Somerville, MA Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)

Somerville's Traffic Code, Article XIII, Section 13-6 gives non-motorized transportation conveyances (bicycles, scooters, and other human-powered wheeled devices) exclusive use of and right-of-way in designated bicycle lanes on any way controlled by the Traffic Commission, and gives the same conveyances right-of-way on designated bicycle paths. The section flatly bars motor vehicles from operating in bicycle lanes or on bicycle paths, and separately bars pedestrians from walking in bicycle lanes except to cross them at a marked crosswalk (pedestrians may use bicycle paths). Section 5-1(x) and Section 10-5(x) each separately list parking upon any bicycle lane as a general parking prohibition, meaning a vehicle left standing in a bike lane is subject to citation and towing under Article V and Article X, not just a moving-lane violation.

c. 85, since Section 13-4 otherwise allows bicycles to travel in general traffic or on sidewalks except where barred. Enforcement of Article XIII, including bike lane obstruction and moving violations, falls to the Somerville Police Department under Section 13-9, with Parking Control Officers empowered to enforce the parking-related provisions such as the Section 5-1(x)/10-5(x) bike-lane parking ban.