Charles River Wheelers is powered by passionate cyclists who volunteer their time and energy to make our club the vibrant community it is today. This October, we'll be holding our annual board elections, and we're looking for dedicated members like you to step up and help shape the future of the club.

Serving on the CRW Board is an incredible opportunity to give back to the cycling community while gaining valuable leadership experience. Whether you're passionate about organizing rides, welcoming new members, improving member services, advocating for cycling infrastructure, or fostering inclusivity within our club, your voice and vision can make a real difference.

Why Should You Consider Running?

Board service offers the chance to work alongside fellow club members to tackle challenges and opportunities. You'll help guide strategic decisions that impact our 1900 members, from planning signature events to developing new programs that welcome cyclists of all skill levels. Joining the board is an opportunity to deepen your connection to the club and the broader cycling community.

We are especially looking for candidates with skills or interests in sustainability, community organization, event management, logistics, finance, communications, technology, regulations, education, or community outreach.

Ready to Throw Your Helmet in the Ring?

The process to become a candidate is straightforward, and we're here to support you every step of the way:

To become a candidate:

1. Eligibility: You must be a CRW member in good standing at the time that the election closes in early October.

2. To learn more: read the CRW Bylaws and join the (optional) virtual Prospective Candidate Info Session in September (date to be confirmed).

3. Declare your candidacy: Update your member profile to self-declare as an Active Candidate and submit a Statement of Candidacy explaining why you want to serve on the Board. Make sure you have a photo in your profile.

4. Attend the optional "meet and greet": There will be an optional Meet the Candidates online forum in September (date to be confirmed).

What's Next?

Don't let this opportunity roll by! Whether you're been with the club for ages or are a new member with a fresh perspective, your unique experiences and ideas can help CRW continue to grow and thrive.

If you're on the fence about running, we encourage you to attend the Prospective Candidate Info Session: it's a low-pressure way to learn more about board responsibilities and connect with current board members.

For questions about the election process or board service, don't hesitate to reach out to Barbara Jacobs at barbara.jacobs@crw.org or to any current board member. We're excited to see who will join us in leading this amazing organization forward.

By John Brooking

(This month, I turn to an article by my friend and fellow CyclingSavvy instructor John Brooking, who lives in Maine. – John Allen)

Two Cyclists Ride into a Rotary Intersection...

It is generally pretty simple for cyclists in a rotary intersection to use the general travel lane, as a normal vehicle driver. Many modern roundabouts, especially single-lane ones, have design speeds under 25 mph, making it easy for even casual cyclists to share the lane with motorized traffic. Other posts on the Savvy Cyclist blog and in the Safety Corner have introduced roundabouts, compared them to older-style rotaries, and discussed some technical details. This post illustrates the different experience for a bicycle driver versus an edge rider in an older-style rotary (the New England name; called a traffic circle elsewhere in the USA). The one described in this article is in Kittery, Maine (see Wikipedia article), but there are plenty of similar ones in eastern Massachusetts.

We did not stage the video in this article, and we do not know the identity of the edge rider; a lane-riding CyclingSavvy instructor rode it in preparation for a 2014 course in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The rotary was a large, older one whose one lane was wide enough for entering and exiting drivers of smaller vehicles to pass to the right of a bicyclist riding near the center island.

The Edge Cyclist

To review what happened in the video:

• The lane-using cyclist entered the rotary.
• Congestion became apparent at the second exit after the cyclist entered.
• As the congestion cleared, the cyclist's video shows an edge cyclist waiting ahead of the exit for a red car, which exited.

Presumably, the edge cyclist did not intend to exit there. Apparently, the driver of the red car saw him and did not want to hit him. The driver slowed, evidently to wait for the cyclist before crossing his path. Meanwhile the cyclist, being unsure if the motorist was going to stop, also slowed. The two may even have gotten into a "waving match" before the driver went on.

The path of an edge-riding cyclist in a rotary or roundabout.

With the cyclist riding at the edge, the rotary essentially functioned as if it had two lanes, with motor vehicles using the left lane and the edge cyclist using what was essentially an invisible bike lane on the right.

