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Share Input on the Banks St Contra-Flow Bike Lane Proposal

caution sign The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 3 years ago.

The Cambridge Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department would like your feedback on an opportunity to install a contra-flow bike lane on the one-way section of Banks St. This proposal makes use of existing space on the street and does not involve a change to existing parking spaces, all parking will remain.

Banks St is currently one-way north of Surrey St/Cowperthwaite St and two-way south of Surrey St/Cowperthwaite St. Both sections of the street are the same width, which means that there is currently space on the one-way section that has not been allocated for a specific use.

We’re proposing to add a contraflow-bike lane in the one-way section. Contra-flow bike lanes provide dedicated space for people to bike against the flow of motor-vehicle traffic on one-way streets. The edge of the contra-flow bike lane on Banks St would be marked with a double-yellow line, like those seen on many two-way streets.

This proposed contra-flow bike lane: 

  • makes use of additional space in the one-way section of Banks St;
  • does not impact parking, all parking spaces will remain; and
  • creates a southbound connection for people biking from Mt Auburn St.

We are also proposing to add shared lane markings in the general travel lanes. Shared lane markings:

  • serve as a reminder that people biking and people driving should share the space,
  • visually narrow the roadway, which helps reduce speeding; and
  • provide wayfinding to help people biking identify more comfortable routes.

We want your feedback on this proposal. Please share your comments before October 18, 2020.

Share Feedback on the Proposal

The graphics below illustrate the proposed plan for Banks St. If you have questions about this proposal, contact Stephen Meuse at smeuse@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4713.

North of Surrey St/Cowperthwaite St
Graphic of proposed Banks St cross section north of Surrey St/Cowperthwaite St. 5.5 foot bike lane, 20.5 foot wide area that includes general travel with shared lane markings and parking

South of Surrey St/Cowperthwaite St
Graphic of proposed Banks St cross section south of Surrey St/Cowperthwaite St. one 26 foot wide area that includes one travel lane in each direction with shared lane markings, and one parking lane

Plan Drawing - Part 1 of 3

Banks St graphic part one of three, showing the area of Banks St between Mount Auburn St and Grant St

Plan Drawing - Part 2 of 3

Banks St graphic part two of three, showing the area of Banks St between Grant St and Fallon Pl

Plan Drawing - Part 3 of 3

Banks St graphic part three of three, showing the area of Banks St between Fallon Pl and the walkway next to Peabody Terrace

Accessibility Statement

The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information contact Najah Casimir at ncasimir@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4359 (voice), or via relay at 711.

Page was posted on 10/1/2020 5:09 PM
Page was last modified on 7/25/2023 1:55 AM
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