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I don't know if you're referring to Beacon Street in Somerville, but... Even though I actually haven't ridden that way since they built the cycle track, I live

I don't know if you're referring to Beacon Street in Somerville, but... Even though I actually haven't ridden that way since they built the cycle track, I live in the neighborhood and the cycle track has looked awkward to me since they put it in. Back when I commuted home down Beacon I would bomb down the slight downhill to the Star Market at 25 or so, pretty far out into the "car" lane, because I wanted to be able to see, and have time to react to, any cars attempting to pull out of the side streets. To the grandparent's point, the cycle track is really only compatible with laid back putt-putting. I think if you were to carry any speed at all, you'd eventually get T-boned by a car pulling out of the many poor-visibility side streets ... or you'd T-bone the car yourself ... with your face. So if I'm out on a ride (not just going to the store or something) I think I'll avoid the expensive new cycletrack, thank you.

Steltek 8y ago
Yes, this is Beacon St in Somerville. If they had just put it on the uphill side, this wouldn't be a problem. Unless you're a pro cyclist or an e-biker, you're not going to match car speeds going uphill. There are far fewer driveways and every single side street is a 100 yard dead end due to the train tracks. Going downhill (cycle track side), I have no problem keeping up with traffic. During rush hour, I usually end up having to slow down for cars in front, which sucks a lot but that's life. I'm not sure how expensive this project is (it's still not finished!) but it must be at least a million dollars flushed down the drain. And that's not even mentioning those dumb HAWK lights that will be ripped out because no one knows what to do.
- r_klancer 8y ago
  Excellent point, I hadn't put 2 and 2 together (about which side of the street it should have been put on)

Steltek 8y ago

Yes, this is Beacon St in Somerville. If they had just put it on the uphill side, this wouldn't be a problem. Unless you're a pro cyclist or an e-biker, you're not going to match car speeds going uphill. There are far fewer driveways and every single side street is a 100 yard dead end due to the train tracks. Going downhill (cycle track side), I have no problem keeping up with traffic. During rush hour, I usually end up having to slow down for cars in front, which sucks a lot but that's life. I'm not sure how expensive this project is (it's still not finished!) but it must be at least a million dollars flushed down the drain. And that's not even mentioning those dumb HAWK lights that will be ripped out because no one knows what to do.

r_klancer 8y ago
Excellent point, I hadn't put 2 and 2 together (about which side of the street it should have been put on)