Letter from Sara Dadkhah regarding City Manager's Agenda Item 5 in support of Option 1_ No change on Garden

1 Macomber, Jennifer From: Sara Dadkhah <[email removed]> Sent: Monday, March 31, 2025 10:28 AM To: City Council Cc: City Manager; City Clerk Subject: City Manager's Agenda Item 5 in support of Option 1, No change on Garden Dear City Council Members, I’m writing as a resident of 29 Garden Street to support City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 and to express my strong support for Option 1—maintaining the current one-way vehicle layout with protected bike lanes on both sides. I understand and respect the concerns of drivers who have found the new layout less convenient. However, it’s important to weigh that inconvenience against the substantial safety and mobility benefits for pedestrians, cyclists, and non-car commuters. As someone who lives directly on Garden Street, I’ve seen firsthand that this design has calmed traffic, made crossings safer, and created a more livable environment for everyone—not just those traveling by bike. Some drivers have pointed to increased traffic on nearby streets like Raymond or Linnaean, but the City’s data shows mixed changes—some streets even saw decreases in volume—and that overall traffic levels are comparable to or below pre-2020 levels. Traffic volume is also rising regionally, regardless of Garden Street’s configuration. More importantly, the current one-way layout does not eliminate vehicle access—it simply channels it in one direction and discourages cut-through driving through residential neighborhoods. Drivers still have parallel options (like Concord Ave), and this configuration makes the area safer for vulnerable users, including schoolchildren, seniors, and those with disabilities. It also maintains 52 of the original 67 parking spaces and accommodates loading zones and drop-off needs that a full two-way layout would eliminate. Cambridge has committed to a transportation vision where safety and sustainability come first. Option 1 reflects a thoughtful compromise—protecting bike and pedestrian infrastructure, preserving most parking, and keeping traffic functional. Reverting to two-way car traffic would compromise safety, increase intersection delays, and remove vital amenities for those of us who don’t—or can’t—drive. Please continue to stand by this community-informed design. As a resident who uses Garden Street daily and sees its impact up close, I urge you to support Option 1. Thank you for your time and leadership. Sincerely, Sara Dadkhah 29 Garden Street Apt 306, Cambridge MA [email removed]