What will this mean for cycling and cyclists in Boston?

[Bruce K]

The local news report tonight featured a story about Mayor Thomas Menino.

It has been mentioned here a few times that the mayor has become quite the cycling fanatic, riding his Trek Fuel several times each week.

He enjoys it so much that there are all kinds of cycling initiatives happening or being discussed with Nicole Freeman leading the charge in city hall.

It seems that on one of his honor's recent jaunts he was struck by a motorist. From the report it was an older woman and the mayor escaped with a small amount of road rash, a couple of bruises, and no other significant damage or injuries.

So, knowing how the mayor reacts to things he is passionate about, does anyone think this will bring about any significant regulations, accomodations, or initiatives within the city?

BK

[gdw]

just like W? Not good. He will probably have the Mass. National Guard occupy Rhode Island and then invade New Hampshire this fall. :banana:

[maunahaole]

You would think that the mayor would ride a locally fabbed product. There is still someone making frames inside of 128, isn't there?

Little Rhody will fold like a house of cards. New Hampshire, aside from Nashua, will be a little tougher to conquer. Best to take Vermont first, they are a little more medicated there.

[jasond]

You would think that the mayor would ride a locally fabbed product. There is still someone making frames inside of 128, isn't there?


IF and Seven are not far away however may be just a little out of his price range.

[1centaur]

Parlee's inside of 128.

It would be nice if the mayor talked to the chief of police about enforcing cyclists' rights of way. In a tiny local town last week there was a collision between a cyclist and the passenger door of a left turning car that sent the cyclist to the hospital (happened right outside the local bike store, whose owner said it sounded "like a loud bang"). No citation given, on a main street where the cyclist almost certainly was going less than 20 mph. Sound familiar?

[Bruce K]

The Trek was a gift from one of his staffers after the mayor commented on the staffers cycle commuting one day. Apparently he rolled it into a Mayor's Council meeting and handed it over.

Personally, I don't care what he rides as long as he is in love with cycling. It is raising awareness in Boston and he is on the prowl to improve cycling routes, trying to add bike lanes and changing facilities for commuters, plus Hub on Wheels is becoming a huge event.

During National Bike Week there were cycling caravans escorted into the city on a daily basis from the 3 major areas around Boston. They were complete with water stops and goodie bag giveaways.

Apparently the actual commuting miles recorded was almost triple what they had hoped to have pledged.

It ain't Portland, but it's a start.

BTW, 1c, I hadn't heard that one. Anyone we know?

BK

[1centaur]

BTW, 1c, I hadn't heard that one. Anyone we know?
BK

No name in the paper, IIRC. Main Street Topsfield.