For as long as I’ve been Cycling the streets of Cambridge, the east end of Cambridge Street has had two perfectly serviceable bike lanes .. but with one conspicuously absent feature.

Where's the little man?

Or the 'cyclist diamond'?

I’m no expert, but I hear tell that unless these little icons are present in the lane, these lanes are not lawfully bike lanes, and cyclists using them are therefore not subject to the same protection that they would be in a true bike lane, or even a ’squeezeway’! The horror! To be bamboozled into thinking we’ve got the protection of the city when the lines mean nothing at all!  And this is a road where lanes like this are truly necessary – double-parking is at it’s worst here on Cambridge Street, meanwhile cars blast by at speed, trying to make it past the next yellow light. Aggressive driving is rampant, and motorists in this area are none too kind to the average cyclist – I’ve learned this the hard way.

Another thing I noticed was a significant lack of bicycle parking… and a suspicious coating around all the meters.

What and why?

This black plastic coating made it very difficult for me to use my ‘fun size’ Kryptonite U-lock. Is this thing here to help or hurt cyclists? For the love of Gond, what is it? There are scores of businesses on Cambridge Street that can, will and do benefit from the patronage of cyclists, but sadly this fact seems to have gone unnoticed.

Got this in the mail, looks like a good job.

———————

Social Marketing/Transportation Internship

City of Cambridge – Community Development Department – Environmental and Transportation Planning Division

Contact: Rosalie Anders, Project Coordinator
Address: 344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: (617) 349-4604
Fax: (617) 349-4633
Email: randers@cambridgema.gov

Agency Description
The Environmental and Transportation Planning Division has received a grant for a social marketing pilot project that will involve presenting transportation options information specific to individual residents’ travel patterns and needs. This approach, which is based on a model developed in Portland, OR, has been shown to be an effective way to change people’s travel mode choices. The program will test out how well the model can work in an East Coast city.

The division is nationally recognized for its pedestrian and bicycle programs and is responsible for improving the city’s quality of life by working to protect and improve the city’s natural resources and by planning improvements to the city’s transportation system. Environmental planning activities are mainly focused on implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan. Transportation planning activities emphasize bicycle and pedestrian improvements and other vehicle trip reduction measures.

Intern Responsibilities
The intern will assist with the social marketing pilot project through the following duties:
• Coordinate mailings to the target area
• Respond to inquiries about the pilot project
• Help organize and staff promotional events (including some on weekends)
• Distribute promotional materials (posters, doorhangers, etc) within the target area
• Collate transportation options information specific to each respondent’s needs
• Coordinate with vendor for pick-up and delivery of information packets
• Coordinate with partner agencies to maintain supply of information
• Prepare updates for periodic team meetings and partner meetings
• Assist with preparing summary report at the end of the pilot project
• Assist with grant reporting and application for grant renewal
• Other duties as assigned

Desired Skills and Interests
The intern should have a strong commitment to the project goals, be well organized, able to take responsibility for aspects of the project, and be able to work well with groups. The intern should be outgoing and comfortable speaking with people at events and activities. He or she should be comfortable with word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Previous related experience is desired. Knowledge and interest in transportation options, specifically in the Cambridge area and familiarity with municipal government operations and procedures would be a plus.

Starting Date: March-April 2010
Ending Date: December 2010; this position is grant funded, and time period may be extended by Department if additional grant funding is approved.
Hours: Average of 22.5 hours per week for remainder of calendar year. Hours are flexible, and will include evenings and weekends.
Compensation: $14/hour

On Friday of last week, I sent this email to Cara Seiderman (cseiderman@cambridgema.gov), Nicole Freedman (Nicole.Freedman.bra@cityofboston.gov) and the nameless entity at Traffic@somervillema.gov. It has yet to be acknowledged at all, but I do have hope, since I have had contact with Cara and Nicole in the past.

