Cambridge Council approves 2‑way Garden Street plan with separated bike lanes

The Cambridge City Council voted 5–4 on April 7, 2025, to advance a plan to reopen Garden Street to two‑way vehicle traffic while retaining separated, bidirectional bike lanes, a configuration city staff labeled “Option 4.”

Supporters and opponents alike framed the issue around street safety, neighborhood traffic spillover and impacts on deliveries and parking. The council vote followed more than three hours of public comment, during which roughly 100 speakers addressed the item and related neighborhood concerns.

Councilors approved a motion to implement Option 4, which city staff estimated would cost roughly $137,000 for construction with additional short‑term restoration costs and a likely implementation timeline in summer 2026. The council also heard repeated requests from residents for traffic‑calming measures on nearby side streets and for loading and accessible parking close to senior housing along Garden Street.

The debate…