Cambridge has no real interest (other than lip service) to bicycle safety. Not at least until some rich white person is run over by a semitruck.

The contra flow lane was installed at the request of bicyclists without a larger review of traffic in Harvard Square. Unfair to say the City gives lip service to cyclists safety as it often reacts to this small vocal minority. Contra flow lanes almost always create unsafe space for cyclists and pedestrians yet the City installs them. In this case because cyclists were riding against traffic on Brattle. Rather than attempting to stop dangerous actions by some cyclists the City acquiesced resulting in a more dangerous situation for everyone. And wasn’t this supposed to be a temporary pilot program?

It would definitely help guide drivers to stay in the traffic lane if the bollards were reinstalled that were at the entrance to the contraflow bike lane. I believe there was one in the center of the lane adjacent to the crosswalk, but one at the edge of the bike lane would also be helpful.

@TSmith - I don't think it has made the overall situation more dangerous for everyone. Pedestrians now have more warning to expect contraflow bikes than when there was no bike lane present. And it does provide protection for cyclists over the length of Brattle up until the very end pictured here. But if it is no longer a "pilot" and actually going to be permanent, then I would hope that the city finish the job...

Pilot suggested there would be some study pre and post. Some collection of information and reporting back to the community. Never saw a study. The contra flow lane is a reward for bad behavior.

What bad behavior are you talking about?

@T Smith, the contra-flow lane was designed to help extend the existing bike network. It is reasonable to disagree with adding it here -- it does have real problems, and I do hope the city will evaluate meaningful changes.

I do not find it helpful or accurate to call it a reward for bad behavior though; there really was not that much contraflow riding on Brattle. Many other contraflow designs are also very safe and don't upset people, especially on residential one-way roads. Please try to see both sides and see if you can constructively suggest improvements rather than name call. The roads do need to improve for everyone's safety.

Enough with the bicycle racism comments, that is an absolutely ridiculous insinuation. Even the suggestion that Cambridge doesn't do enough for cyclists is plainly untrue. You can see the bad behavior at any intersection, unless of course you're not waiting your turn for the green light.

Cyclists were riding through this area, pre contra flow lanes, against traffic, on sidewalks, etc. The city could have clearly signed the bike route, that is the same route cars are required to use. An unnecessary action in my opinion but would have made clear cycling against traffic is dangerous and illegal. Then the City could have enforced. If auto drivers decided it was inconvenient to obey the law the City would enforce. If pedestrians decided walking through people’s property was quicker than using public right if way the City would enforce. Cyclists put themselves and others in danger and get a new lane.

Further changes to improve the crossing from Brattle Street eastbound to Mount Auburn Street eastbound require construction at the corner to provide a bike crossover. The City will be entering into a design process for this segment of Brattle Square within the next year and will evaluate this crossing as part of that process. Further information will be posted on the DPW website once that project has started.

The missing post in the center of the bike lane will be reinstalled within the next two weeks.

Thank you for your report.