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WalkMassachusetts

@walkmass.bsky.social
1.7K followers 2.1K following 48 posts

Statewide pedestrian advocacy organization working to make walking safer and easier in Massachusetts to encourage better health, a cleaner environment, and more vibrant communities. Email list (we send out ~2x month) walkmass.org/join-list

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Reposted by WalkMassachusetts
iolando spinola @ispinola.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
WalkMass joined Safe Streets Needham today for a community-led walk audit of Needham’s downtown. A big thank-you to Aidan and everyone who helped organize it! It was especially valuable to explore quick-build ideas with community members eager to see safety improvements soon.
A group of participants at the end of the walk audit with Needham Townhall in the background. Participants talking during the walk audit in Needham today Historical Needham Bank clock over participants discuss discussing walkability in Needham Participants looking at an intersection that has been challenging in the past and has had recent quick build interventions added. Participants are wondering if this can be done in other areas of town. 
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Gravel Influencer @gravelinfluencer.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
A powerful statistic from @walkmass.bsky.social. When we talk about building safe streets for everyone, that must include older adults, who often have mobility challenges and difficulty navigating huge intersections or walking in areas with poor sidewalks. Data is here: walkmass.org/crash-reports/
A graphic from Walk Mass showing that 43% of people killed while walking in Massachusetts are 65+
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WalkMassachusetts @walkmass.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Great turnout this evening (50+ people, 3 dogs🦮) to support the May/Chandler Redesign in Worcester. Get the facts: walkbikeworcester.org/support-chan...
50+ people walking on sidewalk. Person near front holding a pink sign with white lettering: “support the May/chandler redesign. Get the facts.” 50+ people standing on sidewalk looking at intersection.
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Reposted by WalkMassachusetts
NBC10 Boston @nbcboston.com · 22/07/2026
Crowded walking and biking paths have become a source of frustration in some Massachusetts communities, with complaints about fast-moving bikes, e-bikes and scooters. Now, the state is trying a new approach to encourage safer speeds. on.nbcboston.com/k6HQZlf
on.nbcboston.com
‘SLOW DOWN': New speed boards target fast-moving bikes, e-bikes and scooters
Crowded walking and biking paths have become a source of frustration in some Massachusetts communities, with complaints about fast-moving bikes, e-bikes and scooters. Now, the state is trying a new approach to encourage safer speeds. These signs don’t issue tickets or fines. Instead, they’re designed to get riders to think twice about how fast they’re going so nobody gets hurt….
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WalkMassachusetts @walkmass.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
(Yay! We’re looking forward to it!)
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Families for Safe Streets @familiesforsafestreets.org · 09/07/2026
Heartbreaking and maddening news out of Boston 💔 Louisa, like too many others, should still be with us. Rest in peace, Louisa, and thank you for the work you did for safer streets in Boston.
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Gravel Influencer @gravelinfluencer.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Statement from @bikeboston.bsky.social, @streetsboston.bsky.social, and @walkmass.bsky.social about Louisa Gag, who was hit and killed by a driver today. Yet another life taken because our society and leaders refuse to address the destruction wrought by cars.
We are devastated by the loss of Boston resident and transportation planner, Louisa Gag. On Thursday morning, a driver struck and killed Louisa on her bicycle commute to city hall along Tremont Street near Roxbury Crossing.
Louisa Gag is not just a number on a spreadsheet; she was a champion for safer streets, a vibrant part of the planning and advocacy community, and a person dedicated to fixing the very system that failed her.
MASSACHUSETTS VISION ZERO COALITION
Prior to joining the city of Boston's Transportation Department, Louisa graduated with a masters from the Tufts Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy program and worked at Livable Streets Alliance. Our hearts are with Louisa, her family, and all her colleagues and friends at BTD, UEP, and in the advocacy community.
Fatalities are a heartbreaking reminder of the safety gaps in our infrastructure. Inaction and needless delays have consequences. Changes must be made to dangerous streets before we lose a community member, not after.
We need safer streets now.
MASSACHUSETTS VISION ZERO COALITION
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Families for Safe Streets @familiesforsafestreets.org · 18/06/2026
🚶A new report from @walkmass.bsky.social details the state of pedestrian safety across Massachusetts, showing that more than 43% of crash victims were 65 or older. Via @bostonglobe.com:
bostonglobe.com
Over 70 pedestrians were fatally struck by cars last year; many were 65 and older, report says - The Boston Globe
More than 70 percent of the fatalities were on streets with speed limits between 25 and 35 miles per hour, the report found.
