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Local Bike Information
"When I see an adult on a bicycle,
I do not despair for the future
of the human race."
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Two bikes resting on the banks of Spy Pond in Arlington. The 100-acre pond is a scenic attraction along the bikeway. |
Bikes on the "T"
Bikes on the “T” Bicycles are allowed on MBTA Commuter Rail and subway trains (Red, Orange, and Blue Lines) all day on weekends and during off-peak hours on weekdays (Mon–Fri: 10am–2pm and after 7:30pm).
NOTE: You do not need a special pass or permit to bring your bike on the T, so it’s easy! For MTBA bike-accommodation guidelines, see www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/bikes.
Bicycle maps
Massachusetts has some of the best bicycle maps in the country. For areas near the Minuteman Bikeway, we suggest Boston’s BikeMap, the Eastern Massachusetts Bicycle Map, and the Cape Cod & North Shore Bicycle Map.
In addition to recommended bicycle routes and paths, these regional bicycle maps contain information on local mountain-biking areas, bicycle shops, ice-cream shops, B&Bs, railroad connections, state parks and campgrounds, and picnic areas.
For more information, visit Rubel Bikemaps’ website at www.bikemaps.com.
"Pocket Rides"
These pocket-sized, waterproof cards contain loop rides, including a map and a cue sheet plus points of interest such as ice cream shops, conservation land, bike shops, scenic bridges, and food stops. Individual rides vary from 9 to 83 miles, many of which start from the Minuteman Bikeway in Arlington Center or Bedford. For more information, visit www.bikemaps.com/pktmaps.htm on the web.
Bicycle touring
For information about bicycle touring in Massachusetts, visit www.massbike.org/resources/partner_biketours.htm on the web.
Local bike shops
For a listing of local bike stores near the Minuteman Bikeway (many of which rent bicycles), refer to the MassBike website at http://www.massbike.org/membership/shops.htm.
For safety and better performance, we encourage you to have your bike professionally serviced (tuned up) at least once per year.
Bike culture
To plug in to our local bicycling culture, check out these websites:
- Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition (MassBike): www.massbike.org
- New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA): www.nemba.org
Wear a helmet
Accidents happen sometimes, and it’s important to protect your head in case of sudden impact. We strongly urge everyone to wear a protective helmet while bicycling or in-line skating.
For more information, visit the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute’s website at www.bhsi.org.