As a long-time resident of South Boston, I understand the daily challenges that commuters face. The frequency of the 7 bus has always been a problem, and the recent decision by the MBTA to cut its frequency has only exacerbated the issue. In my frustration, I turned to cycling as an alternative, which not only saved me time but also gave me a sense of control over my commute.
However, cycling isn’t a feasible option for everyone. Therefore, I strongly support the City of Boston’s pilot program for a bus and truck lane, as well as improvements to cycling infrastructure, on Summer Street. A dedicated bus lane on this busy street would provide numerous benefits, such as reducing congestion, improving travel times, enhancing safety, encouraging more people to use public transportation, reducing emissions, and supporting economic development in the surrounding areas. This would not only improve the experience for 7 bus riders but also for those who rely on private vehicles to commute. Allowing freight trucks to use the bus lane is a win-win for both freight and commuters as it provides faster and more efficient movement of goods while also reducing the number of trucks in other lanes, which helps to alleviate congestion and improve travel times for all commuters.
Investing in transportation infrastructure is crucial to our community’s well-being and economic success. By supporting dedicated lanes and bike lane improvements on Summer Street, we can create a more efficient and sustainable transportation system that benefits everyone. The use of a pilot program allows for careful testing and evaluation of the concept, with the flexibility to make changes based on data and community feedback.
Let’s work together to make South Boston a better place to live, work, and commute. Your voice can make a real difference in shaping the future of transportation in our community!
Corey has lived and worked in South Boston since 2008 and is a co-chair of our neighborhood cyclist advocacy group, SouthieBikes. He’s an avid skier, runner, and cyclist always looking for ways to make Boston an ideal city to work, live and play in.
Federicos Bike Shop closed. A shame.
Of course he’s going to support, it’s his job to.
Time for bikes to get registered with city for a fee and also so city can charge an excise tax. Also for safety a helmet law should be implemented and rules of the road observed. This should also apply to scooters.
Absolutely! If cyclists want dedicated infrastructure they should contribute to it’s cost.
While people do not pay to ride bicycles on the road, bicycling costs almost nothing – less than 1% of money spent on transportation infrastructure goes to anything bike-related, and bicycles do not contribute significantly to other road-related expenses like potholes, crashes, or congestion.
People who ride bicycles also pay taxes, which means they often pay more into the road system than they cost it. The myth that cyclists pay nothing for our roads is pervasive, and completely untrue.
I would be happy to pay into a system that appropriately serves the population that currently exists beyond cars.
Considering your logic, I imagine that you are in favor of increasing gas, registration, and excise taxes to a more modern percentage and one that reflects the usage and wear of the roads and planet by motor vehicles. Very grateful for your solidarity and hope our city council hears from you on having everyone pay their fair share for their relative usage.
Not sure how this will not cause vehicular backup all the way to Day Bulevard… the lights at Papas way already backup all the way to the power plant so if all those cars have to be in one lane it’ll push it even further, I wont support this unless they seriously think about adding a 3rd lane
A more sensible solution would be to do something about puthrough traffic from the South Shore on the L St/ Summer St corridor. Then a bus lane wouldn’t be needed. I would also say it’s time to look at light rail on Summer. BTW Corey isn’t a “Long time resident of South Boston.
Corey has only lived here since 2008, he’s not even eligible to apply for Southie citizenship. If he married a Southie girl we could. nominate him for citizenship after 20 years. 40 years is the minimum longevity otherwise. Sorry Corey you’re still an outsider. But you’re a good writer, so you got that going for ya.
Seriuosly,, That ridiculously long line up broadway is a disgrace. Time for elected officials to get a couple of tandem T buses assigned to Southie to get these high rent paying taxpayers to & from work. Southie is know for political clout, how about showing some,
Missing from this dialogue, the need for meaningful transit investment to support the already built and planned development in the Seaport… you know, the other end of South Boston.. every project has declared 40% of workers will arrive via transit… there are no more roads being built, alternatives like a 15 minute #7 bus connecting North Station to South Station, the Seaport and City Point is coming with the better bus project, having that run in a dedicated lane through the City makes sense… this includes the Summer Street corridor
Sing along with all ..Cory Cory give us your story true your half crazy all for the love of WU ..it won’t be a stylish carriage you won’t believe the carnage but you’ll look beat along the street on a road that. ‘S ment for every one !!!!!!! All bikers have a lane now just follow the rules of the road Period !!!!!! My apologies to Daisy !!!