This type of lane use sets up a potential conflict over right-of-way at every entrance and exit, exactly as shown in the video:

Conflict points in this rotary.

What About a Lane for Cyclists in a Rotary?

This is exactly the conflict which placing an actual bike lane around the edge introduces.

Some places have bicycle infrastructure more heavily integrated into roadway design, with bikeways separated from the travel lane, like a sidewalk. The crossings are also more perpendicular than the angled crossings set up by the edge riding shown above. The distance between the circular roadway and the crossings creates a bit more time for motorists to see bicyclists before crossing their path. This distance also creates better angles for both operators to see each other on the approach. However, a cyclist using such infrastructure needs to be aware that the potential for conflict still exists. Geometry and paint only somewhat mitigate the conflict potential. A video in another post offers an example of this treatment.

The Savvy Cyclist

The cyclist using the travel lane is in line with the rest of the drivers:

The path of savvy cyclists in a rotary intersection.

This lane position offers several advantages:

• The cyclist is easier to see, where drivers are already looking for other traffic.
• Riding in the center of the lane prevents motorists from passing cyclists in a rotary. The "two lane" right-of-way confusion and potential for conflict does not occur.
• Lane position also serves as clue to whether the cyclist is continuing around the circle or preparing to exit.

A cyclist preparing to exit can begin moving to the right, communicating the intention to exit. A right-turn hand signal is useful in a larger rotary such as this one. If this were a modern two-lane roundabout of similar width, drivers are supposed to exit from the inner lane if passing the first exit, but merging to or toward the outer lane before exiting may actually be preferable, as described elsewhere.

In theory, a shoulder check to the right should not be necessary when preparing to exit. The centered lane position should prevent a motor vehicle from passing on either side. However, if the lane is very wide, and the cyclist has been riding between the middle and the left edge of it to prevent left-passing, it can't hurt to check to the right before moving. Constant awareness of surrounding traffic is always a good idea: a silent electric motorcycle or e-bike could be passing on the right.

As usual, riding as a vehicle driver, using the same rules, same lanes, and similar lane position (modified by the flexibility of driving a narrow vehicle), will serve the cyclist well!

An Update on Cycling in Kittery

In a 2017 construction project, bikeways were added around the outside of this rotary. The bikeways will be more comfortable for casual cyclists, but again, the potential for conflict always exists. The bikeways increase travel time for motorists who must yield to bicyclists at entrances and exits. Travel times also increase for bicyclists except in some cases if they ride clockwise, increasing complications in transitioning from/to the right side of the road. This Google Street View shows an example, and you may click around to view other parts of the rotary as modified. Some parts of travel lanes were narrowed under the apparent assumption that cyclists would no longer use the circular roadway -- see Google Street Views from 2011, 2017, and 2019. That is a delicate assumption, especially given the increasing popularity of e-bikes.

60th Anniversary Committee Chair

Next year is the club’s 60th Anniversary and we want to make it a special occasion!

If you’ve got some leadership and organizing talent, this could be the position for you! This position requires a self-motivated individual who will coordinate all anniversary celebrations including events, merchandise, and promotions that honor our 60-year legacy. You’ll also help put together a team to assist. A more detailed job description can be found here.

WheelPeople Editor

Share your passion for cycling and CRW!

We know no one can really replace Eli Post, the club's long-time, dedicated WheelPeople editor. The club is looking for someone to keep Eli's vision for our monthly newsletter alive and thriving.

This position involves working with an editorial team and our content creators to plan the monthly newsletter, layout and finalize submissions, and publish in our online format.

This is a great role for someone with writing and editing skills, some computer savvy, and a dedication to keeping our members informed and entertained with cycling-related content and up-to-the-minute club news.

If you’re interested, please reach out to volunteering@crw.org. And don’t worry — there’s a very supportive board with lots of experience to get you started in either position, and answer your questions as they come up.

Thanks for stepping up to help out CRW!

