Walnut St. parking ban permanently in effect

Post date: Jun 6, 2012 1:31:04 PM

Last week Traffic Council voted overwhelmingly to support increased safety for bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists on Walnut Street. Results of the restricted parking trial over the past few months have demonstrated many fewer traffic accidents, plus enabled bicycle trips five times greater in number than before. Utilization of Walnut Street has also improved, with the number of cyclists safely riding now far exceeding the number of cars previously parked all day just to access the T station. Local residents have also testified to the improved safety from clear sightlines when crossing the street.

We applaud this Traffic Council decision and successful policy, and urge Public Safety & Transportation to continue to support the rollout of bicycle lanes for key thoroughfares in Newton.