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The 9th Annual Bow Tie Ride
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will it begin and end? The ride
begins and ends at the
Cambridge Main Library, 449 Broadway.
What if I want to drive or take public transit to the start?
Harvard Square is about a half a mile from the ride staging point and is easy to
reach by many methods. Parking and
transportation recommendations can be found on the
HarvardSquare.com website.
You can also take your bike with you on the Red Line to the Harvard Square T Stop.
On weekends, bikes are allowed on the subway all day. Many bus routes lead to
Harvard Square, and Cambridge buses are equipped with bike racks. Click
here for more
information about bikes on the T.
Finally, all Cambridge streets are free of a residential parking restrictions on Sunday.
Who is running the event? The
Cambridge Bicycle Committee with the help of the Cambridge Police
Bicycle Patrol Unit, and the Cambridge Community Development 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 7 miles an hour for an extended length of time. It is of
course possible to only stay with the 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 route is about 12 miles long. Traveling at roughly 7 mph, with one rest stop,
the time from start to finish will add up to about 2 hours.
How difficult will the route be? Mostly flat
and easy. There are a few long, slow hills.
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? Check out the map,
which will be posted to this site shortly before the ride.
What if I'm late? You can try to catch
the ride along the route using the map.
What if I get a flat tire? Riders
should ensure that bikes are in good working order before the day of the ride.
There will be mechanics along on the ride for minor emergencies.
What about the weather? Heavy 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.
Will there be public toilets?
There are public restrooms at Fresh Pond, where we’ll take a short mid-ride break.
Are helmets required? Helmets are required
by law for children 16 years old and younger and recommended for everyone.
What are the rules?
1. Stay with the group and behind the leader.
2. The Cambridge Bicycle Patrol will accompany 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.
1. Stay with the group and behind the leader.
2. The Cambridge Bicycle Patrol will accompany 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.
Email info [at] cambridgebikes [dot] org for more information.