Access Boston 2000 - 2010 Boston's Citywide Transportation Plan Boston Bicycle Plan

Policies, education programs and facility improvements to create a better environment for bicycling in Boston.

To view the Boston Bicycle Plan full report in PDF format click here (8.68mb).

MAPS

Existing Facilities and Projects in Design

Proposed Locations for Evaluation

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary

Introduction

	History of Bicycling in Boston
	Bicycling Today
	Overview of Bicycle Plan

Safety, Education, Training and Public Awareness

	Bicycling by Different Age Groups
	Sources of Injuries
	The Effect of Experience on Crash Rates
	Helmets
	Recommendations

Traffic Rules and Enforcement

	Conformance with the Uniform Vehicle Code
	Traffic Violations by Bicyclists
	Traffic Violations by Motorists
	Harassment by Motorists
	Boston Police Training
	Recommendations

Bicycle Transportation Facilities

	Planning
	General Design Guidance
	Roadway Design Considerations
	Road and Path Maintenance
	Bicycle Repair Shops
	Recommendations

Bicycle Parking and Support Facilities

Recommendations

Transit and Intermodal Connections

	MBTA System
	Express Service and Private Bus Carriers
	Amtrak
	Water Transportation
	Recommendations

Promotion and Tourism

	Transportation Management Associations
	Tourism
	Bicycle Economy
	Recommendations

Funding and Implementation

Implementation Approach

Today, bicyclists are a common sight on Boston streets. Those who bicycle frequently enjoy better than average health. The City of Boston is committed to encouraging and facilitating safe bicycling for utilitarian and recreational transportation. The City also recognized the job growth and economic benefits that stem from bicycle-related industries and tourism. For these reasons, the Boston Transportation Department developed the Boston Bicycle Plan. The plan was developed with guidance from the Boston Bicycle Advisory Committee (BBAC). The role of the committee is to bring together bicyclists, neighborhood residents, advocacy groups and public agencies to encourage and promote safe bicycling, thereby enhancing the Boston business community, its neighborhoods and the environment.

The BBAC worked with BTD as part of a comprehensive public process to develop recommendations that would integrate on-road and off-road bicycle facilities for use by bicyclists with a range of skills and experience and to evaluate the role of bicycling within the city. The context of the plan considered existing conditions, documented the local and regional context for bicycling and identified areas of concern. The Bicycle Plan provides a planning framework to pursue a range of initiatives from capital improvements to education and awareness to enforcement of regulations.