Cambridge City Council Votes 5-4 to Extend Bike Lane Deadline to 2027

CAMBRIDGE — April 29, 2024 — Cambridge City Council voted 5-4 to extend the deadline for completing protected bike lanes on Cambridge Street, Broadway, and Main Street to as late as November 2027, over the objections of roughly 300 residents who testified against any delay. Policy Order 50, sponsored by Councillors Toner, Pickett, and Wilson and supported by Mayor Simmons and Councillor Nolan, defeated a last-minute compromise amendment 4-5 before passing on the same split. Vice Mayor McGovern, voting no, recalled that his son was doored near the spot where cyclist Amanda Phillips was killed in 2016, saying "people's safety shouldn't rely on luck." Councillor Azeem, also voting no, said a yes vote "could potentially cause a life to be lost." City staff had stated they were prepared to complete construction under the existing 2026 schedule; Cambridge Street alone has logged at least 65 crashes since 2021. The council recessed to reconvene April 30 at 10 a.m. to address remaining agenda items.