Bicycle Advocates Form Human Chain, Ask DCR For Protected Lanes

BOSTON — Nearly a hundred people formed two human chains Thursday morning along the corner of Park and Brookline avenue not far from where a Brookline librarian was fatally hit by a truck while cycling in the area. The rally came after weeks of working with DCR, encouraging them to create protected bike lanes. Just days ago, DCR opted not to use protected lanes for cyclists saying they offered a false sense of security and were too difficult to keep up, according to cycle union advocates.

The city of Boston recently put up protected bike lanes along Brookline Avenue, but they stop before the intersection at Park and Brookline Avenue. Cyclists and pedestrians both say it is a problem area. That intersection is managed by DCR.

Chance of injury goes down by 90 percent, with protected bike lanes, said Eliza Parad director of organizing for the Boston Cyclist Union.

Parad said there were commitments to improve the intersection after the woman was killed in February, but nothing has happened since then, she said.

The February incident is one in a long list of incidents in the area, say bikers. In late 2016, Sutton Kiplinger was riding with traffic on Park drive when she were hit from behind.

It was a week before her wedding.

"As I was flying over the handle bars all I could think was 'I hope I have all my teeth.'" Kiplinger said.

Kiplinger said she was doing everything right that evening - wearing lights, signaling and watching for cars and doors.

"It's just a case study in how all my vigilance couldn't protect me. But the right infrastructure can," said Kiplinger.

The cyclists say they are disappointed to see DCR hasn't put in protected lanes, and say that the painted lines are better than nothing but don't help when drivers aren't paying attention or are feeling rushed and take short cuts.

"We're here today to demand that they expedite changes," said Parad. "That they add space for cyclists, protected space for cyclists, with physical separation from cars and other vehicles through this intersection as well as on their parkways like Fenway and Park Drive, which were striped with no protection earlier this week leaving cyclists vulnerable."

Jennifer Bruni of Brookline said although she has a car she rides her bike frequently and came out to stand in solidarity with the rest of the cyclists.

"It's not just about the cars any more," she said.

Brookline State Rep. Tommy Vitolo, who was part of the chain, wearing a suit and bike helmet, referenced the Brookline librarian who was hit and killed nearby.

"It needs to end. we need to put people first, and we do that by creating the safe infrastructure we know works. We have the money, we need to decide to get it done, and I hope that DCR and MassPort will follow MassDOT's lead," said Vitolo. "And get it done street by street and make it a priority and put people first."

Thursday, as commuters drove by the cyclists stood along the road forming a human barrier along the painted bike lane.

"I feel so much safer!" shouted one man as he rode his bike down the short stretch of human protected lane.

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).