As I step into the role of CRW President, I’m filled with excitement for what lies ahead. In 2026, we’ll celebrate our 60th anniversary—six decades of bringing cyclists together to explore New England’s roads and trails and to build lasting friendships on and off the bike.

I’m deeply grateful to Randolph Williams for his thoughtful leadership over the past two years and for guiding me through this transition. Thank you also to the Board of Directors for their confidence, and to the volunteers, ride leaders, and members whose efforts make CRW such a special community. Also, a shout-out to Mark Nardone, who will be stepping into the Executive VP role (I've got you on speed-dial!).

The Road Ahead

We’re fortunate to build on a strong foundation. Our three century rides, North to New Hampshire, Climb to the Clouds, and the Cranberry Century, have become signature events that attract riders from across the region. Each of these rides depends on dozens of volunteers to make them happen smoothly and safely, from marking routes to organizing rest stops, managing check-in, or handling logistics behind the scenes.

In 2026, we also plan to create special 60th anniversary rides and celebrations throughout the year. It’s the perfect moment to reflect on what makes CRW unique, and to play a part in shaping the next 60 years.

Your Invitation to Get Involved

I didn’t set out to become a club officer; it took a former board member encouraging (and re-encouraging) me until I finally said yes. I’m so glad they did. Now I’d like to do the same for you: say yes to something this year.

There are many ways to help:

• Lead a pace group on a century or weekend ride.

• Pick up supplies for a rest stop or event (Costco run!).

• Help organize a post-ride social, happy hour, or celebration.

• Join a committee, from Rides & Safety to Events or Communications.

• Bring a friend to a ride or welcome a new member on the road.

Every volunteer role, large or small, keeps our wheels turning. When you step up, you help others ride farther, safer, and with more joy.

Let’s Ride into the Next 60 Years

Every great CRW story starts with someone saying, “I’ll help.” As we head into our 60th year, I invite you to make that your first step. Get involved, give back, and help us celebrate what makes this club so special.

Here’s to a fantastic year of riding, connecting, and celebrating together. See you out there!

Ready to get involved? Email us at volunteering@crw.org.

Attention CRW Members!

The CRW Board invites you to help shape our club's future by participating in the upcoming CRW 2026 Membership Survey.

We Want to Hear from You: We encourage you to take a few minutes to give us your feedback. Your opinions and suggestions are crucial for enhancing our club's activities, events, and community engagement.

Survey Quick Facts:

• Link to Survey will be made available at the end of January.

• Estimated Time: About 5-10 minutes to complete.

Your Impact:

• Influence Decisions: Your insights help us understand member needs, shaping our decisions.

• Drive Positive Change: Your feedback is key to improving our club.

• Strengthen Our Community: Your input helps us foster a more vibrant and inclusive environment.

Thank you for your time and for being an essential part of CRW. We're eager to hear your thoughts!

Best regards,

The Board
Charles River Wheelers

By Barbara Jacobs

Every year, CRW awards a number of grants to organizations that are bike-centric. This year, the club is focused on non-profit organizations that provide events and activities for young children and organizations that are working on diversity issues in the bike community.

Here are the organizations who received grant funding from CRW in 2025.

MassBike received $1,000 from CRW. Our organization supports and sponsors MassBike for the extensive work they provide to the Bicycling Community throughout Massachusetts.

The Bike Connector received $750 for three bicycle rodeos scheduled with the Lowell Public Schools for the spring of 2026. The rodeos will take place at Full-Service Community Schools that serve children living in poverty who don't have access to bicycles. The Bike Connector will distribute 120 refurbished bicycles and new helmets at these rodeos. TBC volunteers will fit each child to a bike and a new helmet. Children will learn and practice safe bicycle skills. New riders will learn to balance and pedal their bikes.

Worcester Earn-A-Bike received $750 for its Youth Earn-a-Bike program which engages youth ages 9 to 17 to earn a bike. With five hours volunteering, while learning bicycle repair, problem-solving skills, and teamwork, they choose a bike of their own from their inventory of donated bicycles. For younger kids, they sell kids’ bikes for $5 at their spring Kids’ Bike Sale. They also welcome adults to the shop who can earn a bike after ten hours volunteering. The CRW grant is helping the organization to open an additional evening each week in 2026. The grant funds support another 3-hour slot per week in the busiest months of June-August.

Friends of The Mattapoisett Bicycle and Recreational Path received $250 for Bikes for All to expand its work and storage space. These funds will help secure a permanent location, embellish the exterior of a container and outfit the interior with hooks, bike and tool racks, and other features that will simplify operations.

