Boston Named A Best City For Biking
Last week, in honor of World Bicycle Day, LawnStarter ranked the best biking cities in the country. Their extensive research compared 200 major markets. This resulted in good news for Boston, which was named one of the best cities for biking.
With dedicated bike lanes, numerous paths, and parks, Boston has many options for biking. Its purpose can be for exercise, fun, or transportation. LawnStarter’s methodology to compile this list took those elements into account. Furthermore, they studied additional categories such as ride quality, climate, community, and safety.
Boston Ranks 7th
Finishing right behind Denver, CO, Boston ranked as the seventh-best city for biking in the country. The overall score for Beantown was a 52.43, which just edged out Chicago, IL. Safety was Boston’s best performance category, as the third safest biking city among the 200. San Francisco, CA was the best city for biking, and Jackson, MS ranked last.
Bike Clubs
Biking has allowed for many unique ways to explore the greater city area in Boston. In addition, there are clubs available to join that make the sport a way to further engage with the community. Clubs such as the Charles River Wheelers go on weekly adventures. They explore both new and traditional paths throughout scenic areas of Massachusetts.
Landry’s bicycles, which has eight location in the state offers up-to-date information on New England biking clubs. Their site also allows you to search for relative groups in your area.
Bike Events
If you are looking to partake in a biking challenge or fundraiser, Boston is great for that, too. BostonBikeEvents.org keeps an active calendar that links to specific events happening around the city daily and weekly. Finally, events like Bike to the Beach and the Pan Mass Challenge have become renowned biking events in the Northeast for their participation and fundraising impact.
Bike Share
BLUEBikes is the city’s bike-share program. These bikes can be found scattered around the city in various stations. They offer 4,000 bikes at over 400 stations across the city. This is a member-based platform where you are encouraged to join on a monthly or annual basis. BLUEBikes also puts on themed events. They are promoting a pride-themed ride for June and also detail their favorite ride-routes on their homepage.
BLUEBikes states, “Everything is better on a bike.” With Boston being named a best city for biking, it seems many local residents agree.
A Look At Boston's New Mural Art Partner
Although the city of Boston has officially signed a new contract with Street Theory art, it’s likely you have already seen their work. Their artists have done murals in Boston and Roxbury over the years, and there is soon to be more. Though Boston’s mural art partner creates a variety of different pieces, and they always aim to inspire.
Mayor Michelle Wu announced the extended partnership last week. Boston.gov reports it’s a three-year deal that will total $3,525,000. The affiliated cost includes project expenses and artist payments.
“Murals in Boston are a critical part of highlighting and amplifying culture and beauty in our communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Arts help to create dynamic, connected and welcoming communities representative of our residents. I’m grateful to Street Theory for their partnership and dedication to equity in the creative space. This historic investment will uplift the work of diverse artists in all of our neighborhoods,” Wu said in a statement posted by the city’s arts and culture department.
Street Theory will collaborate directly with the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture to identify the proper mural locations in addition to hiring artists. Projects that Street Theory will initially oversee include three basketball court murals at Malcolm X Park and a mural on a wall of the BCYF Shelburne in Roxbury, the press release states.
This city is particularly enthusiastic about engaging deeper with local artists and inspiring the arts throughout the greater Boston region. The Boston Public Library and Public Schools have already jumped on board as partners for future murals.
Street Theory
With roots in Brooklyn, NY, Street Theory describes themselves as a “an award-winning creative agency (with over 20 years of experience) that activates communities, spaces, and global brands through street art.” Street Theory has been a familiar partner with Boston for the past few years. Founder, Liza Quiñonez worked with the mayor’s office on various other mural projects in the greater Boston area. Some of the work and their affiliated artist can be seen below.
Artists interested in applying for future projects with Boston’s mural art partner will be able to submit proposals once the calls are released.
Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.
