What is Shared Spaces?
Shared Spaces is a project convened by the Boston Center for Independent Living with WalkMassachusetts, MassBike, Boston Cyclist Union, T4MA, Carol Steinberg and Casandra Xavier.
We are committed to advocating for safety and accessibility in the design of these shared spaces, with a focus on the unique experiences of individuals with disabilities. The mission of this coalition is to promote collaboration and understanding of the challenges associated with shared spaces – such as bike lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, and bus stops statewide.
Through education, outreach, and active engagement, we will advocate for and support inclusive policies that enhance the safety and accessibility of shared spaces for all people with disabilities, pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers, and transit riders.
As part of our advocacy, we hold “walk audits” of areas around the greater Boston area to bring together individuals from the city with community advocates. These site visits provide them with a firsthand understanding of these shared spaces – their limitations, and potential conflicts.
This initiative is aimed to promote more informed decision-making while facilitating relationship-building between our communities, allowing for a more authentic and accurate experience of these shared spaces.
Accessible Parking & Protected Bike Lanes Map
Protected bike lanes are a great way to keep cyclists safe – However, they can limit access to many designated accessible parking spots, as protective barriers can prevent van ramps from reaching the sidewalk. As identified by the Shared Spaces coalition, there’s a solution—ensure protective barriers have openings near accessible parking spots.
This map highlights protected bike lanes adjacent to accessible parking spots to identify areas where barriers may need updates to create safe and accessible streets for cyclists and those who use mobility devices.
This map was created by Una Fonte, 2025
The map only identifies public accessible parking spots, as there is a lack of data on accessible parking in private parking areas.
The current data on accessible parking spaces does not show the exact location of the dedicated accessible spaces. To address this gap in data, the map highlights accessible parking within 50 feet of a bike lane as being bike lane adjacent.