Boston is endorsing a new type of transportation for enjoyable summer travel — bikes! The New Balance Hubway, named after the athletic company, is the city’s new bike-sharing program. It was recently launched at City Hall Plaza. New Balance is a lead sponsor of the bicycle program. Mayor Thomas M. Menino presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The city looks to use bicycling as a way to reduce roadway congestion and to urge residents to get out and be active, but they warn riders to still be cautious in their travels to avoid a bicycling accident in Boston.
“Over the past four years, we have taken great strides toward making Boston a city that welcomes and encourages bicycling but this innovative bike share system may be the most significant step yet,” Menino said in a recent statement. He said officials were confident there is “no better time to make Hubway a reality.”
Our Massachusetts bicycle accident attorneys would like to tell you a little bit about the new program. New Balance Hubway consists of more than 60 kiosks that are set up around the city that allow would-be bicyclers to rent one of 610 bikes. When a rider is done using the bicycle, all they have to do is return it to any Hubway kiosk.
In celebration of the Hubway launch, registered Hubway members and employees of Hubway sponsors rode 200 of the bikes around the city.
Looking to rent a bike from Hubway?:
-A bike will cost you $5 for a 24-hour period.
-You can also rent a bike for a three-day period for only $12.
-An annual Hubway membership costs $85.
-Fees are added for rides longer than 30 minutes.
Bicyclists are urged to be cautious on their rented bikes when traveling among motor vehicles. Here are some important safety tips to help keep you safe:
-Make sure that you ride with traffic, never against it.
-Obey all traffic signals, signs and pavement markings. Cyclists are also required to come to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs, just like motor vehicles.
-Never ride on expressways, drives, highways or interstate routes unless authorized by signs.
-Always ride predictably. Do not weave in and out of traffic. Riding predictably reduces your chances of an accident with a vehicle.
-Make eye contact with drivers before changing lanes or making a turn. Make sure that drivers see you before making a turn or crossing in front of them.
-Be on the lookout for open car doors. Always be prepared for the possibility of a car opening in your path.
-Wear brightly colored clothing to remain visible. During the evening hours, use reflective materials and lights.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were nearly 650 bicyclists killed because of motor-vehicle accidents in the United States in 2009 alone. Another 51,000 were injured in these incidents. Massachusetts witnessed nearly 10 bicyclist deaths during that same year.
The Boston bicycle accident lawyers at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, LLC know that being involved in a serious or fatal Massachusetts accident can be among the most trying experiences of a lifetime. If you have been injured, or someone you love has been injured or killed in a Boston car accident, we can help. You can schedule a free initial consultation, by contacting us online or calling our offices at (617) 777-7777 to discuss your rights.
Additional Resources:
Boston launches bike-sharing program, by Jaime Lutz, boston.com
More Blog Entries:
Brookline Police Crack Down on Local Bicyclists; Fewer Cycling Accidents the Goal, Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog, July 29, 2011
Friendlier streets may reduce risk of Boston bicycle accidents, Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog, January 29, 2011