South Coast Bicycle Alliance received $250 to stage one or more events that will occur in April or May of 2026. These events will promote bike safety and their organization’s goals of reaching many of Wareham’s culturally-diverse families. These events would provide free bike helmets to the children and information to the parents about efforts to bring a safer, separated bike and walking paths to town. An interactive map will indicate planned and potential routes throughout Wareham.

***SHARE YOUR INDOOR SETUP PHOTOS WITH CRW!***
For February’s issue of WheelPeople, we want to see your setup for indoor cycling!
Email a picture of your Pain Cave to: media-share@crw.org

John O'Dowd leads a Zwift ride through the digital Makuri Islands.

Submitted by John Allen, CRW Safety Coordinator

“Real improvement in safety and mobility requires data-driven planning.”

— Mighk Wilson, planner at MetroPlan Orlando (Florida), utility cyclist and CyclingSavvy co-founder

This applies to planning, but also, your own understanding of how to be safe, and your confidence in choosing bicycling for transportation and recreation. So, please read on!

Paul Schimek’s Boston study

Bicycling crashes in Boston have been the subject of an excellent study, conducted by Dr. Paul Schimek and based on crash reports and emergency-room data. Schimek didn’t have bicycle use data, but he could determine the relative frequencies of different kinds of crashes. They may not be quite what you think:

• dooring was the most common crash type reported to police;

• the motorist left turn (“left cross”) came in second;

• following this were the motorist drive-out and motorist right turn (“right hook”).

All of these are more likely when cyclists are riding at the far right side of the street – in the door zone and passing on the right. Most bike lanes in the Boston area encourage this behavior. 

Next came bicyclist errors:

• running red lights;

• failing to yield from a stop sign or driveway came next;

• then falls.

Last and least were overtaking crashes.  Surprisingly, there were more overtaking crashes with bicyclists rear-ending motor vehicles than with motorists rear-ending bicyclists. 

Schimek looked into hospital data and determined that police reports miss 76% of emergency-room visits and 60% of hospital admissions. These are overwhelmingly crashes that do not involve a motor vehicle.

What lessons does Schimek’s study offer? It’s important to be predictable, obeying the rules of the road – but also to be predictable by using defensive driving techniques – and that can mean staying out of the bike lane. Good bike-handling technique and situational awareness of potholes and other road hazards help too.

A summary and link to the detailed research paper are online on Schimek’s site. 

Mighk Wilson’s research

Mighk Wilson’s cutting-edge research is able to establish crash rates. He also has taken a wider look at nationwide bicycling trends.

Wilson collects data with Miovision cameras. They are mounted on poles like the controversial Flock license-plate readers, but instead count road users and record aggregate behavior in traffic. Wilson uses the cameras to count cyclists and track their direction of travel, speed, and position (e.g. travel lane, bike lane, paved shoulder, sidewalk, sidepath, or shared use path).

Before the camera technology became available, determining bicycling crash rates was very cumbersome. Checking data from the cameras against records made this easy.

Some of Wilson’s findings can be summarized as follows:

• Cyclist speed is a top factor in crash rates. Wilson found twice the crash rate on streets as on sidewalks, surprisingly, but the underlying factor was speed, not facility type: sidewalk cyclists were much slower, on average. Wilson observes that “[i]t’s not that the bike lane or sidewalk makes the cyclist safer, it’s that the cyclist makes the facility safer because they are slower. When a motorist violates their right of way, they don’t need the stopping distance.” 

• In a related finding, downhill cycling on sidewalks proved to be very hazardous due to the speed.

• Higher posted speed limits and nighttime cycling proved to be highly important risk factors in car-bike collisions (though most nighttime crash reports didn’t indicate whether a cyclist was using lights).
  

• As already documented in other studies, bicycling opposite the direction of traffic results in about 5 times the rate of car-bike crashes as bicycling with traffic. Wilson was able to establish that this holds whether the cyclist is riding on the street, sidewalk or sidepath.

The speed issue bears on the utility of bicycling, because a main advantage of cycling is in decreasing travel time compared with walking, and—for many urban trips—compared with public transportation and motoring when you include walks to and from transit stops or parking.

Wilson conducted his research in the Orlando urban area, but he also reviewed data about rates of bicycle use in the ten cities around the USA with top “bicycle network scores”: measures of construction of special infrastructure. He came to a rather striking conclusion. Despite the construction of many more special bicycle facilities, bicycle commuting has increased only in two: New York and San Francisco. In other cities with top “bicycle network scores” it has declined. These include Portland, Oregon, Washington, DC and Seattle, cities which have made large infrastructure investments. Bicycle crash numbers also have increased very substantially in all of these cities except New York and San Francisco. 

What makes those two cities different? Wilson notes that street connectivity, convenience and safety of bicycle parking, expense of auto parking, college age population, low income and weather prove to be more important than the extent of special bicycle facilities. Wilson makes a telling comparison between Orlando and Amsterdam, with a much smaller urban area and secure parking at train stations.

