Banks St Contra-Flow Bike Lane Installation

The Cambridge Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department collected feedback on a proposal to install a contra-flow bike lane on the one-way section of Banks St. Community feedback was solicited via the City's website, social media, daily email updates, and flyers that were distributed and posted on the street. After reviewing and considering the feedback that was received, the Department is now moving forward with installation on Tuesday, November 17. All work is weather dependent.

The new lane will make use of existing space on the street and will not result in 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 are adding 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 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 will 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.

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

Plan Drawing - Part 1 of 3

Plan Drawing - Part 2 of 3

Plan Drawing - Part 3 of 3

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.