Part 1: Running Through the Tape

I've had this newsletter sitting in Drafts for over a week, so this one's a double-header:

The pace of the campaign has been incredible. I'll recap another time, but to everyone: from the half dozen volunteers out lit dropping with me right this minute, to the campaign volunteer hitting "send" on this email while I finish knocking doors (👋), to the people who signed up for newsletters but haven't received any until just now (sorry--read the backlog at this link) to the countless people who stopped to share their story or a piece of their mind with me, from Strawberry Hill to Cambridge Crossing to Riverside:

thank you.

In other news, I joined forces on a mailer with the following folks, and it has been an honor to get to know so many candidates this cycle (including several not shown here):

Part 2: Accessibility Policy (finally)

Cambridge Day published its Election Edition. They identified disability and accessibility as my "side issue," though I wouldn't call it that:

I find Cambridge residents are all itching for better accessibility, particularly regarding getting around town.

We Don’t Need to Sacrifice Accessibility to Make Cambridge Safer

I've knocked thousands of doors and spoken with many people on the street--parents, cyclists, older residents, people who use wheelchairs, even delivery drivers--and one thing keeps coming up:

We all want safer, more sustainable streets, but too often we treat accessibility and safety as if they’re in conflict.

They’re not.
We can do both, if we plan with everyone in mind.

What I’ve Learned from the Disability Community

In my work as a Social Security Disability attorney, I serve clients living with mobility challenges. It's important to understand that the disabled community isn’t a single group; it represents an incredible spectrum of different needs and perspectives.

• Some people need more handicap parking and clear curb access.
• Some rely on public transit or paratransit to get to appointments.
• Others use powered wheelchairs or scooters and depend on smooth, connected sidewalks and bike lanes.

When we think about accessibility, we need to think beyond ramps and parking spaces.

Accessibility means freedom to move—for everyone.

Idea #1: The Bridge Shuttle Pilot

One idea that’s come directly from talking with residents is a free, electric shuttle service within Cambridge for people with disabilities and older adults to key destinations.

I’m calling it “The Bridge.”

If you need a ride to Star Market, the pharmacy, or the library--you could call The Bridge, and it would take you there and back, free of charge. It’s a simple way to make local errands possible for people who struggle to get around. This would be a practical expansion of what The Ride does today.

If it works, we could expand it citywide.

Idea #2: Smarter, Fairer Curb Management

Curb space in Cambridge is precious, and right now, it’s chaotic.

We need a Curb Management Plan that reflects how people actually use our streets. That means:

• More handicap parking and loading zones for deliveries.
• Designated spaces for food delivery scooters and ride-shares.
• Better signage and pricing so one person doesn’t camp in a high-demand spot all day.
• Stronger enforcement to keep bus stops, bike lanes, and crosswalks clear.

It’s about making every curb space do its job. If elected, I'd make parking permit reform a priority. Cambridge has struggled with the legal limits of permit reform, but we need to do more than fiddle around the edges. For example: Today, I can get parking permits for four cars, and do it cheaply.

We need to fix this to keep parking for those who need it most.

Idea #3: The Cycling, Pedestrian & Roller Safety Ordinance (CPR-SO)

We need to set our sights beyond November 2026, when the Cycling Safety Ordinance should reach full build-out. A new ordinance would bring cyclists, walkers, and wheelchair users under a shared safety plan. This goes beyond bike lanes:

• Safer intersections with better sightlines and turning angles.
• Slower neighborhood traffic through raised crosswalks and speed humps.
• Data-driven maintenance, so we know which sidewalks need repair first.
• Continued investment in separated bike and wheelchair lanes, especially north-south routes.

The CPR-SO would make it safer to move through Cambridge, no matter how you move.

Why This Matters

Cambridge’s streets are shared spaces.

Managing cars, trucks, cyclists, walkers, and mobility devices is complicated. But improving it is not impossible.

Through open conversation, data, and careful planning, we can build a city where sustainability and accessibility go hand in hand.

These ideas--The Bridge, the Curb Management Plan, and the CPR-SO--come directly from the conversations I’ve been having with people who live and move through our city every day.

From Day 1 of this campaign, with every Newsletter I've sent out and every page of the campaign website, I've tried to make the content Accessible, with alt-text, contrast, etc. And that's because accessibility isn't a side-issue.

If this vision resonates with you, I hope you’ll consider me for your #1 vote for City Council so we can put these plans into motion.

Calling All Helpers

This is the home stretch. If you want to drop literature or knock doors over the next couple of days, come join us. Text me.

On Election Day, I'll be out with a crew of volunteers holding signs and being visible. Want to stand out? Even for a couple of hours before or after work, we will get you a sign, or you can meet up with us.

I'm asking for your #1 Vote

Please make a plan to vote Tuesday, and maybe see you out there.

Thank you, for everything.

- Ned

www.ned4cambridge.com