Frequently Asked Questions
Fall Ride 2008
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Where will it begin and end? The ride begins and ends at Cambridge Common in Harvard Square.

Will you really start riding promptly at 10:30 AM? Yes! We need to get to the Minuteman gateway for the noon event.

Who is running the event? The Cambridge Bicycle Committee with the help of the Cambridge Police Bicycle Patrol Unit, the Cambridge Community Development Department and the Cambridge Public Works Department.

Do I need to register? There is no registration, just show up and enjoy!

How much does it cost? It's free.

Is this a ride for children? While the ride is not fast, it might be a bit long for young riders. Young children who aren't used to riding distances would fare best on a trail-a-bike (and the youngest in seats or trailers). Anyone under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Is it suitable for adult beginner cyclists? Yes, if they are in sufficient physical health to safely travel at an average speed of about 8 miles an hour for an extended length of time. Of course, one can ride for a portion of the trip and head back at one's own time and pace.

How long is the ride? How long will it take? The ride is about 14½ miles long, will travel at about 8 mph and includes two planned stops. The first stop will be halfway through for five to ten minutes. The second stop will be at the Minuteman gateway for twenty to thirty minutes. All that adds up to from 2 to 2½ hours.

How difficult will the route be? Flat and easy.

How often will we stop? There will be two official stops and the occasional random pause to allow the group to pull together.

Will there be a police escort? Yes, the Cambridge Police Department's Bike Patrol will be with us the entire way. Riders are expected to stay with the group and follow the instructions of the Bicycle Patrol officers.

Where will we ride? The ride will cover Cambridge from Lechmere Canal Park to Memorial Drive to the Alewife Reservation. The route map will be posted to this site the day before the ride.

Is any of the ride off road? We ride along a unpaved path for about a mile through the Alewife Reservation.

What if I'm late? You can try to catch the ride along the route using the map. You can also join the ride at the mid-ride stop on Memorial Drive next to Longfellow Park, where we plan to arrive shortly after 11:30.

What if I get a flat tire? There may be a mechanic on hand to assist with unanticipated mechanical problems. Riders should ensure that bikes are in good working order before the day of the ride; any assistance would only be for minor emergencies, not major tune-ups. Click here for a list of local bicycle repair shops.

What about the weather? Steady rain will cancel the ride. There is no rain date. If the weather looks doubtful, check cambridgebikes.org. An announcement will also be sent to the ride email list (sign up on this web site's home page).

Will there be public toilets? There are public restrooms at the Alewife T station, adjacent to the stop at the Minuteman gateway.

Are helmets required? Helmets are required by law for children 16 years old and younger. The City of Cambridge endorses helmet use for all.

What are the rules?
1. Stay with the group and behind the leader.
2. The Cambridge Bicycle Patrol will be accompanying the group. Obey all police directives.
3. Stay to the RIGHT of any yellow center line on the road
4. We will ride as a group with the road open to traffic ahead of us and behind us. Please ride safely and courteously, and obey all police directives.

Will you be giving out freebies? There will be light snacks at the Minuteman gateway stop.

Email info [at] cambridgebikes [dot] org for more information.
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