The City of Boston created a deadly hazard for bicyclists at the entrance to the Downtown Crossing pedestrian mall. Shortly after noticing it in time and avoiding a crash, I encountered a man responsible for the situation and got some pushback when I commented on it. Does Boston deserve its League of Amercian Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Community award? Get out the popcorn.
A Close Encounter on Washington Street from John Allen on Vimeo.
Oh my God! I frequently bike down that street!
And why can’t bikes go down that street? What are my alternatives if I want to go to Government Center, Milk Street, the North End for instance? Go up the hill on Beacon Street on my heavy dutch bike? I am not some young guy out for a conditioning ride. I am an older woman. Just the sort of person they would like to see more of on bikes. To encourage people to bike, they need to be able to have direct routes. And biking down Washington Street is a nice low car- traffic route. Pedestrians and cyclists can mix just fine, as long as cyclists adjust their speed and are mindful of pedestrians. – Rebecca Albrecht
Actually it is legal to ride there. The Downtown Boston Business Improvement District’s Web site discourages riding but unlike its uninformed representative, does not say that it is prohibited. Certainly, you must ride with caution there as in any area where pedestrians circulate. But watch out for those chains!
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