The Problem with Boston's Biking Infrastructure

Benefiting the rich and ignoring the poor

To many Americans, the typical urban cyclist is a fit white man. This image has been perpetuated by cycling clubs and organizations which historically did not permit racial minorities to become members. As a result, the dominant voice in biking has focused on the wishes and needs of this population, while ignoring other cyclists. Bikers of color are sometimes referred to as "invisible cyclists", because they are usually not included in official bike counts, and are left out of decision making processes relating to transportation reform. Boston's biking infrastructure exemplifies this issue which can be seen in the disproportionate access to safe biking infrastructure.

Through both first-hand experience and literature reviews, we discovered that Boston has an inequitable distribution of safe and effective bicycle infrastructure. Biking infrastructure is significantly more common in affluent and white dominated neighborhoods, which can be seen in our interactive maps comparing Commonwealth Avenue and Dorchester Avenue. The current biking system leaves out under resourced BIPOC communities. This is important because for those unable to afford cars, biking can be one of the only ways to access education, employment, healthy foods, green spaces, and other resources. Additionally, with COVID-19 making public transportation less safe, biking can provide a safer alternative. Not only does this limit marginalized communities ability to use biking as a mode of transportation, but it also prevents communities all around Boston from gaining the health benefits that come along with bicycle use. Although the city has made plans to expand biking infrastructure, many advocates think that the actual implementation of these projects has been slow.

The Problem: About

"Most of the newer infrastructure thats come in in the last five or so years has typically focused on wealthier whiter and downtown parts of the city" - Boston Cyclists Union

"A lot of times when campaigns like this are rolled out, the loudest voices are heard, and that may not represent the majority" "The loudest voices were people who don't necessarily live on that corridor, bike through that corridor, or work there, but people who drive through." - Bikes Not Bombs

"Black and brown people aren't counted in the bike census, but they for sure ride their bikes. They just ride their bikes differently than the city hall bureaucrats or advocates who are making arguments." - Massachusetts Biking Coalition

"We know that everybody deserves safer streets, and the city has historically not invested as much in certain areas." "South Boston has hardly any biking facilities" - Boston Transportation Department

"Dorchester Ave is definitely one of the most dangerous streets to bike down in Boston." "I wish there was a safe way for me to bike from home to work every day." - Ashmont Cycles

The Problem: Text