Bicycling in the Southwest Corridor

The Pierre Lallement Bicycle Path (also called the Southwest Corridor Bicycle Path) runs along the Southwest Corridor, approximately 4.7 miles. The bike path is a major commuting artery that links the neighborhoods in the southwest section of Boston to the downtown and is a popular destination for bicyclists. There are numerous stopping points along the way, including benches, playgrounds, water fountains and sports facilities. The path travels near a variety of good restaurants and stores. Near the Forest Hills end of the path, it is an easy link to Franklin Park and to the Arnold Arboretum. Near Roxbury Crossing, Ruggles and Mass. Ave. it is an easy link to parks and cultural attractions in the Fenway neigbhorhood and to the South End, Back Bay and Copley Square. Hubway bike sharing stations (see link below) are available near many of the MBTA orange line stations along the bike path.

Navigation and Safety Tips

From Forest Hills to Mass. Ave. there are two pathways - one for bicycles and one for pedestrians. Signage is available along the way to show which path is for bikes and which is for pedestrians. This signage is also useful for marking any turns along the path.

The section of the park from Mass. Ave. station to Back Bay station has a single path and small streets that wind in and out of the park. Bicyclists need to ride on a combination of sidewalk and street in this section, so when you bike along this section, please ride slowly, taking the street where possible and being sure to share the sidewalk with pedestrians.

Throughout the park, pedestrians and bicyclists should be mindful of the path designations. (There are some places where pedestrians tend to walk on the bike path if the pedestrian path is close to a busy street and the bicycle path is preferable. In general, the guideline is to be thoughtful of other park users in this busy urban park. If you are a pedestrian on the bike-designated path, please stay to the side of the path; if you are a bicyclist, you may want to use a bell or other signal when passing pedestrians and other bicylists.)

Since the path runs along the subway and rail line there are relatively few street crossings. Most of the street crossings along the path have traffic lights with pedestrian walk signals. Use care at intersections, observing signals and being aware of cars making turns.

Please be aware of playgrounds along the pathway and ride slowly when in a playground zone.

See our bicycle-pedestrian path survey summary for more discussion.

If you are interested in sharing thoughts about bicycling along the Southwest Corridor, you can connect with the Southwest Corridor's Parkland Management Advisory Committee (PMAC). See the PMAC page on this website for more information.

Emerald Necklace Map and Guide (includes SWC): http://www.emeraldnecklace.org/park-overview/park-map//

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