The email:

Hello Nicole, Cara,
and whom it concerns in the Somerville traffic department,

Nicole and Cara, we’ve spoken in the past, and I thank you for following up with me about the development of the Harvard Ave. bike lane and the problems with taxi parking in Harvard Square. I thank my lucky stars for every inch of bike lane I have the privilege to use on my commute to and from work every day. I have cc’d you both, as well as the Somerville traffic department, on the following issues because the more I explore the problem, the more accounts of abuse I hear reported in all parts of the greater Boston area. I started out concerned with one particular intersection, but the problem may be much much larger than that.

The issue I have for you today is a difficult one, because it involves the MBTA, who I’m told are not in any way influenced by either the Boston administration or the jurisdiction of the local police. I’ve been told this on the phone by government officials and police officers. Regardless of these statements, I’m really hoping you can help me with this, because it doesn’t seem like I’m getting anywhere in terms of rectifying the situation in my talks with the MBTA, the police, or the people of these cities.

On January 29th, 2010 I had an incident involving an MBTA Route 66 Bus headed West on Cambridge Street at Harvard Ave. in Allston. I had come to a stop at a red light on Franklin, facing the northern entrance of Harvard Ave., and was waiting to proceed. As I was waiting, Route 66 Bus #0721 stopped to my left to let passengers off at the Cambridge/Franklin stop. I watched the Cambridge Street light turn yellow, then red, and then stood on my pedals to prepare for my own signal. As my signal changed and my foot came down on my front pedal, the bus, which I had been ignoring since it was stopped completely at a red light, cycled up and roared through the intersection causing me to slam on my brakes and dodge. It had gone from a complete stop to proceeding through a red light.

I contacted the MBTA about this. I left a complaint on the line and received a form email in response. I’m sure you’re familiar with these.

I then sent an email to the Superintendent of Cabot Garage.
I received an email back on February 2nd:

Gabrielle Collins,

Thank you for your e-mail concerning the route 66.  I apologize for reckless driving exhibited by one of our employees. MBTA Bus operators must complete a comprehensive Defensive Drivers Course prior to being certified to operate an MBTA vehicle in passenger service. This operator has been identified and will be re-instructed on her duties and responsibilities as a professional driver. Any further violations of the MBTA’s Rules and Policies will subject her to more severe progressive discipline up to and including recommendation for discharge. Additionally, I have forwarded your correspondence to the Instruction Department in order for them to include the intersection of Cambridge Street and Harvard Avenue in the Safety Related Compliance Program. This intersection will be monitored by Safety and Instruction personnel to ensure all traffic rules are strictly followed. Again, I apologize for your unpleasant experience with the MBTA.

Sincerely,

John J. Houghton

Superintendent

Cabot Garage

I found this to be at least somewhat reassuring. Unfortunately, not three hours later on my ride home I had an even more ominous experience. I’ll let my email to John Houghton sum it up.

John Houghton,

February 3rd, 2010

Yesterday, not three hours after I’d received my response from you regarding the bus that nearly hit me on Monday, I was again waiting at a red light on Harvard Avenue to cross Cambridge Street. As the light for Cambridge Street became yellow I put my foot on my pedal, and made ready to move. As  I watched the light turn red, my body exhibiting the intent to scoot out into the intersection at a moment’s notice, I became aware of a growing roar from my left, west on Cambridge Street. And then a sharp honk. Route 66 Bus #2294 (or 2293, it was going over 30 MPH so it was difficult to catch the number) not only roared through the intersection against a red light, but gave me warning that it had ABSOLUTELY NO INTENTION OF SLOWING OR STOPPING.

