Mayor Walsh announces the start of truck side guard inspections

Today Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced the Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD) will begin conducting inspections of all large city-contracted vehicles in accordance with the the Truck Side Guard Ordinance. The Ordinance requires these vehicles to be equipped with convex blind spot mirrors, crossover mirrors and blind-spot awareness decals, an important step in protecting Boston's cyclists. 

“These additional safety mechanism requirements are extremely important when providing safe roads for our cyclists to travel,” said Mayor Walsh. “These updated inspections will keep Bostonians safe on our roads and better protected from danger.”

The apparatus was designed to reduce the risks of a collision and prevent fatalities with pedestrians and cyclists.  This equipment will allow drivers of large trucks to see items in front of, and to the sides of their vehicles, preventing right hook incidents with cyclists.  The ordinance does not apply to contracts awarded for trucks used exclusively for snow plowing or emergency vehicles. In the City of Boston pilot, each vehicle cost about $1,800 to outfit and will last the lifetime of the vehicle.  

“I am thrilled the City has begun side-guard inspections on vehicles,” said Councilor At-Large Ayanna Pressley.” These safety fixtures are a proven way to minimize cyclist fatalities. It is one of many important steps we can take to ensure safe roadways for all.”

In October 2014 City Council voted unanimously to pass a Truck Side Guard Ordinance, filed by Mayor Martin J. Walsh, At-Large Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley and the Boston Cyclists Union.  The first of its kind in the country the Truck Side Guard Ordinance requires vehicles awarded a contract with the City of Boston weighting over 10,000 pounds (tractor-trailers 26,000 lbs.) to have the enhanced safety measures.

The Boston Transportation Department and Boston Bikes will assist with education, content expertise on best practices, and as the point of contact for constituent reporting. Vehicles found to be in compliance will be certified for 2-years. For those vehicles found not to be in compliance, businesses will face a fine, ranging from $100 for the first offense, to potential termination of the contract.