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Council directs staff to study neighborways and traffic calming north of Ringe Avenue during Linear Park reconstruction
Summary
The council adopted Policy Order 2 directing staff to examine options to improve walking and bicycling north of Ringe Avenue, including neighborways, signage and speed-hump pilots, after multiple residents described hazardous conditions and poor detour signage following Linear Park work.
The Cambridge City Council voted to adopt a policy order directing staff to examine ways to improve connectivity and safety for pedestrians and cyclists north of Ringe Avenue while the Linear Park is under reconstruction.
Councilor Sabrina Wheeler, co-sponsor of the order, said local streets such as Harvey, Sargent, Reed and Dudley should be considered for "neighborway" treatments, signage and traffic calming to provide safe routes for children and families who previously used the Linear Park. Public commenters described heavy commuter traffic, unsafe speeds and confusing detour signage that have pushed cyclists and children into hazardous conditions at intersections such as Cedar and Ringe.
Speakers including Darren Buck, Jason Stonehouse, Catherine Beatty and Nicholas Fernandez endorsed the study and offered to meet on-site with staff. Councilor Toner asked staff to consider neighborhood parking impacts and to avoid unnecessarily removing on-street parking where possible. Councilor Wilson emphasized the need for clear public communication to residents and businesses about detours and impacts.
Council amended the order to add Councilor Toner and then adopted it by roll call (nine in favor). The order asks the Department of Transportation and relevant departments to return with options for neighborways, signage, speed-hump pilots and community outreach.
Next steps: staff will review candidate streets, analyze parking and access trade-offs, propose low-cost pilot traffic calming measures and host community engagement and site visits earlier in the implementation timeline.
