Taming a Multi-lane Challenge

Why do I want to tame a challenging multi-lane Interstate highway crossing? Usually, because it is on a route I need to take, but one time, I had a special reason.

One of my Boston-area bicycle club‘s rides started and finished at a restaurant, the Craft Food Hall in Waltham. The ride had to cross Interstate Route 95 to get out to scenic country roads. The nearest crossing is a long bridge on Winter Street in Waltham. The bridge has three lanes westbound and four eastbound, and ramps to and from the highway. Just west of the highway is the Winter Street Oval, much of which has five lanes westbound and six eastbound. This is a multi-lane challenge of a high order — or so it may seem. The image below is of the bike club’s return route near the end of the ride.

Taming the Multi-Lane Challenge

Indeed, this route could seem intimidating! But it doesn’t have to be. I had the pleasure of leading a group out at the ride start, timing entry to the bridge so there was only light traffic, and I have written about that.

But, have you been waiting for the other shoe to drop? OK, I now (finally) have gotten around to editing my video of the return ride through the Oval and over the bridge.

And, so, here is the video — five minutes long.

As the video shows, my strategy here is counterintuitive. Bicyclists tend to think that staying to the right is best. That works poorly here because of the several entrances and exits, including high-speed highway ramps.

Using Google Maps

When examining challenges like this, Google Maps Satellite View and Street View can be very helpful. Google Maps will show you the lane configuration and the arrangement of traffic signals. Stepping ahead in Street View, you can often even discern the traffic-signal sequence: the Google camera car moves as the signals advance. (We give more details in CyclingSavvy courses.) I researched the Oval and bridge. You may take a look too, here on Google Maps.

On the Winter Street bridge, as often on a street with a median, the lane next to the median is the quietest. Here, it is a long left-turn lane onto a rather small two-lane street. Motorists can pass you before merging into it – until you are nearly at the end. Then they slow and follow you, thanks to a traffic signal ahead.

Traffic Signals Are Your Friend!

Traffic signals keep most traffic from entering when you are riding through the Oval. Also, another lane besides the one you are using is always available for motorists going in the same direction.

But then, why are you in a left-turn lane if you want to turn right?

Traffic signals hold the key to this. The traffic signal before the bridge creates long gaps in the traffic crossing the bridge. The traffic signal after the bridge slows down traffic so you can change lanes to the one you need to use (unless, of course, you will be turning left yourself).

Taming a Multi-Lane Challenge on a Group Ride

When taking on a multi-lane challenge in a group, it works best to go double file, and use the “got your back” tactic when changing lanes – the sweep moves out first, so a car won’t break apart the group.

Winter Street offers one example of how strategic planning can tame a seemingly intimidating challenge. I should add that I don’t seek out challenges like this for the fun of it. I take pride in being able to manage them, but the point of taking them on, after all, is to have reasonable safety and comfort in getting where I need to go. For the Ride Leader Ride, that was to get out to scenic country roads, and back to the Craft Food Hall for the post-ride refreshments!

I later did scope out this route with a group ride leader — and the group took the route together. Stay tuned for the next episode!