There is no denying the physical and environmental benefits of bike riding, so the Massachusetts Commuter Rail’s reintroduction of a Bike Coach on their Rockport Line wins major points with IT— especially with our token Bostonian, who supports any actions that ultimately reduce the number of cars on Boston’s congested roads. This additional coach, which holds up to 39 bikes and 42 passengers, will be available on weekends throughout the summer ($15.50 round-trip) to transport cyclists to the beaches of the North Shore.
The Bike Coach is one of many efforts made by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to render its buses and trains more bike friendly. According to a recent MBTA press release, the company is working with MBTA’s Bikes and Transit Advisory Committee, MassBike, and Livable Streets Alliance to improve the accessibility of public transportation in the Boston area.
With its flat terrain and waterfront views, Boston has long been ideal turf for bike riding, and both visitors and locals seem intent on making the most of it. This September 23, for instance, Boston will hold its third annual Hub on Wheels citywide bike ride and festival. Participants elect to ride on either a 25- or 45-mile route that begins at Boston’s City Hall Plaza and extends across side roads, pathways, and a car-free Storrow Drive— the notoriously busy road running along the Charles River. Hub on Wheels is staged in order to raise money for the Boston Digital Bridge Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing underserved schools with computer equipment and technology training.
For the other 364 days of the year when Storrow Drive isn’t reserved for bikers, try your luck on the Paul Dudley White Charles River bikeway, which takes you along the Charles River into Watertown Square in Watertown, MA. The lesser-known Stony Brook Reservation bike paths are also worth the ride for the exposure they provide to the Reservation’s natural surroundings.
ITs personal recommendation? Check out the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway, which covers the 7 to 8 mile stretch between the Cape’s Bourne and Sagamore bridges. This path is perfect for cruising and watching boats drift along the canal.
This Boston native is stoked to hear about new options for bikers. Anything that encourages Boston residents to rely on public transportation--and get a little a exercise to boot--is a step in the right direction. I took a trip to Crane's beach this past weekend with the family--next time I'll suggest biking instead of driving down beautiful routes 1A and 133. Better get training for the upcoming Pan-Mass Challenge!
Posted by: My Wonderful World | July 31, 2007 at 10:54 AM
Hub On Wheels Is an amazing bike ride, not only do you get to ride down the car-free Storrow Drive but you can take a 25 or 45 mile bike ride and pedal through the Arnold Arboretum, Franklin Park, West Roxbury, the Emerald Necklace, Jamaica Pond and beyond.
Posted by: Amanda | July 31, 2007 at 11:57 AM
Thanks for the tips!
Posted by: Marilyn Terrell | August 15, 2007 at 07:16 PM