A Cyclist in Boston Reinforces a Bike Lane with Cones and Plants
Christopher Magsambol — September 23, 2015 — Unique
References: bostonglobe & fastcoexist
A tragic accident in one of Boston's busiest streets inspired one fast-thinking cyclist to create a guerrilla bike lane.
Although the streets are clearly marked with bike lanes, it is typical for drivers on Massachusetts Avenue to swerve into them, often putting the lives of cyclists in danger. After a death of a doctor who was cycling on the street, the city promised to reinforce the lanes with poles. The city was incredibly slow to act, which prompted a cyclist, Jonathan Fertig to drop few orange cones to create a more visible barrier for drivers.
Fertig also added a few flower pots in between each pylon, which not only reinforces the barrier, but acts as tribute to the cyclist who passed. Although the guerrilla bike lane only exists for 200 yards, this small act may finally convince the mayor's office to create permanent safety precautions.
Although the streets are clearly marked with bike lanes, it is typical for drivers on Massachusetts Avenue to swerve into them, often putting the lives of cyclists in danger. After a death of a doctor who was cycling on the street, the city promised to reinforce the lanes with poles. The city was incredibly slow to act, which prompted a cyclist, Jonathan Fertig to drop few orange cones to create a more visible barrier for drivers.
Fertig also added a few flower pots in between each pylon, which not only reinforces the barrier, but acts as tribute to the cyclist who passed. Although the guerrilla bike lane only exists for 200 yards, this small act may finally convince the mayor's office to create permanent safety precautions.
Trend Themes
1. Guerrilla Bike Lane Activism - Disruptive innovation opportunity for bike enthusiasts to create temporary bike lanes and influence policy change.
2. Urban Cycling Safety - Disruptive innovation opportunity for companies to create smart bike safety gear and software to improve urban cycling safety.
3. Community-driven Bike Lane Development - Disruptive innovation opportunity for communities to take the initiative in collaborating with local governments to develop safer bike lanes.
Industry Implications
1. Smart Bike Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity for companies in smart bike technology to design features that enhance urban bike safety.
2. Sustainable Urban Development - Disruptive innovation opportunity for companies in sustainable urban development to propose bike lane designs that prioritize cyclist safety and uninterrupted paths.
3. Social Activism - Disruptive innovation opportunity for social-activist groups to plan and execute guerrilla bike lane initiatives and capitalize on media coverage to start conversations about urban cycling safety.
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