A Letter to the Editor: Thoughtful Compromise Needed on BlueBikes Expansion in South Boston
Dear South Boston Elected Officials,
As a voter, homeowner, and engaged constituent who both lives and works in South Boston, I’m writing to share my perspective on the ongoing discussions around the proposed BlueBikes station locations.
I strongly support initiatives like BlueBikes, bike lanes, and greater cycling infrastructure as critical steps toward a more connected, sustainable city. However, I also recognize the sensitivity of parking-related issues in South Boston, which has been a contentious topic for over two decades.
Rejecting progress outright, as suggested in recent letters, only leads to division and missed opportunities. Thoughtful compromises that balance the needs of cyclists, drivers, and all residents will ultimately build trust and serve everyone in our community better. While I’m grateful for your service, Councilor Flynn, the objections raised about placing a station at Medal of Honor Park seem like more of an excuse than a valid concern. A bike dock at such a location would likely enhance accessibility for families, visitors, and residents using the park—not hinder it. Dismissing this site entirely feels short-sighted, especially when considering the park’s purpose as a public space meant to be accessible to all.
The proposal for 14 new BlueBikes stations includes four sites (#F3, #F6, #F7, and #F11) that impact parking spaces. I urge city officials to prioritize alternative locations like wider sidewalks or park spaces that could avoid these conflicts. At the same time, openly communicating these adjustments can help ensure that the conversation remains constructive and solutions-focused.
The expansion of BlueBikes represents more than a cycling initiative—it’s about giving everyone access to safer, more equitable transportation options. By addressing the concerns of all residents and ensuring the process feels inclusive and transparent, we can avoid allowing a vocal minority’s frustration to derail this essential progress.
Thank you for your time, your advocacy, and your commitment to making South Boston accessible and livable for all.
Best regards,
Corey Dinopoulos
South Boston Resident & Co-Chair of SouthieBikes
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
Thank you Corey for your thoughtful response. I am also a Southie resident, snd parent of young kids. I am fully supportive of this effort to improve the transportation infrastructure for Southie. Getting to seaport is challenging during rush hour. Providing more means to get to work is needed especially when the 7 bus is overcrowded. There are many additional benefits to blue bikes such as reducing pollution, reducing traffic, expanding accessibility, and providing exercise. I hope our community and elected officials take the stance of partners and take advantage of this opportunity to improve our infrastructure.
Well said, Corey!
Nahhh.
…try South “Cambridge”.
The average person who lives in South Boston would welcome the blue bikes and especially safer bike lanes. Having just a few super safe bike lanes that connect important parts of the overall bike network would make things safer for everyone, and some of the people against it now will be using the bikes at some point and glad we didn’t go super archaic when the city was developing this network.
Boston isn’t and never will be Amsterdam. Stop giving up lanes and parking to bikes. The majority of bike riders here don’t follow the rules of the road but rather their own rules. Improve the roads. Improve the T
While I agree with the positive aspects of Blue Bikes, tax paying residents must take precedence over the proliferation of \Blue Bikes. Expand the Blue Bikes, yes, but not at the expense of residents who must use cars to commute, to shop, to access a multitude of elements that make up their lives. It’s hard enough to find a parking place. Do not make it harder. No Blue Bikes on resident parking spaces or on Broadway affecting local businesses.
Enough is enough. We don’t need more stations. The people who come to live here and use them are not going to be here in ten years and those of us who are will be stuck with too many bike stations.
Here’s an idea. Go out and buy your own bike. That’s what people did before politicians thought it was a good idea to subsidize private businesses.