Wilson has recently given a seminar online about his research, now released as an online video. You may find his written introduction and the embedded video here. If you open the video in its Vimeo platform, you’ll find a description including a hot-linked table of contents to its sections.

Summary

Wilson’s and Schimek’s studies are the two most significant ones on urban cycling in the USA of which I know. They are indispensable reading if you want to have a solid background on the topic.

Offering her perspective and insights as a newer member of CRW is Heidi Greulich!

Where are you from originally?

I grew up and went to college in New Jersey, then Rockefeller University in New York City for grad school in biology, and then I came up to Cambridge/Boston area for my postdoc and have been here ever since.

When did you start cycling, and what got you into it?

I started cycling in New York City, as there was no good subway connection from the Upper East Side, where the Rockefeller was, to my boyfriend at the time who lived in Chelsea, on the lower west side.

When did you join CRW, and what brought you to the club?

Some friends, including my husband, wanted to do a ride where we could each ride with a group going at our own speed.  We did the Social Revolutions ride, and I met some super nice people to ride with, since the guys I was with did faster rides.

What type of cycling do you enjoy the most?

I'm a roadie, so scenic routes outside of Boston (or in Europe) are great.

What’s your favorite ride or route?

I'm still a lot slower than I was before I had my son (who just started college), so I've been enjoying the Praline Croissant ride on Friday mornings, which conveniently leaves a couple of blocks from my house.

What has been your favorite moment or experience with CRW?

The Mystic Lakes paceline, when I'm able to keep up!

What advice would you give a new CRW member?

The club members are great - find a ride or rides that work for you and enjoy.

What’s a fun fact about you (cycling or non-cycling)?

I've done both the Alpe d'Huez and Mt. Ventoux in my younger/stronger days. 

What do you enjoy most about being part of CRW?

Meeting new people, who conveniently like to ride.

It's not too late to join the CRW Winter Ride Challenge!

This year's challenge is simple: how many days can you ride this winter?

Goal: Ride as many days as possible this winter!

Updated Contest Dates: December 15 - March 15

Who Can Participate: CRW members only

How to Qualify:

• Ride for at least 30 minutes each day
• Both outdoor and indoor (virtual) rides count
• Log your ride time daily on the club website

How to Enter Your Rides:

1. Log into the CRW website
2. Click on your name at the top of the screen
3. Click "Edit Profile"
4. Scroll down to "Activity Tracker"
5. Enter your ride time (and, if you want, your distance and elevation)
6. Scroll down and click "Save"
7. Your totals will update within 24 hours

Track Your Progress: Check the leaderboard to see where you stand!

Prizes:

• Top 3 riders (most days ridden) win prizes
• 3 random raffle winners also win prizes
• Total of 6 winners
• Prizes to be announced

Prize Party: Thursday, March 19 at Mighty Squirrel

Key Points:

• Each day counts once (as long as it's 30+ minutes)
• Indoor and outdoor rides count!
• Updates take up to 24 hours to appear

Good luck and keep riding!

The Charles River Wheelers Board met on November 2nd for a productive session addressing year-end activities, planning for our 60th anniversary celebration, and electing new leadership for 2026.

Leadership Transition

In a unanimous vote, the Board elected Amy Juodawlkis as CRW's next President, effective January 2026. Amy has served as Executive Vice President and brings extensive experience in operations, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. We look forward to her guidance as CRW enters its 60th anniversary year.

Celebrating CRW's 60th Anniversary

Planning is underway for a year-long celebration of CRW's 60th anniversary in 2026! A planning committee including John O'Dowd, Barbara Jacobs, Susan Grieb, Nina Siegel, Jim Salvie, and Mark Nardone will develop a framework for commemorative events. Initial ideas include special cycling events, a summer BBQ, and anniversary merchandise celebrating our rich history. The committee will meet in early December to establish a budget and timeline.

Honoring Eli Post's Memory

The Eli Post Memorial Bench will be installed in Chelmsford within the coming weeks, providing a lasting tribute to our beloved board member and cycling enthusiast. The bench arrived at the town on November 6th, with installation expected shortly thereafter.

Expanding Club Operations

CRW has engaged a virtual assistant, Ayo, to help manage growing administrative needs. She's already assisted with volunteer awards coordination and venue research. Members can now submit requests through va-request@crw.org for various club administrative needs.

The club has also secured a dedicated Google Voice phone number to improve member communications and support.

Holiday Party Planning

After extensive discussion, the Board is exploring options for the traditional holiday party, which historically brought together 100-200 members for dinner, awards, and celebration. Planning continues for an event in early 2026 that will honor our Ralph Galen Service Award and Volunteer Award recipients. Stay tuned for details!

