Bike Lanes, Sharrows Coming to Streets of Medford

The City of Medford plans to implement a series of improvements in an effort to make area roads safer, according to Mayor Michael McGlynn. Clearly marked bike lanes and sharrows will be created.

In response to suggestions proposed by the Medford Bicycle Advisory Commission, the city’s Department of Public Works announced it would carry out the following:

• Create bike lanes to Medford High School and Medford Vocational Technical High School along Winthrop Street between the Winchester line and Wildwood Road
• Apply shared lane markings, or “sharrows”, along with signs that read “Bicycles May Use Full Lane” on Playstead Road, from Winthrop Street to High Street; Medford Street, from its intersection with Main Street to the Somerville line; and Boston Avenue, from Winthrop Street to the Somerville line

“I appointed the Bicycle Advisory Commission in 2013 to help make Medford a more welcoming and safe place for bicyclists and to improve safety for all road users,” said Mayor McGlynn. “I am pleased to get these projects moving forward.”

The new bike lane will create a five-foot wide travel lane. The lane will not have an effect on parking situation along the road. It will create for much safer conditions for both motorists and bicyclists.

The sharrows will be positioned to help safely guide bicyclists on roads that are not wide enough for bike lanes. The signs will help to remind Medford residents that all riders are permitted to use all portions of the lane and are not restricted to the ones marked exclusively for bikes.

Photo Credit: Getty Images