Inspired by the little man's new found love of bike riding while we were in Costa Rica, I immediately bought a new bike upon our return (as in the next day.)
At first I was a little nervous about navigating the busy roads downtown, but after the first two days I am now a pro. This really is one of the best things that has happened to us, we are now just so damn mobile.
I can make it to the gym in 20 minutes, Back Bay in 10, the South End in 25, and to the LM's school in 20. I'm telling you, with traffic you couldn't even do that by car. And by T or walking, forget about it! Plus the fact that I am getting some extra exercise means that soon I will have thighs like Giselle (a girl can dream can't she?)
The little guy and I bike everywhere. EVERYWHERE. Store, bank, post office, park, to our friend's houses, and most often to the gym. I LOVE IT. Did I say I love it?
I have also learned some rules of the road. It really is crazy biking in all that traffic, so I have figured out a few ways to get around it. The first is that I ride on the side walk unless there is a bike lane. I know, I know you are never supposed to ride on the side walk, but I refuse to pull out into the car traffic. Refuse. This leads to lesson number two. Only bike on deserted streets or in places where there are extra large sidewalks. Beacon Street? Yes. Newbury Street? No. I have also learned that people will get out of your way, happily, when they see the little man on the back wearing his monkey helmet. If I was by myself, I doubt I would get the same courtesy.
Finally, I have learned that some towns are just more bike friendly. Cambridge is the best. Bike lanes almost everywhere, and there are bike racks on almost every major corner. Boston? Not so much. It is much harder to bike once you get off the Charles River trail and forget about locking up downtown, there are only a few racks and they are usually full. However, I have found a few "secret" spots (sorry I'm not sharing :) so things have been getting easier.
I can't believe we waited this long to find this mode of transportation. No car seats, no gas, no elevators, no waiting for the train.
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4 comments :
Yum--
I understand the desire to ride on sidewalks, but there are many reason why that is not allowed. Please have the courtesy to respect that. It is the bikers who insist on riding down pedestrian only zones that give the rest of us a bad name!
Thanks,
Boston Biker
How fun! I'm glad you two have found a mode of transportation that makes you so happy! Just to keep you thinking ahead...your next step with the LM could be a trail-a-bike. Google it...my now six year old had loved it for the last 2+ years!
Boston biker,
Look I totally hear you. Totally. I really do try to minimize my sidewalk use, but what do you do when cars are out of control, or they are blocking the street/turn lane leaving you with no where to go. Don't even get me started on the taxis. Clearly, the sidewalk is not the best option. Boston really just needs some bike lanes.
I appreciate your comment.
ym
Awesome idea, glad your little guy loves it too. Go Giselle!!
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