The Manager's report back on improved bicycle facilities in Porter Square

This redesign effort has been through a number of iterations since we started the original traffic study in 2015. As presented at our most recent public meeting on May 8, 2018, the project currently includes these key features: Simplifying the traffic signal operation from five phases to three phases, while retaining all of the current movements.

In addition to improving the efficiency of the intersection, this change in signal timing allows us to remove the time penalty for cyclists using the separated “jughandle” left turn from southbound Massachusetts Avenue onto eastbound Somerville Avenue. Under the new timing plan, bicycles and cars will make this left turn at the same time, eliminating the incentive for cyclists to mix with traffic rather than using the separated facility that currently exists (highlighted in Figure 1).

This movement is already controlled by a bicycle signal, which will remain in place. Adding buffers to the bicycle lanes on Somerville Avenue in the block between Massachusetts Avenue and White Street, to reduce the encroachment of turning motor vehicles (particularly large trucks). Note that further changes—detailed below—have been made to this area since the May 8th meeting, to increase separation on the westbound Somerville Avenue approach.

Moving the bicycle lane on northbound Massachusetts Avenue to be next to the curb, in a position that is more comfortable for cyclists. At the same time, the northbound Massachusetts

Page 2 of 3 Avenue through and right-turn movements will move on different signal phases, which will eliminate any potential conflicts between bicycles and right-turning vehicles. This movement for bicycles will be controlled by a separate bicycle signal, to make it clear to all users who has the right-of-way. Converting the middle lane on southbound Massachusetts Avenue from a shared through/left turn lane into a through lane, to eliminate the current configuration where some drivers get caught behind left turning vehicles. In the new design, there will be two through lanes on Massachusetts Avenue southbound and a single left turn lane from southbound Massachusetts Avenue to eastbound Somerville Avenue. Continuing to allow the left turn out of the Porter Square Shopping Center onto southbound Massachusetts Avenue. Prior versions of the plan had eliminated this left turn and replaced it with a left turn from Somerville Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue. Based on additional discussions and analysis, it was determined to be simpler to maintain the existing turn from the shopping center. Retaining a modified pedestrian island between the two directions of Somerville Avenue at Massachusetts Avenue. Prior versions of the plan had included the elimination of that island, but with the elimination of that left turn and the retention of the left turn from the shopping center, it is also possible to retain the pedestrian island (modified slightly to allow for wider bicycle facilities on Somerville Avenue). Lengthening the northbound Massachusetts Avenue bus stop at Upland Road that serves the MBTA Routes 77 and 96. This will allow buses to enter the bus stop much more easily and with less interference from general traffic, and will require the relocation of the two 30-minute Figure 1: Proposed Porter Square Intersection Design (May 8, 2018, with further refinements)

Separated “jughandle”

left turn Raised cycle track (to be added based on public comments)

Page 3 of 3 parking meters located in front of 1851 Massachusetts Avenue slightly to the south, just beyond the driveway that provides access to the Porter Exchange building.

During the May public meeting, the community expressed a number of concerns about the right turn from westbound Somerville Avenue to northbound Massachusetts Avenue and the potential for vehicles to encroach into the bike lane, even with the additional buffering.

Based on this feedback, we looked more closely at that turn, and have subsequently determined that based on grading and drainage, we can narrow the roadway width in this area, to create a raised separated bicycle lane for this block, which will physically prevent vehicles from entering into the bike lane in this area (as indicated in Figure 1). Although this does not address every concern that was expressed about the need for additional separated bicycle lanes, it does address the most strongly-expressed concern.

Future Design Process

As noted above, this project has been under development for several years, during which time there has been one pedestrian fatality and one cyclist fatality. As a result, we are anxious to move implementation of these improvements this year, including both traffic signal changes and physical construction.

At the same time, we recognize the concerns from the community regarding the need for additional improvements to the bicycle facilities in and around the square, and the fact that this project only addresses a portion of those concerns. However, expanding the number of separated bicycle lanes in the square will require additional study to understand the impacts on all users, including pedestrians, users of public transportation, and people who driving and/or making deliveries.

As discussed at the meeting, we are therefore committed to undertaking a new public outreach and design process to look at the potential to make the more substantial changes required to increase the level of separation for cyclists.

This process would consider some or all of the following issues: Reasonable limits of work for new separated bicycle lanes; Physical design changes required to created separated bicycle lanes; Potential opportunities and impacts related to bus service through Porter Square; Potential opportunities and impacts related to pedestrians traveling through Porter Square; Impacts on parking and traffic operations; and Other issues identified in community and stakeholder discussions.

As the City Council has requested for all transportation projects, this process would also include a robust public engagement element, aimed at making residents, businesses, and other stakeholders aware of the potential improvements and providing an opportunity for real and meaningful feedback.