I realized after this that the drivers of Route 66 deserve not just our disdain and our everlasting disappointment, but also our FEAR. The drivers of these buses are blatantly neglecting the safety of the citizens of the Boston area, and breaking the trust that we put in them to hold our lives in their hands every day, whether we are their passengers or merely sharing the roads with them.  I am disgusted by this neglectful behavior, having witnessed it daily for over a year on my route to work; having been hit by an MBTA bus while on my bicycle and then told by the driver that she was in no way required to provide me her information; having watched the them proceed through intersections against the traffic signals; having watched buses stop in the middle of the lane the entire length of their route to meet passengers, even though it is policy that they pull into each stop completely so traffic can get by. The list of their transgressions goes on and on. I have written to the local newspapers and the Governer about this latest infraction, and I expect some type of response from yourself and the MBTA at large, in terms of punishment for this action and prevention – form letter will not be good enough this time. I call for the bus driver who ran that red light yesterday at 5:10PM on Route 66, number 2294 or 2293, to be removed from service completely. To run a red light at speeds of 30 MPH and give warning shows premeditated disregard for traffic law, and a comfort with such acts that cannot be tolerated.

I have so far received no response.

My blog about these events was picked up by the local Blog and broadcast to many Bostonians. You can read their horrifying responses at UniversalHub, like this gem:

Don’t blame the drivers for doing their jobs and getting us home. Blame the state for not giving them technology found in most cities, a simple transponder that holds the green a couple of extra seconds so the bus doesn’t have to run the red.

So not only is it common knowledge in Massachusetts that MBTA vehicles are not subject to traffic laws, and run red lights and commit other various traffic violations without repercussion, but apparently there is the pervasive sentiment of apathy, sometimes even approval! As one who was almost killed not two weeks ago in the very same spot where Kelly Wallace died in 2007 under similar circumstances, I DO care, very much. As I said in my second email to John Houghton, I have also been hit by an MBTA bus, and then the driver refused to open the door, let alone stop the bus and exchange information. If I had ended up underneath the wheels of that bus, would anyone have known how neglectful the driver had been? Would I just be another ghost bike, locked to the pole by the Cambridge/Franklin stop until it became so rusted as to be a disgrace to my memory, and then subsequently removed?

Ultimately my question is this: Can you help us do something about this?
Thank you for your time and concern,

[Grimlocke]

If you are as concerned as I am about this issue, please take the time to reiterate this call to action. Thanks for your support, everyone!

“I think you should write a formal letter of complaint to the Mayor.”

Uh..  ohkay.

I also tend to call the police ALOT; I have the numbers for Brookline, Boston District 14, Downtown Boston, Cambridge and Somerville Police Departments in my phone contacts. No, I’m not calling about the kids on my lawn. I call about double parked cars, people threatening my life, people parked in the bike lane, etc. I asked the gentleman I was speaking to today what the best number to call to get someone  on the scene in a NON emergency (see: person parked in the bike lane) is, and he said,

“Just call 911 and tell them its not an emergency. If you call the police station we’ll have to call them anyway to get to dispatch.”

So… yeah. I guess I’ll be calling 911 a bunch in the near future, and hoping I don’t get yelled at if the offender decides to take the hint and pull out of the bike lane and into the night, leaving me standing there holding the phone, so to speak.

Hub Bicycle is opening in Febuary 1st, looks like they are going to be specializing in repairs and parts, not bikes. Should be fun to check them out. Their site, their blog. I may be wrong, but this might be the only female owned bike shop in the area. I wish them the best of luck!

Chic Cyclists even caught them putting up the sign!

Yesterday was Halloween, so I donned my pirate socks and joined in the annual Tour de Grave (sponsored by MassBike.)

It was a pretty long ride, hitting ten destinations around the Boston and Cambridge areas in total. There were over 30 riders of varying skill levels, and the going was paced to be able to keep everyone more or less grouped together. There were some challenging hills in Brookline which caused a little trouble for some, but for the most part the ride was interesting and educational. Somewhere between 20 and 30 miles was covered over the course of about five hours (!!!) with a good deal of that time spent actually in burying ground perimeters learning about each of the sites.

The places we hit were (in order) the Old Burying Ground (Cambridge,) King’s Chapel Burying Ground (Boston,) Granary Burying Ground (Boston,) Central Burying Ground (Boston,) South End Burying Ground (South End,) Eliot Burying Ground (Roxbury,) Evergreen Cemetery (Brighton,) Market Street Burying Ground (Brighton,) Cambridge Cemetery (Cambridge,) and finally the Mt. Auburn Cemetery (Cambridge.) The tour guide took a little time at each stop to explain some details about famous people buried in each place, what the practices for burial and treatment of the dead were at the time, some religious and political history to tie things together, and as we continued from one location to the next he presented a progression of the changes in the treatment of the deceased changed the entire style of human burials.

