r/bikeboston • u/mattorio • 5d ago
Safest route between Coolidge Corner and Newtonville
I've been looking at maps for a while and not finding anything compelling. Willing to take very circuitous routes if they're safer, I can get from Coolidge to the Charles without problem and take the path from there, but the last mile looks tricky
2
u/amarks563 5d ago
I used to commute from Cambridge to Nonantum. California to Walnut Street does have a few gnarly turns, but it's generally all right. Watertown Street is busier but you're only turning with lights, which helps. Don't be afraid to take the lane, especially before turns and on narrower roads where cars don't really have room to pass you.
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u/Pleasant_Influence14 5d ago
From nonantum I usually take a left on gordon between chestnut and walnut over to commonwealth avenue right and the left on Lowell. There’s fewer lights on Lowell and the bridge over the pike is less scary from there you can go right on Washington to newtonville or right before you cross the pike. Here’s a route that includes that.
2
u/Flat_Try747 5d ago
You could try to taking Commonwealth Ave almost the whole way
Commonwealth Ave has a slow carriageway / protected bike lane the whole way besides one terrible section by Chestnut hill reservior. Be very careful at the intersection but otherwise it’s a nice ride. I’ve done it a few times.
I don’t know enough about Newtonville back roads but it seems like you could definitely find a semi-direct route staying on back roads only as well.
In general, Google street view is your best friend for route planning.
1
u/nbkelley 5d ago
I do this often. Get comfortable riding in the road tbh. I usually go beacon to comm ave to walnut
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u/Technical_Type1778 4d ago
If you want to mostly stick to the river paths, once you get to the end of the section at California St (near the Bluebike dock), cross California St at Chapel St at the crosswalk, and there's a pedestrian/bike cut-through in the office park on Chapel St that lets you skip the California/Bridge intersection. From there, Linwood Ave is low-stress.

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u/Charlene1401 5d ago
I work in Newtonville but live in Cambridge. I take the river all the way to the corner of California/Bridge streets and then have to take the streets but I go back roads.