Neighborhood Council Supports Main Street Bike Lanes

A majority of the Charlestown Neighborhood Council has endorsed the repainting of bike lanes along Main Street. The council voted in favor of the bike lanes at its monthly meeting on Tuesday night, after some members briefly recapped their reservations and disagreements. 

The bike lanes were removed last December, shortly after they were painted, when about not being informed of their installation.

The outcome of the vote was no surprise, since the council's . Still, when the full council approved the motion, one audience member hooted and another clapped. 

Tom Cunha, who presides over the council, voted in favor of the plan. However, he said he would like the city to put up signs at the end of side streets so that pedestrians know to watch out for cyclists. 

Diane Grant, who represents the Charlestown Chamber of Commerce on the council, said she felt comfortable voting in favor of the bike lane plan after city officials explained it in detail and addressed safety issues at Monday night's meeting.  

Two members in attendance voted against the plans. Barbara Babin said that she thought bike lanes along Main Street would cause traffic congestion. Meanwhile, David Whelan said the lanes would create safety hazards. 

The Neighborhood Council maintains a strictly advisory role with the city, but its support of the bike lanes is symbolic. The results of Tuesday vote will be passed on to the mayor's office and Boston Bikes, the department that manages implementation of bike lanes in the city.