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The information below provides more details about the requirements and timelines laid out in the 2020
amendments to the Cycling Safety Ordinance . The Ordinance text is available in Chapter
12.22 of the Cambridge Municipal Code . We are providing this simplified version of the timelines to
help you understand what we’re required to do and when we’re required to do it. Some dates are dependent
on when we finish other tasks, so the information provided below is our current estimate. This page will be updated
as time goes on.
The MassAve4 The Ordinance splits Massachusetts Avenue into two groups. Group one, which we are calling “The MassAve4”
includes all locations that have complicating factors (i.e. the two major bus stops in Harvard Square and the
sections with overhead bus wires). The second group includes all other parts of Mass Ave.
The MassAve4 includes Mass Ave from
Dudley St to Beech St;
Roseland St to Waterhouse St;
Garden St to Church St, in the northbound direction (this segment is Peabody St); and
Dunster St to Plympton St.
It is possible that installing quick-build separated bike lanes on these four segments of Mass Ave would have
significant negative impacts on other road users. However, construction projects may allow us to make more
significant changes (e.g., removing the median) that would reduce some of the potential negative impacts.
0.00 of 2.51 miles installed or under construction
submitted April 30, 2021
Impacts Analysis Due
We were required to submit a report to the Cambridge City Council describing the impacts of installing
quick-build separated bike lanes on each block of the MassAve4.
approved April 25, 2022
Construction Timeline Approval
By April 30, 2022: After the Impacts Analysis is submitted, we’ll determine which blocks can be installed using
quick-build methods and which blocks require construction. This decision will be based on further analysis
and review of the benefits and impacts of each approach (i.e., quick-build and construction). For the blocks
that require construction, we must propose and get City Council approval on an implementation timeline.
The Rest of Mass Ave The Rest of Mass Ave includes all segments of Mass Ave, from Memorial Drive to Alewife Brook Parkway, that are not
included in the MassAve4.
2.75 of 3.51 miles installed or under construction
completed 2022
Installation Deadline
By April 30, 2022, we must install separated bike lanes on all parts of Mass Ave that are not in the MassAve4. In locations
where we choose to do construction, we’re only required to start construction by the end of April
2022.
Status: By summer 2022, we completed installation of separated bike lanes on all of Mass Ave, except in the MassAve4 segments and between Sidney Street and Inman Street (the Central Square Exception).
by December 31, 2022
Central Square Exception - Design
If we are constructing separated bike lanes between Sidney St and Inman St, we don't have to meet the April
30, 2022 deadline. Instead, we have until the end of 2022 to begin design.
by December 31, 2025
Central Square Exception - Construction
If we are constructing separated bike lanes between Sidney St and Inman St, we have until the end of 2025 to
begin construction.
The Special4 The Special4 includes:
Broadway from Quincy St to Hampshire St;
Cambridge St from Oak St to Second St;
Hampshire St from Amory St to Broadway; and
Garden St, eastbound from Huron Ave to Berkeley St, and westbound from Mason St to Huron Ave.
2.81 of 7.49 miles installed
by April 30, 2025
Potential Progress Report Due
If we do not install separated bike lanes on all segments of the Special4 by the end of April 2025, we must
provide a report to the Cambridge City Council explaining how we plan to get them done within the next year.
by November 1, 2026 (Tentative)
Installation Deadline
We must install separated bike lanes on all segments of the Special4.
In October, 2024, Cambridge City Council initiated the process to extend the deadline to complete most Cycling Safety Ordinance separated bike lanes to November 1, 2026. This modifies the previous deadline of May 1, 2026. Status: To date, we have completed installation of separated bike lanes on the following sections:
Garden Street, eastbound from Huron Ave to Berkeley St, and westbound from Mason St to Huron Ave.
Hampshire Street from Amory Street to Broadway
One block of Cambridge Street from Oak Street to Prospect Street
One block of Broadway from Portland Street to Hampshire Street
Other Locations The Ordinance requires the installation of 22.6 miles of separated bike lanes by the dates listed below. This 22.6
miles includes lanes installed on “The Rest of Mass Ave” and the “Special4”. It does not
include the “MassAve4”. This means there are 11.6 miles of separated bike lanes that have to be
installed in other locations that are in the Bicycle Network Vision.
8.50 of 11.60 miles installed or under construction
Deadline Passed: by June 30, 2022
COVID-19/Public Process Extension Approval
If we need an extension due to delays in public process caused by COVID-19, we must submit a report to the
City Council explaining why the extension is needed and ask for their approval.
We did not opt to request this extension.
by April 30, 2025
General Extension Notice
If we need a one-year extension (for any reason) we must provide a report to the City Council explaining why
the extension is needed. Extending this deadline is the City Manager’s choice.
We have
not yet opted to enact this extension.
by November 1, 2026 (Tentative)
Installation Deadline
We must finish the installation of 11.6 miles of separated bike lanes in other locations (aside from Mass
Ave and the Special4). In locations where we choose to do construction, we’re only required to start
construction by the end of April 2026.
In October, 2024, Cambridge City Council initiated the process to extend the deadline to complete most Cycling Safety Ordinance separated bike lanes to November 1, 2026 . This modifies the previous deadline of May 1, 2026. November 2024 Status: To date, we have completed installation or started construction of 7.60 miles of separated bike lanes in other locations.
See the projects page for details .
by April 30, 2027
Possible General Extension
If we submit a report before April 30, 2025 explaining why we needed a one-year extension: We must finish the installation of 11.6
miles of separated bike lanes in other locations.
by April 30, 2028
Possible Extension (based on MassAve4)
If, when working on the MassAve4, we install 1.25 miles of quick-build separated bike lanes in the segments
from Beech St to Dudley St or from Waterhouse St to Roseland St: We must finish the installation of 11.6
miles of separated bike lanes in other locations.
May 31, 2023 status update: The MassAve4 will proceed with partial construction. This extension no longer applies.
by August 31, 2028
Possible COVID-19/Public Process Extension
If we ask for and receive Council approval on an extension related to COVID-19 delays: We must finish the
installation of 11.6 miles of separated bike lanes in other locations.
We have not opt to request this extension.
COVID-19 Revenue Shortfalls The Ordinance acknowledges that we may be significantly limited in our ability to meet the requirements due to the
financial impacts of COVID-19.
Deadline passed: June 30, 2022
Extension Approval
If extensions are needed due to revenue shortfalls caused by COVID-19: We must submit a report and get the
City Council's approval on a new timeline.
We did not request this extension.