New to the area: Bicycle questions

[sindrian.livejournal.com]

I'm going to be staying in Medford for several weeks, and I had a few questions about riding my bike in the area:
What local laws should I be aware of/where can I find a list of said laws?
How secure do I need to make my bike when I leave it outside? (Is locking the frame and the front wheel to something enough, or should I also lock up the seat and/or rear wheel?)
Can I take my bike on the T?

Thanks!

Comments

[thetathx1138.livejournal.com]

Heh, welcome to the frought issue of first-world problems. Cycling and cyclist's rights are a bit of a sticky issue around here.

The short answers:

Stick to the roads and obey traffic laws; under Mass law you are a motor vehicle when on your bike. Also if you're on a sidewalk, pedestrians hate you.

You can take your bike on the T, but NOT during rush hour; basically avoid the T between 8am-10am and 4pm-6pm.

As far as bike security, I generally see people locking their frame and front wheel, but I'd observe what other cyclists do depending on the neighborhood.

[bluesauce.livejournal.com]

DAMN YOU! Beat me to it.

[josephineave.livejournal.com]

You should also mention, when you are on the road, drivers hate you.

[42itous.livejournal.com]

According to the MBTA website (http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/bikes/), bikes are not allowed on the T from 7 to 10am or from 4 to 7pm. I've tried to get my bike onto a train at 7pm, though, and wasn't able to due to the crowded conditions (this was on the Red Line outbound from Central Square) -- usually by 7:30 this clears up.

Also, the official rules say that you can put one bike at each end of any subway car, but not all conductors are aware of this rule. I've had to move my bike from the middle of the train to the end of the train while hundreds of people waited, because the conductor thought bikes could only be at the very ends of the train.

[bluesauce.livejournal.com]

Sidewalks are for pedestrians.

You are a vehicle, obey traffic laws.

You can take your bike on the T, I'd check mbta.com to see if there are specific times you're not allowed, I never had a problem but I worked odd hours.

I'd definitely lock the front wheel and frame; never had a problem with the back wheel being messed with, but you might want to secure your seat too, I've seen a few bike seats go missing.

[fredrickegerman.livejournal.com]

I've had attempts on my rear wheel when parked in a rack overnight (other rear wheels from the same rack were stolen; my leashed rear wheel was quick-released and the brakes were disengaged). My bike was less than two weeks old at the time; I started bringing it up into my office after that. Basically, overnight outdoor parking is a different question than daytime parking in a heavily-trafficked area.

[jere7my.livejournal.com]

Sidewalks are for pedestrians.

You are a vehicle, obey traffic laws.

This is a good rule of thumb, but it's not always true — bikes are permitted on sidewalks outside of business districts (though it's always recommended that they be on the road), and bikes can pass cars on the right when it would be illegal for cars to do so (e.g. when a line of cars is stopped at a light). There's a good overview at http://www.massbike.org/resourcesnew/bike-law/ (and don't miss the recent update (http://www.massbike.org/resourcesnew/bike-law/bike-law-update/), which mostly pertains to new responsibilities for drivers but does have some info for cyclists).

[sparkgrrl658.livejournal.com]

yeah, there are specific exceptions that someone always brings up, but we're trying to give the dude some basic rules to go by that won't get him run over or hit in the face.

:D

[jere7my.livejournal.com]

Oh, he'll still get run over and hit in the face. This is Boston, after all.

[sindrian.livejournal.com]

I shouldn't feel heartened and encouraged by this, but I do.

[sparkgrrl658.livejournal.com]

touché!

[thetathx1138.livejournal.com]

First of all, I'm not sure it actually IS permitted; like I said, under Mass law, a bicycle is a motor vehicle and has to obey motor vehicle laws.

Either way, cycling on the sidewalks in this city is INCREDIBLY rude to pedestrians. Cyclists take up a hell of a lot of space and very few of those who go on the sidewalks are familiar with the "passing on your left/right" rule. I'm really sick and tired of cyclists forcing me into the road or whipping by me with two inches clearance.

It's why I'm an advocate of bike lanes: on my current commute, through Inman, everybody's in their own lane and everybody's following the law.

[jere7my.livejournal.com]

Here's the relevant regulation: "(3) bicycles may be ridden on sidewalks outside business districts when necessary in the interest of safety, unless otherwise directed by local ordinance. A person operating a bicycle on the sidewalk shall yield the right of way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before overtaking and passing any pedestrian." http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/85-11b.htm

I agree that it's rude to pedestrians if the sidewalks are crowded, and certainly cyclists shouldn't exhibit the behavior you describe, but if the sidewalk is nearly deserted it's possible for bikes and pedestrians to share it. I stay on the roads 99% of the time, but if there's a one-way block going the wrong way, with little or no foot traffic, I'm comfortable popping up onto the sidewalk for a block — that's much better than risking riding against traffic. It's possible to use sidewalks considerately, and it's legal (in residential areas).

