Opinions divided over new separated bike lanes being added across Cambridge | CPT PPP Coverage

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CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — A group that’s been opposed to a new network of more than 20 miles of bike lanes in Cambridge says it has new proof to show they’re making people less safe.

Cambridge Streets for All is asking the city to reconsider the separated bike lanes that continue to be installed.

It’s part of the city’s Cycling Safety Ordinance, which set strict deadlines and requirements for separated bike lanes through 2026.

The enhanced bike lanes that sometimes include flex posts and a buffer zone give bicyclists and drivers separate sections of the road.

“The bike lanes tend to obscure people and give them a false sense of security,” said John Hanratty, who studied data involving the separated bike lanes.

Hanratty, who sits on the board for Cambridge Streets for All, reviewed 1.3 miles of Cambridge streets where separated bike lanes have been installed.

The review included portions of Mass Ave in Porter Square, North Cambridge, and Mid-Cambridge.

Hanratty looked at public data from the Cambridge Police Department.

He said accidents involving injuries to both cyclists and drivers increased from 12 in 2018 to 31 in 2022 in the area he analyzed.

“Approximately a doubling, 250 percent increase in injuries,” he said. “I’ve done you a favor and put the data on the table. Let’s go and figure out how we do this right.”

Boston 25 News spoke with several bicyclists in Cambridge who aren’t buying it.

One of them was just hit by a car on Saturday while riding his bike from Harvard Square to Lechmere.

“In my experience, this would’ve made my trip safer,” said Christopher Cassa. “It gives a little more protection and also delineates the road more carefully and gives every single person a spot on the road.”

Cambridge City Councilor Burhan Azeem told Boston 25 News that he believes the separated bike lanes offer much-needed protection.

“The total number of accidents may go up. That’s because bicycling has roughly doubled or tripled in parts of the city,” said Azeem.

According to Azeem, a federal analysis conducted last year included bike lanes in Cambridge in its review.

He said the Federal Highway Administration found that separated bike lanes cut the risk of crashes involving bicyclists roughly in half compared to regular bike lanes.

“I think we have a very professionally done analysis that shows these bike lanes are effective,” he added.

Cambridge Streets for All was among the plaintiffs in a lawsuit over the separated bike lanes that was dismissed by a Middlesex Superior Court judge last month.

The suit included opposition from business owners over the loss of parking spaces.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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