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jonlink @jonlink.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
The work isn’t done. There are still crashes and still close calls. Seniors must be able to navigate our squares and sidewalks, drivers need streets that encourage the car driving behind them is driving safe too, and everyone (bikers, pedestrians, drivers) need safer intersections. To name a few.
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jonlink @jonlink.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
I’m very proud of the work Somerville has done to get off of reports like this. The work our mobility team has done alongside (and often powered by) advocates has tangible results: parents coming home to their family at night, children returning home safely from school. Vision zero works.
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WalkMassachusetts @walkmass.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Our report is now out; it examines fatal pedestrian crashes throughout Massachusetts in 2025. arcg.is/8XbWD
arcg.is
Fatal Pedestrian Crashes in MA (2025)
Compiled by WalkMassachusetts, a statewide pedestrian advocacy organization.
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WalkMassachusetts @walkmass.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Somerville shares VMT as part of their key performance indicators report connected to their Vision Zero Somerville effort: www.somervillema.gov/departments/... They take it from the RMV's Massachusetts Vehicle Census dashboard: geodot-massdot.hub.arcgis.com/pages/vehicl...
somervillema.gov
Vision Zero Somerville
Vision Zero Reporting Annual Key Performance Indicators Every winter, the Mobility Division publishes an annual progress report on our key performance indicators. We dig into trends for transit riders...
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WalkMassachusetts @walkmass.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Our testimony from yesterday's hearing on S.3077 (the ride safe act), including additional recommendations from the micromobility commission the legislature should take up: walkmass.org/2026/05/28/t... #mapoli
walkmass.org
Testimony to joint committee on transportation on S.3077, “An Act to enhance the safe use of micromobility devices” (The Ride Safe Act) – WalkMassachusetts
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Gravel Influencer @gravelinfluencer.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Thanks for following along! Check out the @walkmass.bsky.social website to learn more about walk audits and see data from prior audits. walkmass.org/walk-audits/
walkmass.org
Walk audits – WalkMassachusetts
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Gravel Influencer @gravelinfluencer.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Now that we've wrapped up, @walkmass.bsky.social will share an audit report with the town which will focus on areas of improvement and recommendations. That's why it's critical our town planner joined us tonight.
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Gravel Influencer @gravelinfluencer.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
A cop has been joining us and he had to block traffic from turning into us while crossing at another intersection without a signal
A police officer in a yellow vest stands in the middle of the road
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Gravel Influencer @gravelinfluencer.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
One of the worst roads in my town. This leads to downtown. It's super wide, high speed, a single pedestrian crossing even though there are tons of businesses along a .6 mile stretch.
A wide two-lane road with businesses on each side
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Gravel Influencer @gravelinfluencer.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
This is a MassDOT controlled intersection where there are no pedestrian signals crossing a two-lane on-ramp. There is a lot of high-speed traffic turning right and left.
A group standing on the corner at a highway intersection. There are no pedestrian signals.
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Gravel Influencer @gravelinfluencer.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
A common refrain today: "Cars are loud."
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Gravel Influencer @gravelinfluencer.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
We're hearing from a mom who lives along the main road talking about how she doesn't feel safe letting her kids play and walk because of the high speed of vehicles. Not pictured are the kids running a lemonade stand.
A group of people chatting in a driveway
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Gravel Influencer @gravelinfluencer.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
We're spending a lot of time looking at ramps at corners and how someone in a wheelchair or someone blind can navigate them. We noticed some ramps that have been damaged by cars turning.
A group of people standing at an intersection corner
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Reposted by WalkMassachusetts
Gravel Influencer @gravelinfluencer.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Notice anything wrong with this beg button? It's inaccessible for someone in a wheelchair or who may have other mobility challenges.
A beg button that is placed with rocks in front and to the side of it
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Reposted by WalkMassachusetts
Gravel Influencer @gravelinfluencer.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
