Tips for Safe Bike Commuting in Boston

In Boston, more people are cycling to work than ever. Many more are also riding for recreation. Cycling is a great way to get exercise, fresh air and avoid sitting in traffic. But before you ride, we encourage you to learn as much as you can so you enjoy your time riding and minimize your risk for injury in a bicycle accident. Our article covers bike lanes, dangerous intersections and your rights and responsibilities as a cyclist in Boston.
- 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 use the MBTA (which allows bikes on many transportation lines). Another resource is the Go Boston 30 plan.Massachusetts Bicycle Laws
M.G.L. c. 85, § 11B is the primary law regulating bicycling 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. We urge you to 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 and 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, you should generally travel on the right side of the road or in the bike lane, riding in the same direction as traffic. This prevents traffic from backing up.
The City of Boston encourages cyclists to ride in the street. This is to save the sidewalk for pedestrians.
Wherever you travel, cyclists must also follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles, including stopping at red lights. Motorists have a responsibility to provide you with adequate room to make safe decisions. They must also yield to cyclists when turning at intersections.
To learn more, read the Quick Facts About Cycling in Massachusetts.
Dangerous Boston Streets and Intersections for Cyclists
Plan your travel to avoid dangerous intersections. If you cannot avoid these areas, take time to really learn about the intersections. Look for protected bike lanes and other safety infrastructure. We suggest walking along on sidewalks at least once before you ride anywhere in Boston.- 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
Bike sharing came to Boston in 2011, with the arrival of Hubway. New Balance was the major sponsor. In 2018, the City of Boston announced it was transitioning to a new sponsor, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, and Blue Bikes. To find stations and learn more, visit the BlueBikes.com website or download the app.Wearing Bike Helmets in Boston
Bicycle helmets are the first step for protecting yourself from the risk of a head injury in a bicycle accident. The City of Boston once reported 72 percent of city cyclists wear helmets and has worked to increase this number. Discounted helmets are available from some of the city's retailers. Blue Bike riders should pack their own helmets because you are required to wear one while using the bike share.Boston Bike Parking
Massachusetts law says you can park your bike anywhere it does not disrupt vehicle or pedestrian traffic. In recent years, the City of Boston has installed thousands of new bike parking spaces. You can find a bike rack before you make your trip by visiting this Boston Bike Parking map. Another option is to park at a MBTA station. Many stations offer "pedal & park" facilities (though we recommend you check before traveling).- 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 receive any 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 they have had a door open onto their path. Just as dangerous is when Uber and Lyft vehicles use the bike lanes to board passengers 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 crash. You should also receive immediate medical attention.
Protecting Yourself Through Your Massachusetts Auto Insurance Policy
No one wants to think about suffering a bicycle accident. But it is important to be prepared. Review your Massachusetts auto insurance policy with your insurance agent. With a few strategic decisions, you can buy and increase your coverage types to help you with medical expenses and financial losses should you be injured in a bike accident. Read more in our article, What Every Massachusetts Bicyclist Needs to Know About Car Insurance.Boston Area Bike Groups
Because so many people ride, the Boston area has a large number of cycling organizations. Members of these groups, gatherings and social media pages are a few places to learn more about what you need to know as a cyclist. A few to consider: MassBike, Boston Cyclists Union, Quincycles, Somerville Bicycle Committee, Cambridge Bike Safety and Bike Newton.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 February 2020.
About Breakstone, White & Gluck
Breakstone, White & Gluck is a Boston personal injury law firm which represents those injured by the negligence of others. Our attorneys have obtained record verdicts and settlements in the areas of personal injury, medical malpractice and product liability. We are committed to promoting safety for cyclists and pedestrians in Boston and Massachusetts. Since 2013, our Project KidSafe campaign has partnered with nearly 50 community organizations - police departments, schools, bicycle committees and Massachusetts Safe Routes to School - and donated 30,000 bicycle helmets to children across Massachusetts. In 2017, the American League of Bicyclists 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.