Follow the Path
by Kate Thrane
photography courtesy of Brittany Bauman
Fall in Boston is the perfect time to get out and explore both the greenery and urban areas this city has to offer.
First thing, you’re going to need to get a bike. If you’re in the market to buy a new bike, head over to Landry’s Bicycles at 1048 Commonwealth Avenue or Community Bike Supply at 496 Tremont Street. Or, if you aren’t a frequent biker but want to take advantage of a nice fall day, rent a bike through the Bluebikes, a public bike sharing system that scatters bikes throughout the city in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge and Somerville.
“I like renting a bike through Bluebikes on the weekend because I can really get off campus,” Jaime Bearisto (COM ’20) said. “It’s a nice break from the ‘BU Bubble.’”
If you’re looking to spend a full day biking and exploring, try the Emerald Necklace trail, a 15-mile trail that weaves through parks and waterways in both Brookline and Boston. This trail is rich in greenery and it is a nice escape from the urban hustle and bustle that is Boston.
If a quick bicycle ride is all you have time for, then head toward the east side of Boston University’s campus where the Esplanade is located. There is a biking trail that runs parallel to the Charles River, and the views include MIT’s campus, rowers and kayakers. This spot is a big draw for students on the weekends.
“The Esplanade is my favorite place to exercise in general,” said Ivy Zhang (COM ’20). “It’s fun to bike there because the tail is close to campus.”
The most classic and the most “Boston” places to bike are the Boston Common and the Boston Public Garden. There, you will find several winding bike paths and a lovely pond with lots of benches to rest. This is also a big tourist destination so expect the Common and the Garden to be busier on the weekends.
Or, if sightseeing is your goal, book a guided bike tour through Urban Adventours and choose from a tour of the city, a tour of Cambridge or a sports-oriented tour of the Fenway neighborhood. Their tours come complete with everything needed for a great ride. They supply bikes, helmets, water and a friendly guide to lead the way and explain all the sights you are passing. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a history lesson without a guide, head straight to the Minuteman Bikeway. The Minuteman Bikeway is a paved rail trail that begins in Cambridge and runs north 10 miles to Bedford. This is also a great trail for history buffs because the path roughly follows Paul Revere’s ride through Lexington and Arlington.
In the mood for just a quick ride? The Charlestown Waterfront Bike Path is a perfect nearly one mile trail that will give you fresh ocean breezes as you follow a path past the Charlestown Navy Yard and the USS Constitution.
No matter your experience level or time allowance, there’s no doubt that Boston has a bike path to fit your needs.