Bike Week

Bostonist should have mentioned it sooner, but better late than never: this is Bike Week (sometimes known as Bike to Work Week). That means tons of bike-friendly activities all over the state, which are listed at the helpful website of Massbike, our favorite tireless champion of two-wheeled transport. Being great lovers of free stuff, we especially recommend the free breakfasts for bike commuters. There's one tomorrow in front of the Au Bon Pain in Harvard Square from 7:30 - 9:30, and two on Thursday at the same time: one on Main Street in Kendall Square and one on Boylston by the Pru (where the Duck Boats queue up). There will also be a city-funded, bicycle-related giveaway on Friday morning in Cambridge (at Kendall, Central, Harvard Square, and the Minuteman bike trail), and we have it on good authority that even non-Cantabrigians can partake (last year, Bostonist got a bicycle bell).

Separate and apart from material inducements, Bostonist strongly urges the able-bodied among its readers to try bicycle commuting. We have found that, in addition to bolstering fitness and feelings of well-being, cycling is routinely faster and more reliable than the T. Residents of Boston/Cambridge/Brookline/Somerville are blessed with a relatively compact metropolis and few major hills, meaning that most trips can be realized comfortably and without major sweatiness - especially so long as these 50-degree "spring" days continue. And to those who say (as we have often heard) that it's just too scary to ride in traffic, we urge only this: screw up your courage and try it for a week. Bostonist, now and avid, year-round bike commuter, was once as timid as you are. It took us but a few days - on the mean streets of Brooklyn, no less - and the fear just went away. Trust us, with a little work, you will be slicing in and out of traffic just like the messengers. But do wear a helmet, because something else Bostonist knows from experience is that massive head trauma sucks.

To cap off Bike Week the Boston EMS will be sponsoring a Bike Rodeo. Bostonist isn't really sure what a Bike Rodeo is, especially when it is happening in Franklin Park. Does that mean the animals are going to be riding bikes? Come between 1p.m. and 3p.m. on Sunday, May 22, 2005 and bring a kid (preferably your kid). Boston EMS will be providing free helmets, an obstacle course, a raffle and Ambulance tours at Playstead Park behind White Stadium in Franklin Park.

Photo courtesy of flickr.com / user: 14da