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Discussions regarding bicycling safety and the responsibilities of both cyclists and motor vehicle operators took a front seat at last week’s regular meeting of the Board of Alderman.
By Amy Swain
Last Thursday’s Board of Alderman regular meeting opened with the familiar topic of cyclist safety and responsibility. All members of the Board voiced their support for the city’s bicycle population, citing the many benefits to a city from biking. However, with the growing numbers of both bikes and cars, it is obvious that steps to keep everyone safe and comfortable are in order.
The Board submitted a request that the Department of Traffic and Parking install signage at all traffic intersections for enforcement of cycling regulations. “This is not anti-bicycle,” said Alderman at Large Mary Jo Rossetti, “but pro-safety.”
There is also a request with the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development to implement a cyclist and pedestrian safety education campaign. This would include reminders and notices in addition to the signage, placed in locations frequented by those travelling outside a car.
However, this obvious aim at cyclists did not quite sit well with Ward 6 Alderman Lance Davis who said, “This is the absolute wrong message to send.” He suggested that supporting our bicycle-friendly city image is important for everyone, and that the campaign should focus on drivers, or at least everyone equally. Signs reminding cars to be mindful of bike lanes, for instance, could be just as useful. While everyone should be very aware and careful in traffic situations, cars have the potential to do the most damage to their own passengers as well as cyclists.
Ward 2 Alderman Maryann Heuston brought up the lack of information regarding bicycle boxes. These were painted on city streets to help with traffic flow, but may not be getting used to their potential. Many motorists do not recognize the painted space for what it is, and so cyclists may be reluctant to use them. The common thread here seems to be that knowledge and awareness is key, and the city is working to spread both.
The topic concluded with all members in favor of moving forward with education programs. On a related but separate note, the Somerville Bicycle Committee will be holding a Bike Talk Social Hour on October 5 at the Aeronaut Brewery. This could be beneficial to all.
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It isn’t that hard to find great examples of infrastructure improvements that support the safety and utility concerns people have. Europe, especially the Netherlands has an amazing infrastructure that we could look to for guidance and inspiration.
Agree! Inform the car drivers. Many don’t walk or bike, and have no empathy towards those that do. Cyclists and pedestrians need to be informed too.
Jaywalking pedestrians represent a serious threat not only to themselves but bicyclists and drivers who must make sudden adjustments to avoid hitting them. And yet there are no legal repercussions for their actions. Addressing this would had a big impact on safety.
Not all bicyclists and motorist are from Somerville so while I think the education is a good idea it’s value is limited. Signs only go so far and this city has, at best, a spotty record with traffic enforcement for both bikes and cars. Many people come from outside of Somerville and aren’t aware of the amount of bikes on the roads here and looking in your right hand mirror while making a right hand turn on a single lane street is unusual if ever done.
In the industrial area’s of the city like Washington street or Somerville ave the trucks there aren’t getting smaller even if the lanes they travel in are and it seems like they are a bigger threat to bicycle safety than most cars. I haven’t seen a plan to deal these area’s at all.
I think they should look into bikes being registered and insured as well as being required to have plates displayed. There are many cyclists who drive unsafely and can cause problems that motorists could be blamed for. If a plate was displayed on a bike it would help in those situations where the cyclist did not stay on the scene. This would help law enforcement write a report that may help avoid insurance charges for the motorist.
Chris makes points I always thought we should do. And having biked in this city for many years the biggest problem is still the aggressive drivers on both sides. You can put up signs and try to educate but clearly that won’t help. Notice how both sides ignore the law. Hit them in the pocketbooks is about the only power that will help. As for the big trucks the biker will have to make the adjustments to reality. Not something than can be avoided with all the construction plus goods being delivered here and so forth. Clearly the streets here are not designed properly and we just have to learn to get along together. But being humans, don’t hold your breath. But by all means register and insure bikers and have them take responsibility for their own actions.
Forgot, those green boxes mean nothing drivers mostly for many years don’t leave the crosswalk lines uncovered why should we expect any different for green boxes.
Chris, while I don’t think it will ever be realistic to do this you should petition the state as it is not reasonable to try and do this city by city
This is great. What we really need is better enforcement of rogue drivers who endanger the lives of cyclists.