What we're doing
This pilot project has two main parts:
- Speed Feedback Boards: We are installing speed feedback boards that will display a smiley face at slow and moderate speeds and a ‘SLOW DOWN’ message at high speeds. The goal is to reduce the number of vehicles traveling at speeds too high for the safety of other path users. Specifically, we are installing two of these feedback boards along the Corridor, one in the northbound direction (just south of Tremont St.) and one in the southbound direction (just south of Ruggles St.). To test the effectiveness of these boards, they will initially operate in observation mode, capturing vehicle speed data without showing any feedback, allowing us to analyze if speeds decrease after the boards are activated.
- No-Moped Signs: We are painting no-moped signs on the ground at three entrances to the Corridor: New Minton St., Ruggles St., and Tremont St. These signs aim to discourage the use of sit-scooters (mopeds) on shared-use paths, where their higher speeds and weights pose a safety risk to pedestrians and cyclists. They are also not allowed on shared use paths, per state law. Due to varying public awareness of vehicle classifications and usage restrictions, these signs seek to clarify permissible vehicle types in this area. To test their effectiveness, we will install a camera to count the number of mopeds on the corridor before and after the signs are implemented.
Additional Resources
Why we're doing it
The Southwest Corridor Park is a 4.1-mile linear park stretching from the Back Bay to Forest Hills. It facilitates daily commutes and connects diverse neighborhoods, enhancing accessibility and fostering a sense of community within the city. Its strategic location makes it an essential part of the city's transportation and recreation network and a focal point for neighborhood activities and interactions.
However, the increasing use of new electric mobility devices and the proliferation of mopeds, particularly for food delivery services, have raised renewed safety concerns for other shared-use path users. Limiting the use of high-speed and heavy vehicles is crucial to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable.
By addressing these concerns, we aim to create an environment where pedestrians, cyclists, and other users can coexist safely. This project is an early action in the Southwest Corridor Action Plan by the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR). It also supports the Beyond Mobility initiative's focus on clean transportation and aims to create a safer, more inclusive environment for all users. This initiative highlights effective collaboration between DCR and MassDOT, who are working together to achieve these shared goals.
What we hope to learn
Through this pilot project, we aim to understand the impact of these interventions on enhancing safety and usability along the Southwest Corridor Park. Specifically, we seek to learn:
- Effectiveness of No-Moped Signs:
- Will the painted no-moped signs reduce moped usage on the shared-use path?
- Impact of Speed Feedback Boards:
- Can the speed feedback boards effectively reduce vehicle speeds on the corridor?
- How do users respond to the feedback provided by the boards, and does it lead to safer behaviors?
- Operational Feasibility and Potential Expansion:
- What are the operational challenges and benefits of implementing these interventions?
- Can these measures be scaled and applied to other parts of the city or similar urban environments?
By answering these questions, we aim to improve safety measures and promote a more enjoyable and secure experience for all users of the Southwest Corridor Park.
Who's involved
- Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR)
- The Lab @ MassDOT
- The Esplanade Association