Boston City Councilor At-Large Michael Flaherty convened an onsite meeting Friday, April 25th to address community concerns about the placement of Hubway bike stations within South Boston. Councilor Flaherty invited Nicole Freedman, Director of Boston Bikes; Kristen McCosh, the Persons with Disabilities Commissioner; City Councilor Bill Linehan, State Senator Linda Dorcena Forry, and State Representative Nick Collins to discuss issues of placement, public safety, and accessibility of the stations. Nicole Freedman has agreed to relocate the West Broadway bike station from the street to the sidewalk because of safety concerns. This will also restore 3 vital parking spaces to our business district where parking has already posed an issue with residents and patrons.
Furthermore, the City of Boston will post signs around the MDC skating rink location notifying visitors that bike riding is prohibited around Castle Island. Nicole Freedman will collaborate with elected officials regarding future placements of Hubway bike stations. Councilor Flaherty and South Boston elected officials will keep the community informed on this matter.
If any resident has additional concerns or ideas about better and safer locations for bike racks, please call Councilor Flaherty’s office at 617-635-4205.
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bring back the bike racks at the library that hubway replaced
Here is the alternage location that Southie Bikes suggested to a variety of local officials including Nicole Freedman & Councilor Linehan back in October 2013. Hopefully the bike community and driving community can all agree on moving it to a location that works from everyone.
Those three “vital” parking spaces serve only to encourage driving. The three people parked there are three people who may have otherwise been encouraged to take public transport or bicycles if parking had been unavailable. Further, the private cars that they have left on public land are unsightly, hazardous, and a waste of valuable public space.
The more parking spaces eliminated, the better Boston will be. The future of our commercial districts lays not in accessibility for automobiles, but in the attractive pedestrian street scene outside of the stores. These days, people shop online. The only way to get customers into brick and mortar businesses is to create a public atmosphere that draws people into commercial districts. Cars, including parked cars, are antithetical to this objective.
What do you mean: bike riding is prohibited around Castle Island? I ride bike to Castle frequently never for a moment realizing it wasn’t allowed. Not having a car, biking lets me in the warmer months enjoy this beautiful place. I’ve always seen other cyclists riding too along with people roller blading, walking, running, and pushing strollers. Everyone I mention has always been thoughtful and courteous and not obmoxious. I’d appreciate more info. Please write to: [email protected] Thank you.I