Community Members are Invited to Comment on the Proposed Network of Shared Streets

The City of Cambridge implemented the Shared Streets pilot program on June 26 as one component of the Street Changes that are being implemented response to COVID-19. These changes serve to ensure that streets are being used in the most efficient way possible as everyone works together to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The community was notified of the pilot streets, which include the Garden St/Field St/Bay State Rd corridor, Harvard St, and Magazine St, through “Coming Soon” signs that were posted on each street and postcards that were mailed to all households directly impacted by the change. On June 22, the City Launched the COVID-19 Street Changes Map, which allowed people to comment on the pilot Shared Streets and share why other streets would or would not be good locations for Shared Streets. On June 25, the first Shared Streets Community Webinar was held to allow people to learn more about the program.

Staff from the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department reviewed more than 1,500 comments that were submitted about the Shared Streets program before creating a proposed network. The feedback touched on a wide variety of topics and include a multitude of opinions about the program. Suggestions for next steps ranged from advancing the program as quickly as possible to stopping the program immediately. It is clear, however, that the work to date is making progress towards the goal of creating a network of streets that allows people to walk and bike to key destinations while maintaining a distance of six feet from others.

During the second community webinar, which was held on August 4, the City shared key takeaways from the public input and details about the proposed Shared Streets network. Community members are invited to view the proposal and provide comments through the COVID-19 Street Changes Map. The list of Street Changes has also been provided for people who cannot access the map.

Visit cambridgema.gov/covid19/streets for more information about other ways to share feedback on the Street Changes. Questions about the Shared Streets program may be sent to the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department by emailing tpt@cambridgema.gov or calling 617-349-4700.