The tour was quite informative and was too much to keep all in my head, so fortunately a handout was available which provides the “readers digest” version of everything.

I experimented with using my phone to take pictures this ride, in part because it looks decent enough (as long as the lens is clean and I hold steady when I take a shot) and also because the pictures are automatically tagged with the location (which I had to fix in a few cases.) Without further ado, here are my (not so very spooky) pictures of the Tour de Grave:

I have been riding around Cambridge lately and noticing a lot of new things going on. Potential new bike lanes on river street (although they come with some problems as the right hand side of the street is a shit show). The Mass. Ave. Bridge bike lanes have gotten a new coat of thermo plastic. The bike lanes on western ave look like they got a new coat of paint. It looks like the lanes got narrowed on prospect near Mass. Ave. and it also looks like they are putting in bike lanes there. Harvard square seems to be getting some new bike lanes. Various other bike lanes around town (Hampshire off Broadway, and various parts further north) seem to be getting re-painted, or parts that have worn off redone. Over all it looks like there are new bike lanes going in, old ones being fixed up, and a whole lot more. Thanks Cambridge. It is the little things that matter, and I congratulate you on keeping up the good work.

(Anyone that can take a picture of everything I just mentioned and send me the pics will get a prize, use the contact form to drop me a line and I will tell you where to email the pictures)

Got this in the email, looks like fun.

—-

When: Sunday, Oct 4, meet at 10:15am for 10:30 departure
Where: Cambridge Common
Description: “Pedaling the People’s Republic – A History of Political Activism in Cambridge .” The Cambridge Bike Committee and the Cambridge Historical Society invite you on a fun fall bike tour of Cambridge on Sunday, October 4. The 10.5 mile route will highlight events associated with national movements that had Cambridge political roots, starting with the American Revolution and including the temperance movement, anti-war protests, up to late twentieth century campaigns for controlled development. There will be several stops along the way for brief theme-related talks. The ride is free. The Cambridge Police Bike Patrol will accompany the tour.

More information is available at
www.cambridgebikes.org

Via Dotbike

What: Green Building Bike Tour of Cambridge and Boston
When: Sunday 9/20
Time: Meet at 9:45 am
Where: Meet on the Boston side of the Mass. Ave. bridge. There is a small playground about 50-100 feet to the northeast of Mass Ave bridge on the esplanade. Meet on the grassy/dirt patch closest to the bridge. Look for the MassBike/Emerging Green Builders sign. Ride will end in this general area as well.
What to bring: Bike, helmet (required, or you cannot ride), water, lunch (if you will be staying), and an interest in sustainable buildings!

“Please join Mass Bike and the Emerging Green Builders on Sunday, September 20th at 9:45 in the morning for a green building bike tour of Cambridge and Boston, featuring buildings on MIT and Harvard’s campuses, as well as Genzyme and the Cambridge City Hall Annex. We will be riding about 12 miles throughout the city, stopping at various points to talk about the green features that have been incorporated into the buildings. No interior tours will given, but your guide will have information about the buildings, and encourages discussion! The ride will take approximately 2-2.5 hours (pending lively discussions). We will then be stopping along the south side of the Esplanade for lunch at the end of the tour, so please bring something to eat if you would like to join.”

