Members Sought for Safety Improvement Project on Cambridge Street Working Group

Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking volunteers to serve on a new Working Group to help advise the Safety Improvement Project on Cambridge Street. The application deadline is Monday, September 9, 2024.

What is the Safety Improvement Project on Cambridge Street?

This project will:

• Add separated bike lanes on Cambridge Street between Inman Square and Second Street, meeting the requirements of the City of Cambridge’s Cycling Safety Ordinance to build a network of separated bike lanes throughout the City;
• Make changes to the street to improve safety for all users, including for people walking, biking, taking transit, and driving;
• Construct new bus stops, with boarding platforms that extend further into the street, reducing bus delay and improving the experience of using and waiting for the bus.

These changes will help the City of Cambridge meet the requirements of the Cambridge Cycling Safety Ordinance, support our Vision Zero goal to eliminate serious injury and fatality crashes, and bring us closer to realizing the Cambridge Bicycle Network Vision.

What is the role of the Safety Improvement Project on Cambridge Street Working Group?

The Working Group will advise on the Safety Improvement Project on Cambridge Street and is intended to represent many perspectives in the project development and design process to ensure the interests of the larger community are heard. Responsibilities of Working Group members include:

• Provide feedback on the design of the project, including the layout of parking spaces, loading zones, bike lanes, crosswalks, and bus stops;
• Discuss project concerns and work collaboratively on solutions;
• Support information sharing and constructive dialogue about the project among different stakeholders, including businesses, residents, visitors/business patrons, and City staff.

What kind of skills and abilities do you need to effectively serve on the Working Group

Individuals who are excited about shaping the future of Cambridge Street and want to work collaboratively to accomplish the goals above are encouraged to apply. The Working Group will include residents, business owners, institutional representatives, and a variety of people who use the corridor to live, work, walk, bike, drive, or take the bus.

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board and commission members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

What is the term of appointment for the Cambridge Street Safety Improvement Project?

The Working Group is expected to be made up of 12-15 members, representing a diverse set of interests along the Cambridge Street corridor, east of Inman Square. It is anticipated that the group will meet eight to ten times between Summer 2024 and Summer 2027, though exact meeting dates have not been yet established. Working Group meetings will be open to the public.

How can I apply to serve on the Safety Improvement Project on Cambridge Street Working Group?

Applications to serve on the Working Group can be submitted using the City of Cambridge’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply. The application deadline is Monday, September 9, 2024. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience may be submitted during the online application process. For more information, contact Andreas Wolfe, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department at awolfe@cambridgema.gov.