars seem more dangerous to me than the cars that are moving. The cars that are moving can see me,” said biker Louis Frank. “People in parked cars tend to have people using their cell phone, and they just open the door and don’t look at what they’re doing.”
The Boston Cyclist Union is posting flyers at Orange Line stops with resources for new bikers. The union is also organizing convoy rides everyday in different parts of the city.
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