Tips for Safe Bike Commuting in Boston

In Boston, more people are cycling to work and school than ever before. This is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise, while avoiding the Boston traffic gridlock.
If you plan to join the cyclists, we hope you enjoy the benefits. But before you ride, we encourage you to learn about traffic laws and road conditions in Boston and nearby communities.
- Boston Bicycling Maps and Apps
- Boston Bike Lanes and Bike Paths
- Massachusetts Bicycle Laws
- Dangerous Boston Streets and Intersections for Cyclists
- Boston Bike Sharing
- Wearing Bike Helmets in Boston
- Boston Bike Parking
- Winter Biking in Boston
- Boston Bike Accidents - Reporting
- Boston Bike Dooring Accidents
- Protecting Yourself Through Your Massachusetts Auto Insurance Policy
- Boston Area Bike Groups
Boston Bicycling Maps and Apps
The City of Boston offers this web page to help cyclists plan their routes and travel with bikes on the MBTA. Boston offers many bike lanes to help cyclists travel safely. You can find these bike lanes on Google Maps or the BlueBikes app.
Looking for a bike path with a beautiful view? Boston has many, starting with the Charles River Esplanade, the North Bank Bridge under the Zakim to the Charlestown Waterfront Bike Path and the Lower Neponset River Trail, which runs from Dorchester to Milton. For more ideas, we suggest this article, "The Best Bike Paths in Boston," published by Boston Magazine.
Massachusetts Bicycle Laws
M.G.L. c. 85, § 11B is the primary law on bicycle safety and motor vehicle operation near bicyclists in Massachusetts. As a cyclist, you should always wear a helmet and make sure you have proper safety gear such as bike lights and neon safety vests. Bicycle helmets are not required by law for cyclists who are 17 and older. However, helmets are an essential tool in protecting against head injuries. Wear one at all times when riding, no matter how quick the trip.Where you ride is important. Motorists have a responsibility to share the road with cyclists. Cyclists are allowed to ride in the center of the traffic lane. This may be the safest option at times. But for the most part, try riding on the right side of the road or in the bike lane, traveling in the same direction as traffic. This prevents traffic from backing up.
The City of Boston encourages cyclists to ride in the street and save the sidewalk for pedestrians. You can use the sidewalk if you must in the interest of safety, except where signs and markings prohibit this.
Like motorists, you must follow traffic laws, such as stopping at red lights. To learn more, read our article, Quick Facts About Cycling in Massachusetts.
Dangerous Boston Streets and Intersections for Cyclists
Plan your commute to avoid dangerous intersections for bicyclists. If you must travel through these areas, look for protected bike lanes. And remember, it can really help to walk your bike route before you ride and observe the traffic flow.- Boston Bikes Map is a starting point for learning about dangerous intersections in Boston.
- The Boston Cyclist Safety Report (2013) also provides background on bike accident locations in Boston.
- Boston Cyclists Union's website provides updates on dangerous areas for cyclists and advocates for safety improvements
Boston Bike Sharing
Wearing a Bike Helmet in Boston
Bicycle helmets are the first step for protecting yourself against the risk of a head injury in a bicycle accident. Buy your helmet local if you can. This is a good way to support local businesses and there is a good chance the bike shop will help you fit your helmet. Here is the City of Boston's list of bike shops and retailers offering bike helmets. Blue Bikes riders should plan to bring their own helmet.Boston Bike Parking
Massachusetts law states you can park your bike anywhere it does not disrupt vehicle or pedestrian traffic. Look for bike parking in garages and bike racks when you can. Over the past few years, the City of Boston has installed thousands of new bike parking spaces. Look for bike racks before you travel in by visiting this Boston Bike Parking map. Another option is you can park at a MBTA station. Many stations offer "pedal & park" facilities (though we suggest you check on your local station before you travel). Not all MBTA lines and stations allow bikes.- Everyday Winter Biking, Landry Bikes
- Here's How You Gear up for Cold-Weather Biking, The Boston Globe
- Winter Riding Tips, Blue Bikes
Visit the emergency room if you are involved in a bicycle accident. Go right away. The sooner you are examined, the sooner you can understand your injuries and receive medical treatment if you need it.
Boston Bike Dooring Accidents
Dooring is against the law in Massachusetts and is punishable by a $100 fine. So is parking in a bike lane (since 2009 in the City of Boston and statewide since 2017). Drivers should well understand their responsibilities to stay out of the bike lane and always check for cyclists before opening a vehicle door.But dooring is a common occurrence in Boston and Cambridge. Too many cyclists will tell you a driver has opened a door onto their path and they were seriously injured or managed to dodge a major injury. Just as dangerous is when Uber and Lyft vehicles let passengers board or commercial trucks stop to make deliveries.
Cyclists who are injured by a car door should report the crash to police just as they would any other type of collision. Again, you should also receive immediate medical attention.
Protecting Yourself Through Your Massachusetts Auto Insurance Policy
No one wants to think about the possibility of being injured in a bike accident. Still, it is important to understand your insurance policies. If you are ever hit and injured on your bike, you may be able to file a claim against the driver's auto insurance policy if they were at fault. But if the driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may have to look to your Massachusetts auto insurance policy.Boston Area Bike Groups
Bike Safety Resources at Boston Colleges and Universities
Your college or university may also offer bike safety resources. Check with the commuter or transportation office or the campus police department. A few websites to start with: Boston University bike safety web page and the Boston College Police Department's bike safety resources.Updated March 2022.
About Breakstone, White & Gluck
Breakstone, White & Gluck has been consistently recognized as a top-rated Boston personal injury law firm. While we represent cyclists who have been injured, for the past decade, we have also worked to encourage cyclists to wear helmets and protect against head injuries on bikes through our Project KidSafe campaign.
Since 2013, our Project KidSafe campaign has partnered with more than 50 community organizations - police departments, schools, bicycle committees and Massachusetts Safe Routes to School - and donated more than 33,000 bicycle helmets to children across Massachusetts. The American League of Bicyclists has twice recognized Breakstone, White & Gluck as a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Business.
If you have been injured by someone else's negligence, learn your legal rights. For a free legal consultation, contact our attorneys at 800-379-1233 or 617-723-7676 or use our contact form.