BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — More Bluebikes are potentially coming to South Boston, and the expansion has sparked a debate among residents.
The plan would bring seven to 14 new Bluebike stations to the neighborhood and its waterfront.
People for and against the expansion have been writing open letters to Boston’s elected officials. Many that oppose the expansion are worried about parking.
“Parking is obviously a shortage in this neighborhood, so depending on where [the Bluebikes] could be, that would be an additional concern of residents around here,” said Alex, a local resident.
Alex said he’s also concerned about the driving conditions with more bicyclists around.
“More bikes on the road causes more bad riders in the road,” Alex said.
Corey Dinopolous is the co-chair of Southie Bikes, an organization that advocates for biking in the neighborhood. He’s clearly for the expansion, but he still acknowledges the concerns some residents and state officials have.
Dinopolous wrote a letter to the city asking for compromises around the plan, including alternative locations for the Bluebike stations that have wider sidewalks and parking spaces.
Residents that already ride the Bluebikes in the city think additional stations would be even more convenient for them.
“I would love more blue bikes, I myself ride them, and I feel like it would be great to have more, at more stations, closer to me and my friends,” said Jake, a local resident.
Others agree, saying the Bluebikes would be a good way to get around.
“If there’s more options for easy ways to bike around the city, that’s also gonna help the city,” said Annika, a local resident.
WBZ’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.
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