It’s no secret that getting around any city in a car can be a challenge thanks to traffic, which is one of the reasons many of Boston’s residents and visiting tourists opt for the city’s MBTA trains and buses. But now there is a new way to travel from neighborhood to neighborhood with Metro Boston’s public bike-share program, Blue Bikes.
How does it work
Blue Bikes currently has more than 1,800 bikes located at more than 200 stations in various neighborhoods, including Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, and Somerville. To use this program to get from one destination to another, simply become a member online and purchase a pass (Individual Travel, Explore Pass, or Annual Pass) from the app or a kiosk.
From there, use the app or website to locate an available bike in a convenient place for you to pick it up. You will then unlock your selected bike using a ride code or your member key. After that, you are alone to enjoy a stroll through Boston! Check your membership to determine the amount of time you can withdraw for each trip.
When you’ve reached a destination or it’s time to return your bike for the day, head to any Blue Bike station to drop it off, as you don’t have to drop it off at the same place you picked it up. Place your bike on one of the docks and wait until you see the green light to make sure it has been properly locked.
No matter what type of pass you have, you can take advantage of Blue Bikes year-round, although some stations are removed during the winter months where snow removal takes precedence.
Ticket types and how to pay
Unlike the MBTA, which requires you to purchase tickets or add value to an existing pass at various stations in the city, the easiest way to purchase Blue Bike tickets is through the Blue Bikes mobile app. You can also grab one at any kiosk in the station.
There are several different ticket and membership options, including:
- One-Way ($ 2.50 for 30 Minutes) : Great for one-way trips, whether it’s a casual commute to work, meeting friends for brunch, or running an errand to the store. If you end up needing more time, just pay another $ 2.50 to add an extra 30 minutes to your ride.
- Explorer Pass ($ 10 for 24 hours) : Looking to get to multiple destinations in one day? The Explorer Pass is your best option, as you will have access to Blue Bikes for 24 hours for just $ 10. Keep your bike out for up to two hours at a time throughout the day. And just like the individual ride, add 30 minutes for $ 2.50 as needed.
- Annual Pass ($ 99) : If you plan to take advantage of Blue Bikes regularly, especially as a commuter, go for the Annual Pass. For just $ 99 per year, you’ll get unlimited 45-minute rides. You can also add 30 minutes with this plan for $ 2.50. If you prefer not to pay everything up front, there is an option to pay $ 10 / month with a 12-month commitment, bringing the grand total to $ 120 per year.
Riding tips
It should come as no surprise that Blue Bikes advises all riders to wear a helmet, and state law requires those under the age of 16 to do so. Adjust your helmet so that it is snug, level on your head, and be sure to fasten the chin strap to keep it in place. It may not be the most stylish look, but we promise you can take it off once you reach your destination. While there are bike lanes around Boston, it’s still a busy city, so safety comes first.
When it comes to safety, there are a few other important rules of the road to keep in mind. First, obey traffic signals as if you were traveling in a car, such as red lights and stop signs. In addition, the law requires that you also drive in traffic, except in areas marked otherwise. Even when riding through traffic on a real bike path, keep an eye out for parked cars opening doors and vehicles turning. Yield to pedestrians and go slowly on sidewalks. And while this is not a law, do not text or talk on the phone while driving, as you want your undivided attention on the road.
If you are not an avid cyclist, you will want to learn the basics of hand signals so others on the trail know where you are going.
- When you’re turning left, stick your left arm out.
- To turn right, do the same with your right arm.
- Holding your left hand by your side pointing to the ground will signal to others that you are stopping.
And it’s always good to get familiar with your Blue Bike before riding, making sure the seat adjusts to your height, the tires have enough air, and you fully understand how to use the brakes. These bikes are specifically designed for city riding and are fully adjustable to accommodate riders of all sizes or skill levels. You can find more information about the features of Blue Bikes here.
Popular walks
Assuming you’re riding in good weather, it’s hard to go wrong taking the Blue Bikes through the city of Boston. Popular rides to explore include the Charles River Esplanade, Boston Harborwalk, Cambridge Reel Ride, Southwest Corridor, Somerville Community Path and Landmark Center, Fenway Park, and Kenmore Square.
