Boston’s New Bike Lanes Boost Cycling, Ease Traffic

Quick Smiles:

• Bicycle trips soared after new bike lanes appeared in Boston.
• Traffic dropped in areas with added cycling infrastructure.
• City leaders celebrated safer, more accessible streets for all.

The Better Bike Lanes project in metropolitan Boston inspired more people to cycle and reduced car traffic on local streets. Newly installed biking routes were part of Mayor Michelle Wu’s plan to improve transportation across the city.

By late 2024, much of the new infrastructure—including dedicated bike lanes and safe crossings—was completed and reviewed in a comprehensive city study.

On South Street in Brighton, daily bike trips rose by 22%, while Bolyston Street in Back Bay saw an impressive 83% increase, reaching 1,127 daily riders. Protective barriers helped keep the lanes clear for cyclists, making commuting safer and more appealing.

Other routes like Milk Street and Western Avenue also enjoyed significant growth in bicycle use, with some areas recording increases of more than 200 bikes per day.

Traffic counts declined, including a 9% drop near Fairfield Street and a 14% decrease close to Arlington Street between September 2022 and September 2024.

“Protected bike infrastructure works,” said Tiffany Cogell, executive director of the Boston Cyclist’s Union. “This is exactly the kind of evidence-based policymaking our city needs.”

These improvements offer Bostonians safer, greener ways to travel and share the road.

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