Thoughts on Washington Street Safety

[tano...@gmail.com]

I know that Washington Street is a very divisive topic on this group, but there is an op-ed in today's Boston Globe that is worth reading. And not just because it's by the family of a Newton resident who died on a bike in Cambridge. 

Titled "Our loved ones died biking in Cambridge last year. Boston-area candidates need to follow the facts on bike lanes" it goes into detail about the lives of Minh-Thi Nguyen and John H. Corcoran, especially leading up to their deaths while cycling. 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/08/11/opinion/bicycle-crashes-separated-bike-lanes-cambridge-boston/

Note that the original version has links for the key facts in the following paragraphs: 

"Common fears ... aren’t backed up by research. We hear that bike lanes will worsen congestion, but a study cited by the FHA found they don’t. In fact, bike lanes boost ridership and can decrease driving, lessening traffic for everyone. Yes, installing separated bike lanes can reduce street parking, but many local leaders are pursuing alternate parking locations and solutions. And studies resoundingly show that bike lanes don’t hurt retail sales.

"Some Boston-area candidates are ignoring the overwhelming research consensus on bike lanes and displaying a staggering lack of regard for people who cycle, victims of traffic violence, and everyone who cares about safer roads. Fortunately, in November, voters can choose who governs our streets. For the loved ones of bicyclists who died after being struck by vehicles, every death of a vulnerable road user reopens a deep wound. We urge voters to do their best to ensure no one else joins us in the grief we’ve known."

They wrote this about Boston, but it's relevant for every regional community, including Newton. I highly recommend reading the whole thing.

Chuck Tanowitz