Bicycling

Since bike theft is extremely common in this town, you might consider riding around a crappy bike (or, hint hint, a crappy-looking bike). On the other hand, a good mountain bike better negotiates curbs, slickness, and other obstacles to Boston bike. Whatever you ride, invest in a good bike lock--in all likelihood, a kryptonite U-lock. If you have a quick-release tire be sure your lock encloses your bike and the tire and whatever you're locking them to. If your other tire is quick release as well you'll need an additional flexible lock. Also be sure to register your bicycle with Harvard Police and the City of Cambridge so it can be identified in the event of theft. Just bring your bike to HUPD at 29 Garden Street anytime to get it registered (free of charge) with the Harvard Police.

Cyclists should ride single-file to the right of the roadways (except when making left turns), using hand signals for any change of motion. For night riding, you must have both white front and red back lights visible for at least 500 and 600 feet respectively. Riding on the sidewalk is prohibited in congested areas such as Harvard Square, Central Square and Porter Square (maps are available at the Cambridge Police Department and at the GSAS Office of Student Services). Where sidewalk riding is allowed, it may not be done at a speed "greater than a normal walk." The relatively common bicycle lanes are to be sought out, since they let you ride at your own pace in relative safety.

To avoid being ticketed or killed while riding, obey all traffic laws, including going the right direction on one way streets and obeying traffic lights and signs. And following traffic laws is not good enough: you may be dead right and still be dead. In short, a continuous gunslinger-like awareness is necessary when on the streets. Although helmets are not required by law for those over 12, wearing a helmet is the smart thing to do, testimonials to their life-saving capacity are innumerable. If you do not wear one you obviously raise the stakes of riding.

You can take your bike on the T or commuter rail. In the past, the MBTA required bikers to buy a photo ID pass, but now bikers are admitted directly. The MBTA, however, does strongly urge bikers to avoid afternoons and rush hours (that is, to avoid weekdays before 10am, and 2pm-7:30pm). For more information, call the MBTA at 222-3200, ext. 1555.