The worksheet we'll all be completing as we walk today. The route crosses several highway on-ramps and was also chosen with climate change in mind. There's *a lot* of pavement so we expect it to be hot today.
A Walk Massachusetts walk audit worksheet
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Gravel Influencer @gravelinfluencer.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
@brendanjkearney.bsky.social of @walkmass.bsky.social preparing the group. He's standing alongside a Danvers police lieutenant who spoke positively about a recent webinar MassDOT focusing on "traffic calming through engineering" which we were all glad to hear!
A man in a blue shirt stands next to a police officer in a grassy area
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Reposted by WalkMassachusetts
Gravel Influencer @gravelinfluencer.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
En route to the @walkmass.bsky.social walk audit with @malaclypse.bsky.social! I am on an e-bike and he is on an acoustic bike which is a hell freezing over moment.
A selfie of me smiling with glasses and an orange helmet with a cyclist behind in an orange vest
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WalkMassachusetts @walkmass.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Hope to see you tonight! Danvers Community Walk Audit - Wednesday, May 27, 5:30pm. Meet at 10 Harbor St, Danvers, MA 01923 (Pope's Landing).
Danvers Community Walk Audit - Wednesday, May 27, 5:30pm. 
Meet at 10 Harbor St, Danvers, MA 01923
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Reposted by WalkMassachusetts
Gravel Influencer @gravelinfluencer.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Reminder: This is tomorrow! Walk audits are incredibly valuable and this is a great way to learn how they are conducted.
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Gravel Influencer @gravelinfluencer.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
I'll be there! Come learn about walk audits!
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Gravel Influencer @gravelinfluencer.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
Something I really encourage people to do is conduct a walk audit in their community and really look at infrastructure through the lens of someone disabled, especially if they're using a wheelchair or other mobility aid. Things are often far less accessible than nondisabled people think.
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WalkMassachusetts @walkmass.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Date: Wednesday, May 27 Time: 5:30pm Meeting location: Pope’s Landing 10 Harbor St, Danvers, MA 01923 (weather permitting) Alternate location (if needed): Danvers Senior Center, 25 Stone St, Danvers, MA 01923 RSVP & more info: walkmass.org/2026/05/12/d...
walkmass.org
Danvers Community Walk Audit, May 27, 5:30pm – WalkMassachusetts
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WalkMassachusetts @walkmass.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
On May 27 at 5:30pm, join WalkMassachusetts & the Danvers Accessibility Commission for a walk audit. WalkMassachusetts believes that community-driven walk audits are a powerful tool for making our roads safer and more accessible for everyone. Sign up + learn more: walkmass.org/2026/05/12/d...
Flyer for Danvers Community Walk Audit taking place on May 27, 5:30pm. Meeting location Pope's Landing, 10 Harbor St, Danvers, MA 01923. Larger version of this graphic as well as the RSVP form & details at the link in the post.
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WalkMassachusetts @walkmass.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
At first meeting of commission, I (bk) made sure to say something along the lines of glad this is happening, as long as we all acknowledge the big issue we’re facing is crashes involving vehicles. As long as we get that out of the way, we can also talk about this since we can do more than one thing
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WalkMassachusetts @walkmass.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Good article from Boston dot com - www.boston.com/news/local-n...
boston.com
Healey files new bill to better regulate e-bikes, scooters, and other 'micromobility devices'
Several recent high-profile incidents have drawn attention to safety concerns and the lack of clear regulations for e-bikes, scooters, and mopeds.
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Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
My latest Paris dispatch on how 300 streets outside of schools became some of the coolest places in the city. But even more importantly, these family-centric improvements provide ubiquitous reminders that this society prioritizes children
torched.la
Cool streets
Paris's school streets are effectively sculpting out instant parks in the locations where they'll provide immense public health benefits to the city's most vulnerable populations
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The Boston LOL 💜 🚲 ⚡ @thebostonlol.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
If I was in charge of #VisionZeroBoston I would start with slow zones, or car free/lite zones around schools in Boston More raised crosswalks, more bollards, find out from kids and parents how to make the school trip walkable and bikeable so kids can have more independence @streets.boston.gov
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Marion Davis @marionsd.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
