Safe, Fun Biking in Boston - Really!

There’s no question that being a bicyclist in Boston can be daunting. The roads make no sense, and, according to a May 15, 2007, survey by Prince Market Research, Boston drivers rank third in the nation for rudeness and road rage. And you can’t forget the occasional nor'easter. As one veteran cyclist describes it, “it’s the most satisfying and terrifying way to get around.”

Despite the potential pitfalls, the U.S. Census found that nearly half a million people commute to work via bicycle every day in the United States. And every year in May, that number increases in celebration of National Bike Month as commuters rise to the challenge of Bike Week. While an exact number is difficult to pin down, since Bike Week is composed of over 500 local events around the country, Elizabeth Preston of the League of American Bicyclists estimates that “more than 500,000 people participate in these events nationwide.”

The Benefits of Biking

Commuting by bike has health, economic and environmental benefits. Instead of trying to squeeze in trips to the gym, you can save time and membership costs by bicycling to and from work several days a week.

With soaring gas prices, alternatives to driving are even more attractive. The cost of maintaining a bike is a small fraction of the cost of keeping up with car repairs, tolls, insurance and gas. There is often more flexibility in traffic on bike than in a car. Dedicated bike lanes are becoming more common, saving you from traffic jams.

And the environmental impact is invaluable. The League of American Bicyclists’ bike to work pamphlet cites “the number of communities that will fall out of compliance with the Clean Air Act is expected to triple within a decade.

"Motorized vehicles are responsible for 70% of the carbon monoxide, 45% of the nitrogen dioxide, and 34% of the hydrocarbons people produce.” Imagine what a difference biking to work even once a week can have on your carbon output. You could end your work week with a relaxing bike ride home, exploring a new route as you transition into the weekend, knowing you've made a difference.

Making Cycling Easier in Boston

MassBike Executive Director David Watson, in a May NonProfit Center workshop on Safe, Fun Biking in Boston, reminds us that finding a way to fit bicycle commuting into your day is much easier than most people think. Multi-modal options - ways of combining bicycle commuting with public transit or carpools for different legs of the trip - are growing significantly. Thanks to advocacy work by organizations such as MassBike, the MBTA has been expanding its opportunities for taking a bike on subway and commuter rail trains.

On Monday, May 14, there was a kick-off celebration at Sullivan Station to recognize the rack-equipped buses servicing the area. The MBTA plans to have a third of its fleet converted by the end of 2007, systematically upgrading all buses over the next few years. “To tout the 'T' as a viable option but back it up by making the system easier to use and more convenient is what quality customer service is all about,” said MBTA General Manager Daniel A. Grabauskas.

In addition to the growth of bicycle lanes, paths and public transit accessibility, Watson also described hybrid bicycles created specifically for commuters, and the folding bicycle that can be brought onto trains at all times and easily stored at the office.

If biking to the office feels too much of a challenge, multi-modal transit can help get you in shape and ready for a longer commute. Take your commute in stages. Or take the train to work and bike partway home, slowly building up stamina in stages. Start out small, by biking to a community event and becoming comfortable with biking on familiar roads near your home before branching out to more intimidating commuter routes.

Watson did emphasize the need for proper bike safety and etiquette. Follow the rules of the road, and don’t go against traffic. If a motorist isn’t expecting you to be there, it’s dangerous for both of you. Be sure to have a good helmet and other required equipment such as front and rear lights. Invest in a toolkit for emergencies, and rain gear for bad weather. A high-quality lock can save you a lot of heartache. And familiarizing yourself with your route first cannot be underestimated.

Growth of Commuting by Bike

National Bike Week is in its 51st year, and now even corporations are getting into the spirit with the Bike Week Commuter Challenge. According to Seaport TMA - a host of the event along with several other organizations and the City of Cambridge - over 1,900 individual participants pledged to cycle to work between May 14 and May 18 from approximately 100 different companies. Companies compete against other companies of the same size, so some teams had a handful of participants while larger groups had over 100 participants. Over a dozen events were held, stimulating awareness and appreciation of the area’s bicycle commuters.

Simple steps you can take to make bike commuting more accessible for yourself and others include advocating for a dedicated bicycle storage room in your office building. Make sure there is a bathroom with a shower to quickly clean off the sweat. If there is no space for storing bikes in the building, see if a nearby parking garage has bike racks available.

For more information on bicycling or commuting by bike:

MassBike
League of American Bicyclists
Rails to Trails Conservancy
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation 

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