Please RSVP for the ride here

The ride to work today was amazingly serene. However (there’s always a however), while entering Harvard Square from the north, I was once again forced out of the bike lane and into traffic by the ass end of a taxi. You know where I’m talking about :

View Larger Map
This is the same story, day in, day out. So this time I’m going to bitch about it, because that’s how I roll.
So far the only contact info I have for bike issues in Cambridge is cseiderman@cambridgema.gov, at 617/349-4629. The Community Development Department TTY line is 617/349-4621. If this isn’t the best person to talk to, hopefully she (Cara Seiderman) can point me in the right direction.
I have to admit, Cambridge is pretty tolerable to ride through, as compared to some of it’s surrounding neighbors like Allston, Boston Proper, Revere, etc. With the exception of roads like Somerville Ave and Prospect St., I don’t often feel crowded on the main thoroughfares. Cambridge Street has to be dealt with, though. If you don’t know already, the ‘bike lanes’ drawn up and down C-street are not actually enforceable by law, because there are no decals drawn in, nor posted signage. This situation arose because, or so I’m told, many business owners on the street protested a bike lane. I can’t really understand why, but I believe it has to do with delivery parking on the street, as well as stricter rules for double parking when there is a bike lane present. Either way, it’s ridiculous. I almost wish some guerilla bike advocacy group would paint in some little cyclists decals, just to get people thinking about it again. I would never encourage something like that, of course…

Barring any major weather issues, this Sunday June 28th a few of us will be getting together for a group ride down the Minuteman Bikeway.

We’ll meet outside the Davis Square MBTA station at 10:45 AM and take off for the bike path at 11 AM. We plan on pedaling at a real casual pace, but we’ll play it by ear based on the experience level of the riders.

Sign up for the #Bikeup on eventbrite or facebook.

Any questions, feel free to contact Aaron Cohen (@UnlikelyWords), Josh Gans (@SportsFan4), or Adam Pieniazek (@AdamPieniazek). You can also call 617 326 7402.

See you there!

The Cambridge bike party was AWESOME.

Be sure to watch it in high def. I know it is dark, if you are having trouble seeing it let me describe what is going on. Craig Roth is riding a tiny tricycle UNDER a massive tall bike while they are moving…epic.

Great night, thanks Cambridge for putting this on!

Saturday, May 16th, 10:15am, Literary Cambridge
Cambridge Bike Committee’s Spring Ride, Literary Cambridge, will pass and stop at former abodes of literary notables, like cummings and Nabokov. Other highlights will include the Love Story house and Grolier’s Poetry Bookshop. Grub poet Ethan Gilsdorf will be doing some of the poetry readings along the way. For more information go to www.cambridgebikes.org/Spring2009/index.html.

Harvard Square to Boston Medical from Ron Adams on Vimeo.

Ron here does some pretty fancy riding. Once again if you want to get around quickly….get on your bike!

Free Walk/Ride Day Breakfast In Harvard Square and Mayor’s Challenge: January 30, 2009

Mayor E. Denise Simmons will attend and kick off her “9 in ‘09″ Mayor’s Walk/Ride Day Challenge

WHEN: Friday, January 30, 7AM to 9AM
WHERE: Holyoke Center & Forbes Plaza, 1350 Mass. Ave., Harvard Square (Next to Au Bon Pain) WHY: Harvard Square businesses want to encourage people to go green! This event is part of Harvard Square’s Winter Green Carnival 2009, with festivities from from January 15 to February 1.

MORE: There will be special raffles and gifts for Walk/Ride Day participants, courtesy of the Harvard Square Business Association, MassBike, Green Streets, and others. Artist George Lynde is also preparing a special game about Bike Racks of Cambridge.

SPREAD THE WORD: Here are some materials to help spread the word about the breakfast event and the Mayor’s Challenge:
• To download an event flyer, click here.
• For blurbs for newsletters and invitations you can modify, click here.
• A downloadable “Mayor’s Challenge Passport” will be available by January 27 on the Green Streets website, so check back for that!

QUESTIONS: For more information or to let them know you are coming, feel free to email Green Streets. However, there’s no need to RSVP — they are prepared to feed all who come!

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has scheduled a public meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, November 17, at the Museum of Science to discuss the planned rehabilitation of the Craigie Dam Bridge and Craigie Drawbridge.

