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Explanation of Hancock and E. Squantum Intersection
After we shared the photos of the new intersection bike lane at East Howard Street and Quincy Avenue some are asking why there is no bicycle infrastructure at the newly renovated intersection at Hancock Street and East/West Squantum Streets.
Quincycles learned that the design did not include bike infrastructure at the final public presentation in the summer of 2014 just before construction began. We immediately researched the situation and found that the project began in 2006 with a safety study and had been at the 100% design stage before Quincycles was even formed.
It is very difficult to make changes to a project once it reaches 100% design, but not impossible. The Boston Cyclist’s Union successfully changed the Commonwealth Avenue design to include a cycle track after 100% design was reached. That accomplishment required a strong advocacy campaign and immense citizen involvement.
Secondly, we found out that Quincy would most likely have had to take a right of way for space to put bike lanes in the design. Because MassDOT requires that Complete Streets be considered in all roadway design projects, the city probably filed a Design Exemption Request to forego the bike infrastructure requirements due to the right of way issue. We at Quincycles do not have a record of that to share with you at this time.
More recently, during our research about the East Howard Street lane, Quincycles discovered that a “useable shoulder” qualifies as acceptable bike infrastructure according to the most recent AASHTO guidelines (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials). In fact, our new intersection at East Howard and Quincy Ave is preceded by just that – a “usable shoulder” style bike lane – and one without any bike markings such as there are on Adams Street. We applaud the intersection design, not as much the lane leading up to it.
If bicyclists in Quincy want better infrastructure then we need to advocate now and be involved in the design process much sooner. Quincycles is already a more active participant in the redesign process for Sea Street, but we need all our members to step up as well. These redesign opportunities present our greatest chance for getting the best bike infrastructure throughout our city, even while we advocate for the simple MAPC recommendations to be implemented prior to roadway redesigns.
Our disappointment about the North Quincy intersection’s lack of bicycle accommodations should make this the last time Quincycles is taken by surprise by a roadway design that does not meet all road users’ needs. Please join us as we work to change the transportation culture in our city to one that considers all road users and creates roadways that are safe and welcoming to all – drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
The city’s first informational presentation about the Sea Street redesign is currently scheduled for Wednesday, October 28 at 7PM. A location has not yet been announced, but we will post the details when we have them.
Irene Lutts
President
October 2015
Bicycle Commission Meeting
Join the Bicycle Commission meeting to learn about city projects and express your concerns and ideas. Join Zoom Meeting https://us05web.zoom.us/j/89060296869?pwd=U3ZpTkludnd4UjJMeVpRWEw2RFIrUT09 Meeting ID: 890 6029 6869 Passcode: Bike
read moreMonthly Meeting
Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73594009946?pwd=1I61ES1hCeoQTL2aE6tZ06ZjaAE26u.1 Meeting ID: 735 9400 9946 Passcode: 4wSSbU
read moreWednesday Night Ride — POSTPONED TO THURSDAY
Join us for a night ride in colder temperatures at a faster pace and with few stops.
read moreWednesday Night Ride
Join us for a night ride in colder temperatures at a faster pace and with few stops.
read moreWednesday Night Ride
Join us for a night ride in colder temperatures at a faster pace and with few stops.
read moreRide with Quincycles to a Bicycle Party at Roundhead Brewery
Ride with Quincycles to join West Rox Bikes and cohosts Rozzie Bikes, Dedham Bikes, Women on Wheels, Brothers on Bikes, and Parkway Cycling Club for a fun filled fall bicycle party at Roundhead Brewing Company in Hyde Park.
read morePublic Meeting: Traffic Improvements at Whitwell and Adams Street
The City is hosting a Neighborhood Meeting on Tuesday, September 20th at 6:00 pm at City Hall 1305 Hancock Street to discuss proposed improvements to the intersection of Adams Street at Whitwell Street and Dewson Road. The project proposes to reconstruct the intersection of Adams Street at Whitwell Street to a single lane roundabout to better process traffic from Whitwell Street, provide traffic calming by reducing vehicle speeds along Adams Street, and establish safer pedestrian and bicycle connections. The reconstruction also provides an opportunity for beautification of the historic Adams Street...
read moreBicycle Commission Meeting
Please join the Bicycle Commission meeting to learn about ongoing work and to add you concerns and voice to the conversation.
read moreThe Rescheduled Monday Ride
Join us tonight for our postponed Monday evening ride through Quincy neighborhoods and over some of Quincy’s hills Be bright and bold! Bring your lights and reflective gear — we may be out after sunset depending on the season. Meet at Hancock Adams Common Ride starts at 6:00 pm West Quincy, Milton, and the Neponset Trail Route Approximate Miles 17 (with a shorter option to skip Blue Hills Ave spur) Quincy Center Hancock St Granite St (RIGHT) Quarry St Stedman St (RIGHT) Adams St (LEFT) Granite Pl (RIGHT) Belcher Cir (LEFT) Wood St (RIGHT) Granite Ave (LEFT) Adams St (RIGHT) Brook Rd (LEFT) St. Mary’s Road (STRAIGHT) Kahler Ave (LEFT) Blue Hills Pkwy (U-TURN at Canton Ave) Blue Hills Pkwy (Return) Mattapan Sq Neponset Trail (RIGHT) pope John Paul Park Neponset Ave (BRIDGE) Commander Shea Blvd (RIGHT) Sagamore St (LEFT) Newbury Ave (RIGHT) Hollis Ave (LEFT) Faxon Rd (RIGHT) Rawson Rd (STRAIGHT) W Elm Ave (RIGHT) Hancock St (LEFT) Quincy Center Quincycles rides are open to members and non-members. Bicycling involves certain inherent risks. Your participation in a Quincycles ride constitutes your agreement to this Acknowledgement, Waiver and Release. Please review our Ride Guidelines before the ride and check our Facebook page for weather related...
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