A little hometown pride: Alessandra Seider, chair of the #SomervilleMA Pedestrian & Transit Advisory Committee, and Brad Rawson, head of the @cityofsomerville.bsky.social Mobility Division, receiving the @walkmass.bsky.social Golden Shoe Award.
Woman at podium, in black top, giving award acceptance speech as others stand behind her.Man at podium, in suit, giving award acceptance speech as others stand behind him.
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Reposted by WalkMassachusetts
Marion Davis @marionsd.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
In December, PTAC Chair Alessandra Seiter and Mobility planner Kate White presented their collaboration on Union Square at the WalkMassachusetts Network monthly meeting. PTAC organized a walk audit, taking an approach we can replicate elsewhere. Check it out! www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8Na...
youtube.com
Community-Led Walk Audits in Somerville | December 2025 WalkMass Network
YouTube video by WalkMassachusetts
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Marion Davis @marionsd.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Today is @walkmass.bsky.social's Annual Celebration, which you can still attend virtually or in person in Kendall Square: www.givesignup.org/TicketEvent/.... As a Somervillen and WM board member, I'm happy to be presenting a Golden Shoes award to our very own PTAC & Mobility Division. (1/2)
givesignup.org
WalkMassachusetts Annual Celebration 2026
Join me at the WalkMassachusetts Annual Celebration 2026
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Gravel Influencer @gravelinfluencer.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
I highly recommend attending this if you want to learn how to do a walk audit in your community
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WalkMassachusetts @walkmass.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Details/RSVP form for the upcoming free walk audit trainings now available. Both town hall rooms we are meeting in are accessible (ramp & elevator available): walkmass.org/2026/03/20/u...
walkmass.org
Upcoming walk audit trainings: Randolph & Holliston – WalkMassachusetts
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WalkMassachusetts @walkmass.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
Thanks for the shoutout! We’ll be hosting 2 walk audit trainings / demo walk audits in early May in Randolph and Holliston on a weekday morning & a Saturday morning. similar to last year’s in Beverly, they’ll be free&open to anyone, not just those towns, thanks to the BostonMPO - More to come.
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Gravel Influencer @gravelinfluencer.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
"Snow isn’t just an inconvenience. It becomes a barrier to safety and mobility in daily life." The city has clearly made, and continues to make, progress in this area, and that's important to acknowledge. But huge barriers remain. Accessibility can't be weather-dependent.
mass.streetsblog.org
Accessibility Advocates Press Boston City Council for Better Snow Removal - Streetsblog Massachusetts
As even more snow began falling outside, dozens of safety advocates from a coalition of pedestrian, bike, transit, and disability rights groups came to Boston City Hall Tuesday afternoon to ask the Ci...
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StreetsblogMASS @mass.streetsblog.org · 03/03/2026
Accessibility Advocates Press @boston.gov City Council for Better Snow Removal - mass.streetsblog.org/2026/03/03/a...
mass.streetsblog.org
Accessibility Advocates Press Boston City Council for Better Snow Removal - Streetsblog Massachusetts
As even more snow began falling outside, dozens of safety advocates from a coalition of pedestrian, bike, transit, and disability rights groups came to Boston City Hall Tuesday afternoon to ask the Ci...
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Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler @votejivan.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
I’m introducing a policy order on sidewalk snow removal at our City Council meeting this Monday! Some cities like NYC and Boston have recently been exploring increased municipal sidewalk snow clearance. Cambridge can follow these cities’ leads and expand sidewalk snow clearance here as well!
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WalkMassachusetts @walkmass.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
In Boston, @mayorwu.boston.gov & Office of Neighborhood Services have announced some shoveling meetups in neighborhoods across the city to supplement the cleanup effort. Find one near you listed here: Boston.gov/shovel
boston.gov
Snow Shoveling Meet-Ups
Led by the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services, snow shoveling meet-ups bring together volunteers citywide to lend a hand during snow emergencies. Join your neighborhood liaison to help clear side...
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Office of Mayor Michelle Wu 吳弭 @mayorwu.boston.gov · 22/02/2026
City teams will be plowing major roadways to ensure emergency vehicle access. I know it can be frustrating if a plow has pushed snow back over a cleared area, but curb ramps must be cleared continually. If plowed snow coverage is too much, use the BOS:311 app to request support from the City.
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Office of Mayor Michelle Wu 吳弭 @mayorwu.boston.gov · 22/02/2026
That responsibility means clearing a 42-inch path through the sidewalk, not just in front of your home or business, but all the way to the ramp and crosswalk. Learn more about snow shoveling in Boston: boston.gov/snow.
Snow Shoveling in Boston

