In Support of the Back-In Parking at Albemarle

To the Newton City Council and Mayor Fuller, 

We’re writing to celebrate and praise the new back-in parking format and painted bike lane for Albemarle. It is safer than it has ever been.The new signage is abundantly clear, the stripes are visible and usefully placed, and we are observing nearly 100% compliance. On both weekend and weekend mornings and afternoons, whether 1 car is parked at Albemarle (a rarity) or 40 cars (much more common), just about everyone is parking correctly (pictures here and here). 

This leaves drivers able to pull forward with full visibility of the road and also of anyone using the new bike path that runs alongside Cheesecake Brook. It also means that each car’s trunk space is now easily accessible to field users, and parents of young children don’t need to catch and shepherd them around open car doors, but instead send them safely and directly to the sidewalk.

While it’s not easy to measure things like “less honking,” or “more relaxed users who have less fear and anxiety than before,” the fact is that those things are palpable nonetheless. As a city, we’re changing the culture and accessibility of Albemarle. Add to that the benefit that people can start to use the bike path instead of the sidewalk when biking, and pedestrians can breathe easier, too.

As you know, we saw the flex posts working very well at Albemarle and Crafts, so with those gone for the winter, we’re thankful to have the enhanced safety of back-in parking. We’re looking forward to having flex posts back in the spring, but also excited about the new RRFB (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon) at Albemarle and Crafts, which is fantastic for pedestrian safety. 

Thank you for your continued attention and support for community access at Albemarle. As great as we make it together, it must be safe to access. 

Sincerely,

The Board of the Friends of Albemarle