[divasue.livejournal.com]

If it's only one block, you could also get off your bike and walk it on the sidewalk. Then, hey, you're a pedestrian! I've done that.

Also, aren't most of the areas around here considered business districts?

[jere7my.livejournal.com]

Also, aren't most of the areas around here considered business districts?

It's mostly just the major squares (Harvard, Davis, Inman, etc.). Here are maps of the business districts in Cambridge: http://www.cambridgema.gov/~cdd/et/bike/bike_ban.html

[ron_newman]

I generally lock just my frame and front wheel, but I also take anything easily removable off the bike that someone might want to steal (like a headlight). Also I don't ever leave my bike outdoors overnight.

You can take your bike on Red, Orange, and Blue Lines and the commuter rail, with certain restrictions on hours. See http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/bikes/ . Many but not all buses have bike racks on the front. You can't use the Green Line at all, unless your bike folds.

[squirrelitude]

Also I don't ever leave my bike outdoors overnight.

Yes. From what I understand, a great deal of stolen bikes were from back yards and porches.

[gookalockgeek.livejournal.com]

if you don't have the option to take it inside at night (like me), you definitely want to lock both the front and back tires. people will steal anything that isn't attached, or that can be easily detached - someone ripped of my kickstand twice this summer.

Unenforced rules that are good ideas

[secretlyironic.livejournal.com]

I think there is technically a helmet and lights requirement, but I've never heard of it being enforced. Good idea though.

Re: Unenforced rules that are good ideas

[ron_newman]

A helmet is not required unless you are under 16, but is a good idea anyway. A headlight is required if you're out between 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise. Although the law requires only a rear reflector, a blinking rear tail light will make you much more visible and doesn't cost much.

Re: Unenforced rules that are good ideas

[clevernonsense.livejournal.com]

I believe for the evening hours, the law actually requires a white light in front and a red light or rear reflector in back, blinking or not. I got away with red lights on both for a long time though.

Bell (the brand) has a really cool light set at Target for only $15ish that snap on and off easy and are crazy bright.

Theft is pretty rampant/awful for bikes in Davis in particular, somerville is also generally bad, and the boston area as a whole isn't much better. Register your bike and I wouldn't leave it outside unlocked ever, or overnight even when locked.

ALso, the police in cambridge are currently cracking down on cyclists running red lights (I've watched several peeps get waved over). All laws for cars also apply to cyclists.

Drivers in somerville and cambridge are generally very courteous to cyclists, though you'll get someone freaking out from time to time for no reason. T bus drivers and taxis are generally awful/oblivious to cyclists. Be especially careful of buses passing you very tightly and immediately pulling over. Boston drivers are a bit more of a mixed bag, depending on the area.

I have a little pouch under my seat, which is often opened when I get back. I've never had a light stolen though.

Re: Unenforced rules that are good ideas

[fredrickegerman.livejournal.com]

I, too, have seen Cambridge cops sweeping for cyclists running red lights (in my case along Hampshire Ave., multiple intersections at one go).

One thing I'd add is: stay away from the parking line. You're far more likely to be doored than sideswiped by a moving car around here. Also avoids the temptation to dodge into empty parking spaces (which makes it hard for passing cars to decide how much room you need).

Re: Unenforced rules that are good ideas

[ron_newman]

A red front headlight is probably worse than no light at all, as it can confuse drivers and pedestrians as to which direction you are riding.

Re: Unenforced rules that are good ideas

[sindrian.livejournal.com]

Would a white headlamp (worn on the head) satisfy the cops?

Re: Unenforced rules that are good ideas

[ron_newman]

I think so -- it certainly satisfies the spirit of the law.

Re: Unenforced rules that are good ideas

[boblothrope.livejournal.com]

There is absolutely no helmet law for people over 16.

A headlight, and a tail light or tail reflector, are required at night.

Re: Unenforced rules that are good ideas

[ukelele.livejournal.com]

Cambridge will occasionally go on a week-long binge of enforcing it, ticketing cyclists who don't have lights and then giving them one, or something like that.

[boblothrope.livejournal.com]

http://www.massbike.org/resourcesnew/bike-law/

T bus routes that always have bike racks:
http://www.mbta.com/templates/popup_help.asp?eid=19424

Bikes are allowed on the Red, Orange, and Green Lines, except Monday-Friday 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM. On the Commuter Rail, they're allowed except during rush hours in the peak direction. They aren't allowed on certain holidays or during large sports events.

