What if I want to drive or take public transit to the start? If you drive, there are several parking garages open to the public at the starting point in Kendall Square. The tour will end at Fresh Pond so you’ll need to return to Kendall Square, independently by cycling, or on the Red Line from Alewife station. On weekends, bikes are allowed on the Red Line all day.

The Cambridge Community Development Department has published a map showing the marked bicycle route connecting Fresh Pond with both Alewife station and Harvard Square. That map can be viewed or downloaded here from the city’s website.

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. Additional support is provided by Urban AdvenTours and Eastern Mountain Sports,

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 too 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. The route will be be broken into three sections of 4 to 5 miles each. You may choose to only stay with the ride for one or two portions of the tour and head back at your own time and pace.

How long is the ride? How long will it take? The route is about 14 miles long. Traveling at roughly 7 mph, with two stops, the time from start to finish will add up to about 2.5 hours. You should allow more time if you stay for lunch at the end.

How difficult will the route be? Mostly flat and easy.

Will there be a police escort? Yes, the Cambridge Police Department’s Bicycle 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 from Urban AdvenTours and Eastern Mountain Sports 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. (Sign up on this web site's home page.)

Will there be public toilets? At Kendall Square, you can use the rest rooms in MIT’s Building 19 on the corner of Ames Street and Main or in some of the nearby cafés. There will also be rest rooms when we break at the Museum of Science and at the Fresh Pond water treatment plant where the ride ends.

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 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.

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

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