Winter Riding Season Kicks Off

As the regular riding season winds down, winter programming ramps up:

• Zwift Series begins in December
• Winter Ride Challenge starts December 15
• Virtual Training Presentation: December 11
• Turkey Burner Ride: Day after Thanksgiving, with a new food drive component coordinated by Mark Nardone and Doug Cornelius

Supporting Cycling Advocacy

The Board approved a $1,000 sponsorship donation to MassBike, supporting statewide cycling advocacy and infrastructure improvements that benefit all riders.

Cranberry Harvest Century Recap

Despite challenging weather conditions, the Cranberry Harvest Century showcased CRW's resilience and member dedication. While attendance was impacted (81 of 275 registered), the food was a big hit and the event generated $11,655 in revenue. Thanks to all volunteers who made setup and breakdown run smoothly!

Website Improvements Coming

New CPEC committee member Jess Robinson, a UX designer, is conducting a comprehensive assessment of the CRW website, examining:

• Overall design and color scheme
• Ride registration process
• Content organization and presentation

Members with feedback about the website experience are encouraged to share their insights with the committee.

Volunteer Recognition

The Board finalized volunteer award voting results and updated ride waiver language to ensure proper coverage for both members and guests. Award presentations will be scheduled as part of upcoming celebration events.

The next Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 7 PM, marking the beginning of an exciting 60th anniversary year for Charles River Wheelers.

Dear CRW Volunteers, Board Members, and Friends,

As my term as President comes to a close, I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve Charles River Wheelers. Together, we have accomplished a great deal.

Major Events & Cycling Programs

Our signature century rides thrived: Cranberry Harvest Century, Climb to the Clouds, North to New Hampshire Century, and Major Taylor Century. We launched new rides including the North Shore Lobster Loop, Henry Ar Foon Celebration Ride, and Juneteenth Ride. Our weekly programming—Bike Thursday and the Winter Ride Challenge—saw 318 rides led in 2025 alone.

Volunteer Recognition & Community

We celebrated our volunteers with a Volunteer Thank You Party, established a volunteer awards program, and introduced free CRW Name Tags with emergency contact information. Our membership stabilized to 1,650 active members with enhanced safety protocols.

Partnerships, Impact & Advocacy

We built meaningful partnerships including our framework with Conte's Bike Shop for SAG support. We administered the CRW Grants Program, approved a $1,000 sponsorship for Mass Bike, completed the Eli Post Memorial Bench project, and distributed $1,767 to cycling charities.

Organizational Excellence & Governance

We strengthened CRW's foundation by establishing the Investment Committee and Ralph Galen Endowment Fund, welcoming Jim Salvie as our new General Counsel, and establishing our Partnership Policy and Spending Guidelines. We conducted successful 2025 Board Elections and improved financial oversight.

Looking Ahead

Planning has begun for CRW's 60th Anniversary celebration—our organization is strong, our community is vibrant, and our future is bright.

Passing the Torch

I am pleased to announce that at our last board meeting, Amy Juodawlkis was elected as CRW's new President. Amy currently serves as our Executive Vice President and has been an invaluable partner throughout my term. I have complete confidence in her leadership and vision for CRW.

Amy has a wonderful sense of our club and has built strong relationships throughout our community. Her dedication, insight, and genuine care for our members position her perfectly to lead CRW into this exciting next chapter. I look forward with great anticipation to seeing how things develop under her leadership next year. You are in excellent hands.

Thank You

To our board members, committee chairs, coordinators, ride leaders, volunteers, and members: Your dedication has made all of this possible. Those 318 rides represent thousands of miles and lasting friendships. Whether you helped at a single event or contributed countless hours, you made a difference. Thank you for your participation, enthusiasm, and trust.

In Closing

It has been a privilege to serve as your President. As I step down, I do so with confidence in CRW's future and appreciation for each of you.

Here's to the miles ahead and the continued success of Charles River Wheelers!

With gratitude,

Randolph Williams

Join CRW online for an informative workshop covering trainer options, virtual platforms, and staying connected with fellow riders. This is the perfect time to get your indoor setup ready for the colder months ahead!

Workshop Details

• When: 7:00 PM, Thursday, December 11, 2025

• Format: Virtual event via Google Meet

• Duration: 1.5 hour

What We'll Cover

• The basics of indoor training

• Things to consider when looking for an indoor trainer
  

• Different types of trainers available on the market

• Zwift, Rouvy, Peloton, and other platforms

• Using Discord while virtual riding

• Q&A session

How to Join

• Register on the event calendar. Zoom link will be emailed 24 hours before the event

• Join from your computer, tablet, or smartphone

Questions?

Email questions to rides-VP@crw.org

Presentation materials will be available afterward for those who can't attend live.