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

[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