BOSTON IS MAKING big moves toward equitable transportation. With 100 new bike share stations just announced, the City is investing to ensure bikes are available to all. But to match this ambition, we need the right infrastructure, and to get that infrastructure we need to overcome a major public perception challenge — that bike lanes only benefit bicyclists.
Bike lanes don’t just benefit cyclists; they benefit the entire city by enhancing safety and accessibility, improving traffic flow, and promoting environmental sustainability.
A comprehensive study by the University of Colorado Denver and the University of New Mexico found that cities with robust bike facilities experienced significant reductions in road fatalities for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. These findings highlight that bike lanes are not merely an amenity but a vital component of a safer urban landscape. Separated bike lanes act as traffic calming measures, reducing the likelihood of accidents and making streets safer for everyone.
Moreover, bike lanes contribute to climate sustainability. By providing a safe and convenient option for cycling, bike lanes encourage more people to choose alternative modes of transportation, thereby reducing carbon emissions and even traffic.
In a city grappling with air quality issues and traffic congestion, promoting cycling through well-designed infrastructure is a practical and necessary step toward a greener future. The positive environmental impact of bike lanes cannot be overstated, as they help mitigate the urban heat island effect and reduce our overall carbon footprint.
Economic arguments against bike lanes often focus on the fear that they will deter customers and hurt local businesses. However, evidence suggests the opposite. Research from New York and San Francisco has shown that streets with bike lanes see increases in retail sales. Businesses benefit from the increased foot traffic and the appeal of a more accessible and attractive street environment. For instance, the New York City Department of Transportation found that streets with bike lanes experienced an 84 percent increase in retail sales, compared to other areas. This trend holds across various urban settings, indicating that bike lanes can coexist with and even bolster local economies.
Some detractors highlight the challenges posed by delivery vehicles and reduced car lanes. These are valid concerns, but they are not insurmountable. Cities around the world are successfully adapting to these challenges.
Boston has an opportunity to implement creative and just solutions by expanding “Boston Delivers” – an e-cargo bike delivery pilot program, and by regulating the delivery gig industry to ensure the safety of workers and vulnerable road users. These measures can balance the needs of a dynamic city without sacrificing its character or efficiency.
The positive impact of bike lanes extends beyond individual streets. Cities that invest in bike infrastructure often see broader benefits. In Portland, Oregon, the introduction of bike lanes led to a 75 percent drop in road fatalities over two decades, even as the number of cyclists increased significantly. Similar trends have been observed in cities like Denver and San Francisco, where bike lanes have contributed to safer streets and more vibrant communities.
In Boston, city data shows that since MassDOT installed bike lanes on the Massachusetts Avenue bridge in 2021, the average number of bikes has increased yearly. These examples illustrate that thoughtful investment in bike infrastructure pays dividends in terms of safety, climate resiliency, and community well-being.
Bike lanes are about creating a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable city – not just for cyclists, but for everyone.
Ari Belathar is executive director of the Boston Cyclists Union.
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