FAQs

Protected bike lanes are separated from vehicle traffic either by a buffered area with vertical barriers or raised to sidewalk level. Vertical barriers can include plastic "flex” posts, planters, and pre-cast concrete curbs. In Quick-Build projects, we often use flex posts. 

Quick-build projects do not include major construction like you might see in a complete street reconstruction. We do not have the opportunity to reconstruct the sidewalks, move the sidewalk curb line, or repave the street. Quick-build projects are a cost-effective way for us to expand our network of safe streets while maintaining flexibility to make adjustments and evaluate options for a more permanent constructed redesign. 

The Somerville Bicycle Network Plan envisions an 88-mile network of streets and paths where people of all ages and abilities will be able to bike safely and comfortably. The Plan aims to vastly expand biking infrastructure and provide greater connectivity so that residents, workers, and visitors can bike to schools, parks, jobs, businesses, and other key destinations in Somerville. To learn more, visit somervillema.gov/bikenetwork. 

Protected bike lanes increase comfort and access for people of all ages and abilities, reduce crash and injury risk, eliminate the threat of “dooring” from parked vehicles, and reduce potential conflicts between vehicles and people biking. According, the US Department of Transportation, converting traditional unprotected bicycle lanes into protected can reduce crashes up to 53%.