The Craigie bridges carry Route 28 between Cambridge and Boston. The Dam Bridge lies directly under the roadway in Cambridge, adjacent to the Museum of Science parking garage, and carries Cambridge traffic that is heading to or from the Drawbridge. Structural elements on the Dam Bridge, which was built in 1908, will be extensively repaired, and the leaves and mechanisms on the Drawbridge, which was built in 1958, will be replaced. The pedestrian walkway on the southwest side of the bridge (adjacent to the Museum of Science) will be widened to accommodate pedestrians and bicycles.

DCR’s design consultant, Hardesty & Hanover LLP, estimates construction will take about two years. The project is still in the design stage; bids are expected to be solicited for the project in January 2009. Work is expected to begin in spring 2009 and be completed in spring 2011.

“The Craigie Dam and Drawbridge together make up one of DCR’s most critical infrastructure links, maintaining traffic flow throughout the Charles River Basin,” said DCR Commissioner Richard K. Sullivan Jr. “Thanks to funds allocated by the Legislature to fund Governor Patrick’s Accelerated Bridge Program, DCR will be able to repair both these bridges and ensure they last for many years to come.”

Approximately 116,000 vehicles cross the Craigie bridges each day. During the work, which will be done in phases, the bridges will remain open to vehicular traffic. Also, work on the Drawbridge will be done during winter, so as not to impede seasonal boating traffic.

“The Craigie Dam Bridge and the Craigie Drawbridge are important not just to the people of Cambridge and Boston, but also to the thousands of commuters who depend on their structural integrity on a daily basis,” said State Representative Timothy Toomey Jr. “I’m pleased that DCR recognizes their significance and has shown a commitment to their maintenance and repair.”

“I encourage people to attend this meeting to learn about DCR’s plans for the Craigie Drawbridge and Craigie Dam Bridge,” said Rep. Marty Walz. “It is important for residents of Boston’s West End and Cambridge to know about the rehabilitation and share any concerns they may have with DCR.”

Boston Bicyclist Advisory Board call for new members

The City of Boston is currently soliciting members of the bicycling community to join the Boston Bicyclist Advisory Board and help make Boston a world-class bicycling city. The Board provides advice on bicycling-related issues to the Director of Bicycling Programs and other City staff. Board members are expected to attend monthly meetings and participate in substantial work projects.

Ideal board members bring the widest variety of perspectives on bicycling and its potential to improve urban life in Boston together in a constructive and cooperative manner. Interested bicyclists who live, work, or do business in Boston are encouraged to apply. Connections to other relevant community groups and institutions are considered a strong plus.

Application for board memberships consists of a short letter describing the potential member’s interest in joining the board, along with his or her relevant experience, affiliations, and contact information.
Applications should be sent by electronic mail (strongly preferred) or postal mail to:

Nicole Freedman
Director, Boston Bikes
One City Hall Square, Rm 932
Boston, MA 02201
(617) 918-4456
Nicole.Freedman.bra@cityofboston.gov

The deadline for the receipt of applications is November 7, 2008.

———

Cambridge Pedestrian and Bicycle Committees Seek New Members

Deadline to Apply November 24, 2008

The City of Cambridge is looking for people who enjoy walking or bicycling to join its pedestrian and bicycle committees. Pedestrians and cyclists of all ages are encouraged to apply.

The two committees work on a variety of issues. They review major development and roadway plans from a pedestrian or cyclist perspective. They work with city staff on both general policies and specific projects. Both committees are concerned with such issues as enforcement of traffic laws, traffic calming, improving city facilities, public education, and promotion. Both include citizen members and representatives of city departments.

Committee applicants should be enthusiastic walkers or cyclists who live in Cambridge, can attend monthly meetings, and are willing to work on projects. The pedestrian committee generally meets on the fourth Thursday of the month from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The bicycle committee meets on the second Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Both groups usually meet at City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, Cambridge.

To apply for appointment to either one of the committees, send a letter by November 24, 2008 describing your interest in pedestrian or bicycle issues and the kinds of projects or issues you would like to
work on to Robert W. Healy, City Manager. The email address is
randers@cambridgema.gov. The postal service address is c/o Rosalie Anders, Environmental and Transportation Planning, 344 Broadway,
Cambridge, MA 02139. Appointments are for two years. For more
information, call 617-349-4604.