Who has to shovel? Property owners must clear adjacent sidewalks and curb ramps. Some rental leases require tenants to shovel. 

How much shoveling is required? Clear a 42-inch-path so people using strollers and wheelchairs can pass.

When is shoveling required? Snow must be cleared within 3 hours of snowfall ending or 3 hours after sunrise if it snows overnight. 

Snow pile on a curb ramp? As plowing occurs, curb ramps may be covered and must be cleared again. If the snow coverage is too much to clear, please use the BOS:311 app to request support from the City of Boston.
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Office of Mayor Michelle Wu 吳弭 @mayorwu.boston.gov · 22/02/2026
Help your neighbors get around safely as Boston experiences what is forecasted to be a historic blizzard. Property owners must clear snow and ice from abutting sidewalks and curb ramps within 3 hours after snowfall ends or three hours after sunrise if the snow ends overnight.
Be a good neighbor, shovel your sidewalk and curb ramps.

Three images of well-cleared sidewalks and curb ramps with green check marks.

Three images of a snow-covered sidewalk, a curb ramp covered in snow, and a fire hydrant blocked by a snow pile.
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MassBike @massbike.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
We’re excited to be co-presenting with @walkmass.bsky.social on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 1 pm a webinar with Kris Carter & Jaclyn Youngblood from @massdot.bsky.social about the Special Commission on #Micromobility's upcoming 2026 report. 🚲🛴🚶🚶‍♀️ Register below: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
A flyer with the Boston skyline for WalkMass Network's upcoming webinar on the Micromobility Commission Report to be held Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 1 pm on Zoom. Kris Carter and Jaclyn Youngblood from MassDOT will present, joined by WalkMass and MassBike staff for support and discussion. Register using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/IrQf6JHYRhmbtagYmD7ouQ#/registration
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WalkMassachusetts @walkmass.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
What the at-grade looks like is still being thought through; looking at 2 design approaches. APPROACH 1 - curbside bus lanes; APPROACH 2 - dedicated middle of street bus lanes. There’s a shorter URL for the same project page: boston.gov/rutherford
DESIGN APPROACHES
APPROACH 1 - curbside bus lanes 
APPROACH 2 - dedicated middle of street bus lanes DESIGN APPROACH 1
Buses operate in a side-running bus lane with bus stops on the sidewalks Greater design and phasing flexibility
2 Longer crosswalk legs, shorter total crossing
More enforcement needed to be effective
More space for linear park and turn lanesDESIGN APPROACH 2
Buses operate in a protected transitway with bus stops in the center, similar to light rail (Green Line)
More limited design and phasing flexibility
3 Shorter crosswalk legs, longer total crossing
More space for bus platforms
Less space for linear park and turn lanesONGOING OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS
• We are currently modeling the project at the corridor and intersection level to evaluate how different design approaches work for all modes
• The analysis includes projected volumes for planned development and will demonstrate how each design approach operates
• Results of the analysis will be used to refine a traffic scheme that most effectively and safely manages demand while allowing for necessary flexibility
• The outcome and comparison of this analysis will be the subject of our 3rd planned community engagement
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