Spokes People
Hit the road with these seven cycling secrets.
W
e don't propose to take a side in the perpetual feud between Boston drivers and its colorfully spandex-clad riders (although we have noticed that it’s often paunchy drivers helming SUVs while texting on their cell phones who are the first to honk at hapless bicycle commuters), but we do know some secrets that will appeal even to the most ardent critics of the two-wheeled masses who struggle to navigate our narrow, winding roads while dodging taxicabs and tantrums. For example, Boston was the site of America’s first bicycle factory—it’s now a fancy restaurant—and the jockstrap was invented to protect Boston bicycle messengers who rode on cobblestoned streets. (That’s the origin of the brand name “Bike.”) Ride along with us, and check out other riding opportunities. Here are seven Boston cycling secrets.
Shhhh! Using a bicycle to commute just
four miles each way, four times a week, saves 54 gallons of gas per year, while the energy needed to build one mid-sized car could produce 100 bicycles.
four miles each way, four times a week, saves 54 gallons of gas per year, while the energy needed to build one mid-sized car could produce 100 bicycles.
Shhhh! While 10 percent of trips in the United
States are by bike or by foot, 13 percent of people killed
in traffic accidents are cyclists and pedestrians.
States are by bike or by foot, 13 percent of people killed
in traffic accidents are cyclists and pedestrians.
Shhhh! Long ranked among America’s worst
cities for cycling, Boston has added 20 miles of bike lanes and paths, and 250 bicycle racks, and has started ticketing drivers for parking in bike lanes.
cities for cycling, Boston has added 20 miles of bike lanes and paths, and 250 bicycle racks, and has started ticketing drivers for parking in bike lanes.
Shhhh! The first major bicycle manufacturing plant
in the United States was the Columbia Bicycle factory at 219-223 Columbus Ave., now the home of Mistral.
in the United States was the Columbia Bicycle factory at 219-223 Columbus Ave., now the home of Mistral.
1.
How to save big bucks on what you buy by cycling
2.
The most interesting cycling club you’ve never seen
3.
How to see Boston from a bike
4.
Where you can buy a refurbished vintage bike …
5.
… or just see some, including wood-framed models with iron-banded wheels called "bone-crushers"
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