East Boston Will Get Hubway This Year

From The City:

The Boston Transportation Department announced plans to bring the popular New Balance Hubway bike share program to 10 locations in East Boston this year.  These stations are in addition to 10 new stations opening this summer in Roxbury and northern Dorchester.

 

“By expanding Hubway across the harbor to East Boston, we are giving more of our residents access to bike-sharing, which is good for our economy, our environment and our health,” said Mayor Walsh. “We will continue to work to provide residents with a diverse range of transportation options.”

 

The New Balance Hubway system is regional public transportation by bike, owned by the municipalities of Boston, Brookline, Cambridge and Somerville.  With more than 13,000 annual members and over 100,000 short-term passes sold each year, the Hubway system will celebrate its 5^th birthday this July and 5 million trips this fall.

 

“Bringing Hubway to East Boston is a major milestone for the program,” said Boston Transportation Commissioner Fiandaca.  “With these new stations, East Boston residents and visitors will have an active, fun way to get around the neighborhood.”

 

The Boston Transportation Department will work alongside the public to help plan the new stations.  Everyone is welcome to attend a community workshop on June 30 at the East Boston Public Library to talk about what makes a good location for a Hubway station and work together to identify general locations for new stations.  People will be able to prioritize specific locations via a survey conducted by street teams from the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing and the East Boston Social Center, via an online version of the survey, and by dropping by an open house on July 28.

 

Get ready to #takehubway in East Boston!

Key dates:

Community Workshop – June 30 6:30-8:00 p.m., East Boston Public Library

Community Open House – July 28, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., East Boston Public Library

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Question: Downtown To East Boston By Bike?

I know there is no easy way to bike to East Boston from downtown, however I am interested if there has ever been a historical discussion about ways to do so. Was there ever talk about using space in one of the tunnels? Perhaps a floating pontoon bridge that was proposed? Is anyone aware of any plans from the past that have ever been looked at to get pedestrians and cyclists from Downtown to East Boston (without going the long way around).

Not only would this open up all of East Boston to bicycle commuters, I think it is the final connection that is lacking to fully connect the entire town by bike.

(and yes I am aware of the extended bike hours on the blue line, I am hunting for something that only involves cycling, not multi-modal)

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One If By Land, Two (Wheels) If By Sea

Seems that Winthrop now has a boat that will take you from East Boston to Downtown. Got this in the email.

I have to share my exciting commute. For years I’ve been trying to find a land route from East Boston to downtown that doesn’t go over the cavernous craters of Chelsea or travel with the hell-fired cars that speed down Route 99. Up to now, I’ve relegated myself to locking up my bike at Orient Heights and taking the T downtown. This is all because the T doesn’t allow bicycles on board during standard commuting hours.

As of last week, I now have a land sea route! Winthrop now has a ferry! And I just have to say it’s been awesome. They welcome bikes and I can grab a beer on the ride home if I want. I met the project manager for Boston Harbor Cruises. He may consider getting some bike hooks or stands for the bikes to use while en-route. Check out the schedule: here

While this seams like a pricey option if you were going to do it daily, for the occasional jaunt out that way its not bad.

Thanks Marcie for the heads up.

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North Shore To Boston: Impossible Journey

The Impossible Journey from John Bonner on Vimeo.

This amazing journey was completed by one brave soul John Bonner, with tongue firmly in cheek he takes us on this epic quest to bicycle into Boston from the north. I have often been amazed at how fun some of the places north and east of Boston can be to ride around in, and horrified at how hard it is to get there by bike. Lets hope that the new bike friendly city includes ways to get into and out of it. You can find a lot more info about this fantastic voyage here.

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