Boston Now On Pedal America’s Radar Print
On Sunday, August 9, 2009 The New York Times article "Boston Tries to Shed Longtime Reputation As Cyclists' Minefield" featured the city’s strides toward becoming more bicycle-friendly. With Mayor Thomas M. Menino rediscovering cycling and creating Hub on Wheels, Boston is on the right trek.

Though already called the Walking City, newly installed short-range bicycle lanes and pathways are inching Boston toward more activity on two wheels. But one problem the article addresses is the city’s infrastructure. Many streets are just too narrow to accommodate bike lanes.  What’s the mayor to do?  I say tap into the multitude of ivy-clad structures that house some of our nation’s brightest minds.

Boston hosts one of the largest concentrations of colleges and universities anywhere on earth. And with lots of attention being paid to service-learning and the community, I’m confident that talented architectural and city-planning engineering students would jump at the chance to showcase their blueprints for a more bicycle-friendly city. Menino should sponsor a contest for such students, with assistance from their professors, to submit plans.  Offer a tuition scholarship for the winner. Toss in a little grant money. That should inspire students to engage in the community, hop on their bikes, and apply what they learn in class to a real need.  It would help students to build their resumes and portfolios, as well. We can even feature the winner on our program.

With its endless rolling hills, majestic mountains, wineries, historic ports, and fall foliage, New Englanders have an abundance of recreational cycling adventures just outside their doorsteps. And as Bostonians grow to appreciate the fall leaves softly crunching under their bicycle wheels, Pedal America will stand by, looking ahead to bring its cameras and crew to Beantown.  

Let us know when you’re ready.

David