Hello Watertown!  May is Bike Month!

Watertown supports biking, as an environmentally friendly, fun, and healthy means of transportation and recreation.  The Town’s goal is to reduce single occupancy vehicle mode share by 20%, to 50% for residents, and 60% for employees. To achieve these goals, the Town collaborates with businesses and residents, to promote clean, healthy, sustainable transportation choices. The Town requires that new large development encourage employees to commute sustainably. 

Last year, 1 in 4 Watertown residents chose an environmentally sustainable mode to travel to work, like biking, walking, or taking public transportation. Did you know that bicycles save over 238 million gallons of fuel every year and are 20x cheaper to maintain than cars?[i] Join your many friends and neighbors and choose alternative modes of transportation to get around town.

Don’t have your own ride? There’s bike sharing in Watertown! Try a Bluebike! 

Watertown recently launched a Bluebikes program, with 6 stations and 2 more coming soon.  During Bike Month get 10% off an annual membership. Take a Bluebike to Cambridge, Boston, Newton or Arlington, park it there and take the T.

• Since launching Bluebikes, almost 4000 rides have originated in Watertown.  The hottest locations are Watertown Square and Arsenal Yards.
• You can access Bluebikes one ride at a time, or you can buy a day pass (called an Adventure Pass), try it for a month, or get an Annual Membership for $109/year. Go right to the station or download the app. And don’t forget, Bluebikes Annual Membership is 10% off in May for Bike Month.

Bike safety never goes out of season. When biking, make sure that you are staying safe on Watertown’s trails and streets.  Follow these safety tips when you ride:

1. Wear a properly fitting helmet.
2. Wear bright, reflective clothing at night or in the rain or fog.  Use a light at night.
3. Make sure your bike is working properly and is well-maintained, see your local bike shop for a tune up!
4. Don’t listen to headphones or use your phone while you ride – stay attentive.
5. Ride in the same direction as traffic.   Bicycles on the roadway are considered vehicles and have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers.
6. And if you are driving, watch for bike riders, and after parking, check for bikes before opening your door.

Enjoy Bike Month this May on the roads, trails, and paths around Watertown, and help keep our community safe, clean, and resilient!  Interested in learning more about sustainable transportation in Town? Sign up for the Healthy Transportation Newsletter.