Davis Square Needs Better Parking and Biking Options, Say Readers

The city is planning streetscape improvements in Davis Square, and it's hosting a series of meetings on the matter this summer.

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Everything is on the table: changes to sidewalks, roads, bike paths, crosswalks, traffic lights, bus terminals and more.

We asked Somerville Patch readers what they thought needed improving.

Here's what some of them said:

Kevin Thomas Crowley said Davis Square is irrelevant to the average Somerville citizen with its "bars, bistros, banks and wallet busting restaurants."

That said, Crowley commented, "I hate to even suggest it … but the square needs a parking garage on its outskirts."

"Just think of all the people who want to come there if it were not an almost impossible place to park," he commented

CP Kostos agreed, suggesting a "2-3 story well designed and landscaped" parking facility that would look great and pay for itself in the long run.

Bike Path

However, a reader who goes by "A" didn't want a garage, commenting, "This square is meant to be arrived at via Red Line, bus, bike, or foot, and cannot handle more cars clogging up the streets."

This reader suggested diverting the around the square so bikers could ride through the area more easily. Currently, the bike path ends at one side of the square and picks up again on the other side, which means cyclists have to get off their bikes or ride through roads congested with cars and pedestrians.

Paula Woolley also thought it's too hard to ride through the area, particularly with kids. She wants a safe bike route through the square.

She also would like to see a green grocer, a bookstore and maybe a Stellabella Toys.