Cycling in Boston: Your Guide to the Best Routes and Rentals

In recent years, Boston has made vast improvements in its infrastructure for cyclists. This includes painting miles of bicycle lanes and implementing an excellent bike-share program. Local drivers are quite accustomed to sharing the roads with cyclists; however, it is important that cyclists always obey traffic rules and ride defensively.

3 of the Best Off-Road Cycling Routes in Boston

Emerald Necklace

The Emerald Necklace is an evocative name for a chain of parks and green spaces that stretch approximately 7 miles through Boston, from Boston Common to Franklin Park. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in the late 19th century, the Emerald Necklace provides city residents with fresh air, lush greenery, and flowing water, all within the city limits. While it is lovely to walk, it is even better to cycle. Note that this route is mostly unpaved, thus road bikes are not recommended.

The 4-mile cycling route along the Emerald Necklace begins west of Kenmore Square, at the north end of the Riverway (near the Fenway T-stop). Cyclists will follow the west side of the Muddy River for about a mile to Olmsted Park. Here, a paved path hugs the banks of Leverett Pond and Ward’s Pond for another mile. At Willow Pond Road, shift to the east side of the park and ride along the Jamaicaway bike path, passing Ward Pond and Jamaica Pond.

At the southern end of Jamaica Pond, follow the Arborway south, circle the rotary, and enter the Arnold Arboretum. It may be more comfortable to ride on the sidewalk during this brief stretch. From the Arboretum visitor center, cyclists can enjoy a leisurely one-mile ride along Meadow Road and up to Bussey Hill for a fabulous lookout.

From this point, you can either return the way you came or ride back along the Southwest Corridor Park trail towards Fenway or to the South End.

Ride the Minuteman Bikeway

The Minuteman Bikeway is regarded as the best of Boston’s bicycle trails. This rail trail stretches 6.5 miles from Cambridge to historic Lexington Center and then an additional 3.5 miles of idyllic scenery, ending in the rural suburb of Bedford. Along the way, the trail skirts the shady woodlands and flat marshlands of Great Meadows, which are great for bird sightings and scenic overlooks. In Lexington Center, the trail runs alongside the old train depot. Additionally, there is a visitors center near the historic buildings and Battle Green, which provides conveniences such as bathrooms and a water bubbler.

Note that the Minuteman Bikeway starts near Alewife station in Cambridge. However, it is also accessible from Davis Square in Somerville via the 1.5-mile Linear Path and from North Point Park in East Cambridge via the 4.6-mile Somerville Community Path. You can get your bicycle from a Bluebikes docking station near any of these starting points.

Advanced riders can venture further or make it a loop by connecting with the Reformatory Branch or Battle Road. The Reformatory Branch is an unpaved trail extending about 4 miles from the end of the Minuteman Bikeway in Bedford to the Old North Bridge in Concord. To access Battle Road, riders should turn off the Minuteman in Lexington Center and take Mass Ave for 1.6 miles. This 5-mile dirt road links many revolutionary sites and ends at Meriam’s Corner. From this point, it’s an additional mile into Concord Center.

Cycle to the Sam Adams Boston Brewery

The best way to reach the original home of Boston’s favorite beer is to cycle the Southwest Corridor. This linear park extends 4.1 miles from Back Bay to Forest Hills station, and you can pick it up in South End, Roxbury, or Jamaica Plain.

Upon arriving at the brewhouse, where research and development occur, you can take the signature tour to learn about the brewing process or head straight to the tap room for flights and bites.

Where to Hire a Bike in Boston

Bluebikes

Bluebikes is Boston’s premier bike-share program. There are numerous Bluebikes stations scattered throughout Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, Somerville, and the surrounding areas, featuring approximately 4,000 bikes available for short-term loan. Riders can download the app or visit any bicycle kiosk to purchase a pass. Unlock your bike and enjoy the ride! You can return the bike to any kiosk that is convenient for your destination.

Choose between a one-way trip for up to 30 minutes or opt for a day pass, which allows for an unlimited number of two-hour bike rides within 24 hours.

Urban AdvenTours

If you prefer something lighter or more specialized, consider renting a bicycle from Urban AdvenTours located in the North End. They provide road bikes, mountain bikes, electric bikes, and children’s bikes, in addition to standard city bikes (hybrids).

Urban AdvenTours also offers highly-rated guided bicycle tours, an excellent option for novice riders. Bicycles, helmets, and water are provided.

Top Tips for Cycling in Boston

• Basic bike path etiquette suggests that riders should travel on the right side of the path and pass on the left. Always notify other riders and pedestrians by ringing your bell or stating “Passing on your left.”

• When on the road, cyclists are generally expected to follow the same rules as motor vehicles.

• Bikes are permitted on the T (subway), commuter trains, and most buses; however, they are not allowed on green-line trains or any trains during rush hours.

• While helmets are highly recommended for all riders, they are legally mandated for children under the age of 16.