Aerial view of downtown Boston. Photo courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto via Shutterstock.
Boston is becoming a great city for cycling, especially since Mayor Menino is passionate about getting locals and visitors biking. In fact, he has introduced a city-wide initiative called Boston Bikes that includes cycling programs, bike sharing, events, improvements to Boston’s infrastructure making it more bike friendly, and the recognizing of bike efforts of local business owners and agencies. One of the changes so far that has been made came last summer with the opening of the North Bank Bridge, Boston’s longest bicycle and pedestrian bridge at 698 feet (213 kilometers). The bridge connects Cambridge’s North Point Park with Charlestown’s Paul Revere Park. And as we move farther into 2013, Boston will continue to add more bike lanes and bridges.
Bike rentals and sharing
For those looking to cycle, you have a few options of where to get a bike. If you don’t have your own, you may want to think about renting one. There are many rental shops littered around the city, some of which include Mel’s Hyde Park Bike in Hyde Park, MyBike in South Boston, Superb Bicycle in Fenway/Kenmore and Bicycle Bill’s in Allston. Additionally, a 24-hour Boston Bike Rental costs only $34.99 and allows you to explore Boston on your own time for an affordable price.
Your other option is to take advantage of the city’s New Balance Hubway bike share program. This allows you to start your ride in one place and leave the bike in the next, taking and dropping off the bikes at different Hubway stops. Keep in mind you will have to pay an annual membership ($85) or a usage fee ($5 for 24 hours or $12 for three days). Every trip under 30 minutes is free, even if you take multiple trips in one day. For example, if you take a 20-minute bike ride in the morning and a 25-minute bike ride in the afternoon, it is still free.
Best places to bike
Boston is home to an array of great bike routes. For example, Arnold Arboretum allows cyclists to enjoy 265 acres (107 hectares) of pines, oaks and bonsai gardens. Additionally, the Paul Dudley White Charles River Bike Path is a relaxing 14-mile (22.5-kilometer) loop that follows the Charles River and extends from Boston’s Museum of Science to to Norumbega Park in Newton. Furthermore, the Southwest Corridor Park Trail is a 4.7-mile (7.6-kilometer) commuter trail that takes you through a linear park, closely following the commuter rail lines, and provides a scenic route to get you where you need to go.
Events
Throughout the year you can take part in a variety of cycling events in Boston. For example, May 11-19, 2013, is Bike Week, with the big Bike Week Festival taking place on May 17. The week-long celebration features group rides, free food, vendors, live music and more. Additionally, Bike Friday dates are June 28, July 26 and August 30, and are the city’s way of thanking those who ride their bikes with monthly cycling celebrations. September 22, 2013, is Hub on Wheels, a city-wide bike ride that allows participants to experience historic neighborhoods, iconic landmarks and Boston Harbor views.
Tours
Mixing cycling with a tour is a great way to experience the sites of the city while staying active. For example, a Guided Bike Tour of Boston allows you to cycle through Little Italy, North End and Beacon Hill while taking in iconic and lesser-known sites. A knowledgeable guide makes the experience more interesting.
Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Boston tours & things to do, Boston attractions, and Boston travel recommendations.