Press Release  DCR, MassDOT Announce Pilot Program for New Safety Measures on Path in Southwest Corridor Park

Boston — The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) today announced the piloting of new safety measures on the Southwest Corridor Park (SWCP) shared-use path. The agencies are piloting the new measures, which include the installation of new speed feedback boards urging users to slow down, in response to feedback from users and stakeholders during the Southwest Corridor Action Plan public process. The collaboration aims to enhance the safety and usability of the Park’s shared-use path, integrating the expertise and resources of both agencies to create a more secure and enjoyable experience for all users. 

“We are excited to pilot these new safety measures that will explore ways to keep the Southwest Corridor Park a safe and enjoyable space for all users,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “By encouraging responsible path use and reinforcing the prohibition of motorized scooters, we will create a more welcoming environment for everyone.”  

“As transportation planners, we aim to deliver an equitable, inclusive transportation network that promotes multimodal options and protects the safety of all users,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “I want to thank DCR for championing these safety enhancements along the Southwest Corridor Park shared-use path. Safety is a shared responsibility, including on shared-use paths. It is essential to follow the speed limits, use permissible vehicles, and stay vigilant.”   

DCR will install speed feedback boards that display a smiley face at slow and moderate speeds and a ‘SLOW DOWN’ sign at high speeds. The goal is to reduce the number of users traveling at speeds too high for the safety of other shared-use path users, regardless of the type of bicycle or mobility device being used. Additional measures include reminders painted on the ground that motorized sit-on scooters (mopeds) are not allowed on shared-use paths. Their higher speeds and weights pose a safety risk to pedestrians and cyclists. Temporary camera installations will allow before and after counts to gauge the impact of these reminders. 

The SWCP Action Plan aims to elevate the impact of this pioneering park, born out of vibrant community activism in the late 1980s in opposition to a large highway project, by promoting public health through walking, cycling, and recreational activities. By seamlessly and sustainably linking neighborhoods, the park serves as a shared “backyard,” providing diverse urban experiences and fostering a deeper connection with nature. It also plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges of climate change, serving as an urban oasis that helps mitigate its effects. 

This pilot focuses on the main points of the plan, particularly mobility and path etiquette. DCR is exploring policies and implementation strategies to: 

• Reduce conflicts and the perception of danger due to high-speed travel by people on various wheeled devices.
• Reinforce the prohibition of motorized scooters on the path.  

SWCP is a roughly 4-mile corridor running from Back Bay Station to Forest Hills Station through several Boston neighborhoods, including Back Bay, South End, Roxbury, Fenway, Mission Hill, and Jamaica Plain. Adjacent to and over the MBTA’s Orange Line, the 52-acre park is both a greenway facilitating access to eight transit stations and an important recreational facility with community gardens, basketball and tennis courts, a skate park, and playgrounds.  

For more information on the Southwest Corridor Action Plan, please visit Mass.gov.  

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