I live pretty close to this intersection and was as excited as beans when they repaved N. Harvard and added the bike lanes, but knew there would be problems eventually with the Western Ave intersect. On the one hand I think the timing for when they did the repaving was excellent (though about five years later than was originally needed) because it was before the start of college season. This means that fresh eyes to the area aren’t confused by a sudden change in the traffic pattern. It was perhaps the best timing they could have had for this affect. On the other hand anyone who is already familiar with the area (most especially those who have lived here for a while) are at the greatest risk of handing all the newness in a poor fashion.

Somewhere I heard that most accidents happen within two miles from the home, and the risk is greatly increased during construction or other times when there is a change to the familiarity people are accustomed to. When people develop habits they are slow to change them, and that is exactly what they have to do now with the changes made on N. Harvard. That’s not an excuse, and it never should be given as one, but it is a direct cause to a probable sudden increase in accidents. It should serve as a yellow or red flag if you happen to be aware that a change took place. Another example here was when all of the on-street parking was stripped away, and afterwards plenty of people ignored the fact that they were now parking in a bike lane with signs nearby saying “No Parking”. We’re all Creatures of Habit when it comes down to it, and may not even recognize change because we aren’t looking for it.

It does feel sketchy most of the time when I take that bit of lane and it drops left to separate the right-only lane. I would fully expect poor behavior for at least another year or more while familiarites begin to accept the change that has taken place. I don’t think I would have done any differently, but will be extra vigilant now when I’m approaching Western Ave because of your story.

I agree this is a “win” for bikers in Allston. Harvard was actually a huge proponent of the facility- and removing parking– which made all the difference to the City’s ability to make this a reality.

Though a “win” with respect to bikers that sorely needed some reprieve from parked cars, buses, and awful pavement on this major thoroughfare — my happiness about the facility is tempered a little by one design flaw– and a construction oversight:

1. The painted median that creates a left turn pocket into the Harvard Stadium is way too wide! I estimate it at 10-12 feet at its widest point (could be way off). What this effectively does is “push” cars closer to the bike lane on both sides of the street. So when the 66 comes barreling down the road behind you- there is literally less than a foot between you and that bus- in the painted median section. Some people will only “draw in the lines” and they apply that behavior to driving as well- even when it is unsafe. There is no need to have delineated that much space to create a turn pocket- it is simply what the design engineers manual states– and does not regard actual use of the road.

2. The storm grates on some sections of this road run in the same “grain” as a bikes tires. I can avoid them now because I can see them– once the snow falls… who knows– maybe so will I!?

Still, I suppose sometimes a flawed facility is better than no facility at all. Also this facility and hopefully others that will be forthcoming represent an opportunity for the City of Boston to start making holistic considerations of their street design process- and how to really accommodate us all.

Because of the improvements I have even been able to entice one or two coworkers to join me for lunch in Harvard Square by bike (we work in Allston.) This is a very good thing…