Issues With Bike Lane Design in Boston

The purpose of bike lanes is to make the streets safer for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers. However, biking in Boston can be a challenging experience, from sudden lane shifts and confusing intersections to the potential for serious accidents. Further, as more people turn to cycling for things like commuting, exercise, and recreation, it’s important to take a look at bike lane design, as better design could improve safety for everyone on the road.

In no particular order, the following are some of the most common issues with Boston’s bike lane design.

1. Narrow lanes and lack of space

Many bike lanes in Boston are narrow and cramped, forcing cyclists to squeeze in alongside cars—sometimes with only a few feet of space to spare. Cyclists can feel “boxed in” or stuck between vehicles driving on one side and parked cars on the other. Riding close to moving traffic can increase the risk of bicycle accidents, especially if a driver loses focus for even a second.

Narrow bike lanes can also make it more difficult for bicyclists to pass each other, which can lead to congestion, especially during busy morning and evening commute times. Wider bike lanes would allow for more room for cyclists to navigate safely, but with Boston’s limited road space, this is not always possible.

2. “Dooring” from parked cars

“Dooring” describes what happens when a person exiting a parked car opens the door suddenly into the path of an oncoming cyclist. This is a common (and serious) issue with Boston’s bike lanes, especially when these lanes run parallel to parked cars. Because the bike lanes are usually right next to these parking spots, a cyclist who doesn’t anticipate a door opening can end up in a life-threatening collision.

To reduce this risk, some cities have implemented buffer zones between the bike lanes and parked cars. However, here in Boston, many bike lanes lack these zones because of space limitations. Although cyclists can try riding further to the left to avoid a dooring accident, this puts them closer to moving traffic and increases the risk of them being hit by a car. Installing lanes that offer more protection and separation would be best, but would require a lot of planning, time, and resources.

3. Lack of clear signage

Boston’s bike lanes also have a problem with inconsistent or unclear signage. In some areas, for example, bike lanes can end without warning, forcing cyclists to suddenly merge into traffic. This is particularly dangerous for new cyclists who might not be as familiar with Boston’s bike lanes. Markings can also be faded or unclear, making it difficult for drivers and cyclists to understand the proper rules of the road.

More consistent markings, like bright paint or reflective markers, can help make bike lanes more visible. Additionally, adding signs to warn drivers of approaching bike lanes or merging could help to reduce accidents.

4. Confusion at intersections

Intersections are some of the most dangerous parts of the road for cyclists. Boston’s bike lane design doesn’t help. In many places, bike lanes either simply disappear at intersections or are poorly marked, which forces cyclists into car lanes. This can be confusing for both the cyclist and the driver, as they may not be sure who has the right of way.

Some cities have begun using what’s called “bike boxes” or painted areas at intersections to help give cyclists a safe place to wait for the light to change. These bike boxes are usually painted in bright colors, helping make cyclists more visible to drivers, as well as giving them a head start when the light turns green. Boston could benefit from implementing more bike boxes, reducing accidents by giving cyclists a clear path through intersections.

5. Poor surface conditions

Boston experiences harsh winters, which can lead to road damage like potholes and cracks. While it’s true that these problems affect all vehicles, poor surface conditions can be especially dangerous for cyclists, who are more vulnerable to accidents caused by rough road surfaces. Hitting a pothole can cause a bicyclist to lose control, fall, or even swerve into traffic – increasing the risk of an accident or injuries.

6. Inconsistent bike lane placement

Boston uses a mix of bike lane types, including painted lanes, shared lanes, and protected lanes. This inconsistency can make it difficult for cyclists to anticipate in which lane they’ll be riding. For example, a bicyclist may be well-protected in one area only to shift into a shared lane a few blocks later.

These changes can create confusion for both cyclists and drivers. Drivers may not be aware of where the bicyclist is supposed to be. Protected bike lanes, which are separated from traffic by a barrier or some physical distance, are generally the safest but aren’t as common in Boston as they are in other cities due to space limitations. However, expanding the city’s network of protected bike lanes can help create a more predictable and safer riding experience.

7. Lack of protected lanes

Some of Boston’s most heavily traveled streets, like Massachusetts Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue, have bike lanes. However, many are not protected. Without a barrier between the bike lane and the car lanes, cyclists are more exposed to vehicles that may pass too closely or even swerve into the bike lane. This lack of protection can make it especially risky for new or inexperienced cyclists, who may feel intimidated by the proximity of fast-moving vehicles.

More protected bike lanes could improve safety on these types of streets by providing a buffer zone. Barriers like plastic bollards, curbs, or even parked cars between the bike lane and traffic lane could help reduce the likelihood of tragic accidents.

8. Limited bike lanes

Central Boston and Cambridge have a growing number of bike lanes, but many neighborhoods still lack them. Areas like Dorchester and Roxbury have fewer bike lanes in comparison to wealthier downtown neighborhoods, which makes it difficult for residents in these areas to bike safely.

Expanding the protected bike lane network to include more neighborhoods can encourage cycling as a viable transportation option for everyone – not just those who live in central areas. This could also help reduce traffic and encourage everyone’s overall health by getting more people out and about on bikes.

Who is liable after a bike lane accident in Boston?

Liability in bike lane accidents can be complicated, involving multiple parties. Liability always depends on the circumstances of the accident, but here are some potentially liable parties that our Boston bike accident attorneys may explore:

• The driver. If a driver fails to yield to a cyclist, is speeding, or is otherwise driving recklessly, they can be liable for your accident. This includes the driver crossing into the bike lane without looking or opening a door without checking for oncoming cyclists – resulting in a “dooring” accident.
• The city of Boston. In some cases, the design of the bike lane itself can lead to accidents, which would potentially make the city liable. For example, if a bike lane is poorly marked, improperly maintained, or in a dangerous location, you may have grounds for a case against the city. Our bicycle accident lawyers can help you work through the special regulations around governmental liability.
• Construction companies. If construction projects create unsafe conditions – like unclear detours or barriers that block bike lanes – the construction company could be held liable for your accident. Construction companies are responsible for ensuring that their projects don’t create hazards for all road users, which includes bicyclists.

Contact our skilled Boston attorneys now

If you’ve been injured in a bike accident in Boston, navigating the aftermath can be overwhelming — especially when dealing with medical bills, insurance companies, and potential legal claims. The experienced Boston bike accident attorneys at Breakstone, White & Gluck can help you understand your rights, assess liability, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Don’t face the challenges alone. Call or contact us today for a free consultation. We serve all of Massachusetts from our Boston offices.