New VFW Parkway Bike Lanes Not Expected to Impact Traffic

Boston officials said the new bike lanes and sharrows  that will be added along VFW Parkway  between Spring and Centre Streets will not affect city traffic.

Nicole Freedman, Director of Bicycle Programs in the City of Boston said the new lanes will be added along the parkway’s existing six foot shoulder and will not reduce the number of traffic lanes. 

In addition to the lanes, the city will also add shared lane markings along the intersections where there are streetlights.

“For drivers there’s very little changes,”  Freedman said. “One of the key things that the markers do is call attention to the fact that there are cyclists there.  It’s really a win-win.  The road just becomes safer because the drivers are more aware of the cyclists.”

Even with the lanes not expected to impact drivers, some Patch readers believe the changes may still cause problems.

On West Roxbury Patch's Facebook page, reader Howie Be said the lanes could work as long as cyclists obey the laws of the road.

“The bicyclists downtown blow red lights, crosswalks and stop signs...dangerous,” he said.

Freedman said the lanes will be paid for by a grant.  She said there is a need for them in West Roxbury so that residents can travel north and east into Boston. 

She will provide information on the bike lanes and take questions.