Biking offers a great way to get around Boston, Massachusetts. However, urban cycling also poses several dangers for cycling enthusiasts, who must share the road with motorists. Urban traffic patterns can make biking dangerous, sometimes leading to collisions.
You can review our urban cyclist guide to learn more about staying safe on Boston city streets, with information provided by Boston University (BU) and the City of Boston. Our team at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers can also help in the event of an accident.
You can learn more with a Boston bicycle accident lawyer. Call or complete our online contact form for help after a collision.
Biking in Boston: Getting Started
You have many reasons to explore Boston by bike. Urban cycling is healthy, affordable, and a fun way to get regular exercise. Many people in Boston also find it more efficient to bike to their destinations, as biking helps them avoid traffic backups in our major city.
City leadership recognizes that vehicular traffic can make it challenging for bikers to ride safely. The city has started initiatives to add more bike lanes to address this concern, and we recommend that you stay in these lanes when possible to avoid city traffic.
How do You Find Bike-Friendly Areas in Boston?
The official website of the City of Boston provides you with a Boston Bicycle Network Map. This map includes detailed information about the urban landscape in Boston and the kinds of lanes you’ll find in specific areas.
We recommend that bike commuters review the map before making a trip so they know what to expect when they bike in town.
BU also offers bike ride routes around the city to help you get out and enjoy the fresh air. City bike rides are safer when you go into them well-prepared.
Can You Rent Bikes in Boston?
The Bluebikes system in Boston makes it easy for you to get into urban cycling without a considerable upfront cost. The system rents out 4,000 bikes from 450 stations, resulting in over 22 million trips since the start of the project in 2011.
The bike-share program makes it easy to get out and explore bike trails through the city without worrying about the expenses of bike maintenance. You may want to rent a commuter-style bike to begin your city cycling experience.
After trying out urban biking, you may visit local bike shops to pick out a bike of your own.
What Kind of Bike Should You Get for Urban Biking?
You have many bike styles to choose from before you make a purchase. You can talk with other bikers before making a decision.
In many cases, bikers pick:
- Upright bikes when they want to prioritize comfort
- Road bikes for more speed
- Tandem bikes for riding with a friend
You may also want a hybrid bike for comfort and speed. Some bikers have difficulty lifting their legs over a high-top bar. Mixte and step-through bikes make great choices in this situation. Consider a recumbent bike if you can’t sit in a typical seat.
Finally, some bikers purchase folding bikes so they can easily take them anywhere. You have lots of options for bike seats, allowing you to further personalize your ride.
What do You Need to Bike Safely in Boston?
When getting a new bike, it’s essential that you look for some key safety features, according to BU experts Carl Larson (Assistant Director of Transportation Demand Management and Planning) and Galen Mook (executive director of MassBike), who provide tips for staying safe.
Essential urban cycling gear may include:
- A good helmet
- Front and rear bike lights
- A U-lock (or D-lock)
- A water bottle
- Cargo storage options
- Bike maintenance tools
Regardless of the kind of bike you ride, it’s crucial that you clean your bike chain, check your brakes, and pump your bike tires if they go flat. And if your child needs a helmet, we offer free child’s bike helmets at any of our location.
What Rules Should You Follow When Biking in an Urban Environment?
Experienced cyclists in Boston recognize the importance of following all local laws when out riding. Boston requires bikers to adhere to all traffic laws, which means you need to:
- Stop at every stop sign
- Follow traffic lights
- Ride in the direction of traffic
- Indicate turns and stops with hand signals
Bike commuters should stay in bike lanes when possible. However, you may have to share the road with cars when on a bike commute. Stay aware of motorists, as they may fail to notice you. Sometimes, parked drivers will open their doors to bikers.
You can keep your city cycling experience safer by staying aware of vehicle drivers. Veterans of city cycling in Boston also advise you to watch out when biking around the MBTA Green Line. Your bike tire could get stuck in the trolley tracks.
The tracks can also become very slippery when wet. Remembering these tips when biking in Boston can help you hone your cycling skills and stay safe while on the road.
What Should You Do After an Urban Biking Accident?
Is Boston a safe place for pedestrians and cyclists? The amount of traffic in the city means that you may end up in a bike accident even if you follow all bicycle safety advice. City cyclists should immediately report any accident to the police and seek medical treatment.
We also recommend contacting a Boston personal injury lawyer for help discussing tips to get compensation for your medical bills, lost pay, property damage, pain, and suffering.
Speak to Us About Urban Cycling Accidents
Our team at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers knows many traffic collisions involve cyclists each year. So we ask that each cyclist do their part to keep themselves and others safe by yielding to pedestrians, avoiding blind spots, and wearing helmet reflectors while cycling.
You can use the information in this urban cyclist guide to plan your travels and, if worse comes to worst, work with us after an accident. Call or fill out our online contact form to learn more.
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