Thank you for reporting your concern to City of Cambridge via Commonwealth Connect. We have reviewed the information you provided our staff and will be investigating this issue further.

I bicycle through this location nearly every day and I do not consider this to be a hazard. A cyclist should move further out into the travel lane when approaching the intersection so that an passing motor vehicles will give a wider berth. Please do not do any reconfiguration at this location.

Yes, that is right, the bike should be encouraged to move out into the travel lane. The short bike lane for 20 yards (if that) is counter that--moves you to the right and gives cars false prospect of a free pass before you get pushed into the back of a parked car and before you bounce out into sharrowa. The lane should be sharrowed as you pass the gas station coming from the north o Broadway and cross Prospect. So, ultimately, you agree. Thanks Robert

This design was the result of collaboration between the Traffic Department and Community Development Department a few years ago when left turn pockets were added in both directions on Broadway at the intersection with Prospect Street. Staff members worked together to make all the tapers work and to maximize the use of the available space while minimizing the impacts to available on-street parking. Several staff members felt that having a marked bike lane at each approach to the intersection was beneficial to allow bikes to get around and in front of the vehicle queue stopped at a red light, and then get out ahead of the queued vehicles when the crosswalk comes on before vehicles get the green light. In the receiving lanes, since there are no bike lanes in either direction on Broadway, we felt that it was best to leave a single wider receiving lane in each direction with a sharrow indicating that bikes and vehicles should share the lane. As mentioned, there are NO bike lanes on Broadway except for the very short sections at each approach to Prospect. The “bike lane” that you are referring to that is leading into the back of parked vehicles is actually just an edge line that is there to guide both vehicles and bikes around the parking lane. Cyclists should not be between the edge line and the curb, they should be in the lane riding right over the top of the sharrows. The lanes are 14’ wide, so there is more than enough space for a bike and a car side-by-side, with the bike staying on the right side of the lane riding right on top of the sharrows.

It's confusing, a bike box might be better IMHO.

Did I read the Traffic - DS (signs) reply correctly that cyclists are suppose to run red lights when there's, what I'm guessing, is a 4-way red light? "Several staff members felt that having a marked bike lane at each approach to the intersection was beneficial to allow bikes to get around and in front of the vehicle queue stopped at a red light, and then get out ahead of the queued vehicles when the crosswalk comes on before vehicles get the green light."

There is no need for cyclists to get out in front of vehicles at the red light - just be abreast of them (which they can) and be very visible (which they are). This is enough to prevent any right hook collisions. The only marginally tricky maneuver is the partial merge that takes place after crossing. Both motor vehicles and cyclists have to move left after clearing the turn lanes and that could be problematic for a cyclist if an inattentive driver fails to properly merge left allowing room for the cyclist. The best remedy is simply for cyclists to hold more of the shared lane while taking care to not do so when a motor vehicle might be overtaking him/her. This is neither difficult nor unsafe. While I might agree that the Traffic Dept. response is a little incorrect regarding cyclists jumping the red light, I do agree with the bulk of what they otherwise had to say.

Robert is right about that tricky spot, however I think it is more than minor. The thought to provide safe space for bikes at this intersection is correct, but the implementation could be more to the point (safety) and clear, Do folks designing these items, actually observe or ride through to see it? I'd be more than happy to do some go-pro shooting for you. Also, if I read this correctly, you imply bikes should ride on the Sharrows and not further out? The Sharrows as is are right in the door zone, my understanding was that they enable bikes to take the full lane if need be and cars should pass only when it is safe and clear and there is room.

To clarify my previous response, cyclists should obey all traffic control devices and should only proceed through the intersection when given the green signal indication. My statement should have read: “Several staff members felt that having a marked bike lane at each approach to the intersection was beneficial to allow bikes to get to the stop line around queued vehicles so as to be more visible to traffic.”

To answer the question raised regarding sharrows, these markings are a visual reminder to motorists that they should share the road, as well as a suggested path for cyclists that will enable cars to pass them on the left at a comfortable distance. Cyclists are not required to ride on top of the sharrows and always have the legal right to take the full lane, with or without marked sharrows.

This issue is being closed as there have been no additional comments and no additional work is planned at this intersection.