Pretty awesome looking ride, be sure to check it out.

From the site

A very frightening tour of Boston, a 2 hour ride at a mild to moderate pace. Saturday October 25th starting at 4pm. Starting from 89 Brighton Ave Allston. This mellow ride will begin in Allston and roll through Cambridge and Boston. Following the ride until 8pm there will be a costume contest and refreshments at International Bicycle Center. Contest Prizes include a chrome bag and a niterider USB light.

Costumes encouraged. Riders of all abilities welcome, helmet and safety lights required.

EDIT: This job has been filled. Again this job is no longer available.

Looks like Cambridge *might* be looking to hire an intern for some cool bike related stuff.

For more info contact Stephanie Anderberg (sanderberg@cambridgema.gov)

—–

looks like the City of Cambridge is going to receive grant funds to implement a pilot social marketing program similar to the Portland, Oregon program. It’s not official yet, but it looks pretty good.

We plan to use social marketing of transportation options to effect a mode shift among residents in the pilot neighborhood. The program will look at all trips, rather than focusing on just commute trips. We’ll start with the Cambridgeport neighborhood for year 1 of the grant, and there is the possibility of additional grant funds to continue the pilot for a second and third year.

As part of the grant, we’ve asked for funding to hire an intern 22 hours per week – this would include evenings and weekends as much of the social marketing involves outreach and events. If you know anyone interested in transportation and/or social marketing, who might like more information on the internship, please forward this and ask them to contact me directly (email is best). THANKS for your help!!

Stephanie

Got this today, looks like a lot of fun.

—-

Ever notice that the city of Cambridge is shaped like a bow tie? Come see for yourself, at the Cambridge Bow Tie Ride!

After a two-year hiatus, the bow-tie ride is back. Join us for 14½ scenic miles by bike, as we circle our bow-tie shaped city’s eastern perimeter, tie the knot in the center of Cambridge, then loop around the western border. We’ve reconfigured the usual bow-tie shaped route to coordinate with the celebration of the Minuteman Bikeway’s induction into the national Rail-Trail Hall of Fame.

Sunday October 5, 2008
10:30 AM from Cambridge Common

This year’s ride will include a short rest break at the halfway point on Memorial Drive at Longfellow Park, followed by a stop at the Cambridge Minuteman gateway near the Alewife T station for the kickoff of the Minuteman celebration.

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy this year has named the extremely popular Minuteman Bikeway as the fifth inductee to the national Rail-Trail Hall of Fame. Celebrations are scheduled in each of the communities along the 11-mile path throughout the afternoon as follows:

• 12 Noon — Cambridge Minuteman gateway at Alewife
• 1:30 PM — Arlington Jefferson Cutter House
• 2:30 PM — Lexington Visitor Center
• 3:30 PM — Bedford Depot Park

The Bow Tie Ride will stop for the celebration’s kickoff, which will include refreshments.
After the stop, you can return to the Cambridge Common with the bow-tie riders or ride the Minuteman to the later events.

This will be a gorgeous Autumn ride, at an easy pace on mostly level terrain. For those looking for a shorter ride, join up at the half-way stop at 11:30 AM at Longfellow Park.
No rain date: Heavy rain cancels. Rain announcements will be posted on website on the morning of the ride.

Like all our tours, this ride is free of charge. Wear a bow tie, or come as you are!

More info here http://www.cambridgebikes.org/

While Boston might seem a little more rough and tumble I would guess Cambridge made the list because of the vast number of bikes located in that fine city.

Kryptonite’s Top 10 Worst Cities for Bike Theft

1. Philadelphia, PA
2. Chicago, IL
3. New York City, NY
4. San Francisco, CA
5. Tucson, AZ (tie)
Portland, OR (tie)
7. Denver, CO
8. New Haven, CT
9. Cambridge, MA
10. Austin, TX