Traffic Commission recommends moving forward with regional bikeshare initiative

Bikeshare Initiative

On Thursday, Metropolitan Area Planning Council’s Senior Transportation Planner Marah Holland presented to the Waltham Traffic Commission a plan to bring a bikeshare system to the city. 

The presentation comes following a request from Waltham’s Economic & Community Development Committee and after years of work by bicycle-transportation proponents and city councilors to craft and keep alive a 2022 resolution to implement bikeshare systems.

Massachusetts bikeshare operations are now a joint regional venture run by MAPC in conjunction with municipalities, Blue Cross Blue Shield and other public and private organizations, according to Holland. Lyft manages day-to-day operations including bike maintenance, customer service and the app and website. 

Holland said the first step to move the bikeshare program forward is to reach out to MAPC, Bluebikes’ regional facilitator. There are currently 13 municipalities that jointly own, manage, and host Bluebikes: Arlington, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Newton, Revere, Salem, Somerville and Watertown.

MAPC can then help the city identify appropriate docking station locations, create “safe and effective” routes and fund the initiative. 

Currently, municipalities may share some of the equipment costs for the bikeshare program with riders who pay a usage fee, but Holland said that many municipalities take advantage of state, federal and private funding. 

“A lot of our municipalities have funded nearly 100% of their equipment [costs] through some of these grant programs.” Cities may also turn to private institutions like universities and hospitals to host and provide funding for Bluebikes docking stations and equipment. Holland additionally shared that MAPC’s next Bluebikes contract with municipalities may eliminate operating costs. 

After having their questions answered by Holland, the Traffic Commission made a motion to recommend to the City Council that it go forward with working with MAPC on the bikeshare program. 

Pedestrian safety

Ward 9 Councilor Robert G. Logan presented the proposal for a new crosswalk to span Gardner Street at Gorham Street to provide safe passage for families and children accessing the spray park at Dana Court. Gardner Street resident Tammy Wong Bigelow testified that “a lot of children dash across that street in that spot, especially during the warmer months when the splash pad is opened.” She noted that despite the playground sign signaling for drivers to slow down, “cars are still racing down the street, and the children are still running back and forth” to play.

Garvin initially recommended denying the request, citing concerns about placement, the need to remove parking spaces and a preference for an existing crosswalk at Gardner and Pine streets. 

Following brief discussion, the commission approved a plan for Garvin to work with Logan to determine community support for removing parking spaces and installing a new sidewalk at the location.

Also in pedestrian safety:

• Following a traumatic vehicle-on-pedestrian collision at the intersection of Moody, Maple and High streets, Ward 8 Councilor Cathyann Harris highlighted the need for a dedicated pedestrian signal crossing phase. The commission directed Garvin to study the traffic signal and make a recommendation at next month’s meeting.

• The commission approved a motion for the installation of a crosswalk and rectangular rapid-flashing beacon near the new playground at 200 Trapelo Road.

• The commission discussed a request for a crosswalk and RRFB at Moody Street and Adams Avenue near the Waltham skate park following a study of the location’s use.

• The commission approved Garvin’s recommendation to introduce a pedestrian crossing phase at Grove Street by adding a traffic signal at the intersection of Newton and Grove streets, to be coordinated with an updated traffic signal at Newton and River streets. 

• The commission and Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy presented a number of updates on Lowell Street traffic calming measures including traffic chokers, fresh paint, crosswalks and signage.

No radar love

• The commission denied a request for a permanent installation of a radar speed sign on Harrington Road after studying the issue. 

• Following completion of an evaluation of seasonal speed cushions on Crescent Street, Garvin determined that the devices satisfactorily reduced vehicle speeds and improved safety. He recommended that the safety cushions be installed annually between April 15 and Oct. 15. The commission voted to support this recommendation. Fire Chief Andrew Mullen did note his objection to the safety measure because, according to him, they are “an impediment to [Fire Department] response.”  

Other commission business

• The commission approved Ward 6 Councilor Sean T. Durkee’s request on behalf of Watch City Pharmacy for a new 15-minute parking spot just east of Wellington Street.

• The commission denied Ward 7 Councilor Paul S. Katz’s request for resident-only parking on Morton Street following a study of both day and nighttime parking demand. 

• The commission approved final plans for a proposed Second Avenue traffic signal at the Costco Driveway.

Upcoming events

• City councillors announced Waltham High School’s homecoming parade and associated activities will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18. 

• Waltham Open Studios organizers requested free parking on Saturday, Nov. 1, for all event artists and visitors; Garvin approved free parking for event artists and volunteers with a city-approved placard only.