[emannths.livejournal.com]

Probably just a typo on your part, but bikes are allowed on the Red, Orange, and Blue lines--not the Green line.

MBTA details at http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/bikes/

[emannths.livejournal.com]

If you're going to be leaving your bike locked up outside overnight, you should probably lock anything that can be removed without tools--frame, QR wheels, QR seaposts, etc. Otherwise, for errands and shorter term stuff, a u-lock is what I use, and I usually just lock the frame. As long as I'm not the slowest wildebeest out there, it probably won't be my bike that's vandalized.

As far as how to ride: the overarching rule is to ride predictably. Don't weave, signal your turns, stop at lights, yield to peds, wear lights--all these fall under this rule.

The second overarching rule is to assume that everyone else will be unpredictable. Don't ride in places that will get you cut off by cars unaware of your presence. Ride in control and to the left edge of the bike lane so that you can avoid unexpected doors and pedestrians.

bostonbiker.org has some guides to riding around here, dealing with the seasons, and more. You might consider looking at the stuff there.

[clevernonsense.livejournal.com]

oh, and if you have a fancy seat with a quick release, I would remove it or lock it when leaving it out.

Only 2 bikes are allowed per subway car, and only in the last 2 cars, and as mentioned not allowed during the rush hours (enforcement of this is spotty though). Generally, a decent rider is a bit faster than the T anyhow.

[ron_newman]

I believe that 2 bikes are allowed in every car now, but I've seen 4 or more at times. Nobody really cares that much.

[shadesong.livejournal.com]

I've been on a train where the conductor harangued a person trying to bring a bike on during rush hour and refused to move until he left the train. (Last car, Red Line.) So... depends what conductor you get!

[divasue.livejournal.com]

I think I was on that train! Was this fairly recently, about a month or two ago?

[shadesong.livejournal.com]

I think so!

[boblothrope.livejournal.com]

That's correct -- a few years ago, they eliminated the rule that bikes had to go in the last car, and they're now allowed in every car.

[ukelele.livejournal.com]

I should note, for the sake of precision, that the no-bikes-on-sidewalks thing is always true as a matter of courtesy (at least, for adult cyclists), but only sometimes true as a matter of law. Certainly bike riding on sidewalks is prohibited in Davis proper and many of the other commercial areas; it's not necessarily prohibited elsewhere, but it's just not nice regardless.

massbike.org is a good resource.

[qwrrty.livejournal.com]

Everybody else beat me to it. MassBike.org (http://www.massbike.org/) is indeed a great place to start. Generally speaking, you are a car and so might as well act like one.

There are a bunch of bike lanes around here, but mostly you are not required to use them. Only Somerville has tried to mandate it AFAIK, and I have not heard of anyone being ticketed for it.

Many of the city streets around here are narrow: be extra careful to stay out of the door zone. Get used to taking the lane, and be prepared for bozos to honk at you anyway. Note that many of the "bike lanes" are really door lanes, and consider them with a grain of salt.

The Minuteman bike path is awesome and highly worth checking out, but be aware that it'll be crowded and slow on any weekend day or after work when the weather's nice.

Everyone has their favorite local bike shop. Mine is Broadway Bike School (http://www.broadwaybicycleschool.com/) in Cambridge. Paramount (http://www.paramountbicycle.com/) is probably closer to you in Medford.

Last: people complain a lot about Boston drivers and biking in Boston, but I have really found that if you follow the rules at the road, people mostly understand what you're doing and will follow your lead. This can be an awesome town to bike in.

[totient]

be prepared for bozos to honk at you

Remember, if they honk at you, that means they can't claim they didn't see you.

Also: Bikes on reverse-commute Commuter Rail trains during rush hour are just fine; and occasionally a bike rack on a bus will be full or unusable so have a plan B.

[barumonkey.livejournal.com]

http://bostonbiker.org/2010/09/13/the-annual-running-of-the-freshmen-bostonbiker-org-back-to-school-guide-2010/

[srakkt.livejournal.com]

There's a lot of good information here in these responses - nothing to which I feel the need to add, specifically.

But I just wanted to say "Thank you for asking." It seems like many cyclists never think to ask these questions, whether or not they're new to the area, and that's what gives the rest of us a bad image.

Thank you all!

[sindrian.livejournal.com]

Thanks to everyone who posted! I have to say I'm amazed by the amount of advice I got here; I was only expecting a handful of links. What a great community!