Erickson's Ice Cream Ride

Saturday, August 9, 2025 | 9:00 AM | Around Wachusett Reservoir

Join us for a scenic ride around Wachusett Reservoir and finish it with free ice cream at Erikson's Dairy! Choose from three routes: 58 miles (includes reservoir loop + Wattaquadock Hill climb), 37 miles (omits reservoir), or 24 miles (omits both reservoir and hill).

Start: 24 Sudbury St, Maynard MA at 9:00 AM (Erikson's opens at 11am)
Finish: approximately 2:00 PM at Erickson’s Ice Cream

This is a limited rider event so sign up early!

Important: We do not start at Erickson’s!

REGISTER FOR THE ERICKSON’S ICE CREAM RIDE

Women's/Nonbinary Kimball's Ride

Sunday, August 24, 2025 | 9:30 AM | Through Carlisle, Concord, and Westford

The CRW Women's Program invites women, nonbinary, and female-identifying cyclists for a scenic 26-mile no-drop ride through Carlisle, Concord, and Westford, ending with free ice cream at Kimball Farm!

Start: Kimball Farm Carlisle, 343 Bedford Rd, Carlisle MA at 9:30 AM PROMPTLY
Parking: FAR RIGHT parking area under trees (please arrive no earlier than 9 AM)
Finish: approximately 1:00 PM at Kimball Farm Carlisle

The Women's/Nonbinary Program's goal is to invite more women, nonbinary, and female-identifying folks onto the road, foster connection with other women in the club, and act as an on-ramp to other co-ed areas of the club. Feel free to contact the ride leader via email if you have any questions about this ride or the Women's/Nonbinary Program in general.

REGISTER FOR THE WOMEN’S/NONBINARY KIMBALL’S RIDE

***SHARE YOUR RIDE PHOTOS WITH CRW!***
Email them to: media-share@crw.org

Views from the Lynn ferry on the July 7 Cambridge to Marblehead ride:

Great turnout for pedaling and pizza at the inaugural 7th Wave Brewing ride on July 12:

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?  
A few years ago I moved back to Watertown, my hometown!

How long have you been cycling, and what initially got you interested in the sport? 
I've always been interested! I lived on bikes as a kid and spent my first paycheck from my first summer job on a nice 10-speed.  I started riding more a few years back when I was giving sprint triathlons a try.

How long have you been a CRW member?
I joined CRW in 2023.

How many miles do you typically ride per year? 
1,000-1,500 miles

What is your greatest cycling accomplishment? 
The 2024 North to New Hampshire Century was my first-ever century.

What is your favorite route to ride?
I'm a Lexington Revolutions regular; also Jack's Abby, Erikson's, Apple Pi, and Turkey Burner rides. Hard to pick a favorite!

What is your favorite post-ride food or drink?
A sandwich at Jack's Abby, or an ice cream cone at Erikson's.

What is your best advice for a new club member?
There are lots of opportunities to get to know CRW. Volunteering, as a ride leader or for CRW events, is a great way to meet other members. Volunteering is more than just helping out, it's what makes CRW, well, CRW!  The club always benefits from new energy and new ideas!

In what capacity do you volunteer for the club? 
I am CRW's century volunteer coordinator.

CRW is excited to announce the return of the Norwellian ride!

Mike Togo has recovered from his accident and will resume leading the ride Saturday, July 5. The ride starts promptly at 8:00 am from Norwell High School. See calendar post for details.

The Norwellian Ride is a beautiful ride that includes 32 miles of glorious views of Norwell, Cohasset and Scituate. The route is flat to rolling, with some short but steep sections. It includes the modest cottages on Cohasset's Jerusalem Road, a lighthouse, windmills, beaches, two harbors, and countless other photo ops.

The Norwellian is one of CRW's hidden gems. If you've never done it, give it a try! You won't be disappointed.

By Ann Healey

Not ready to take on CTTC this year? If so, volunteering is a great way to participate in this signature CRW event and support fellow CRW riders!

Please click on the following web link (or copy it into your web browser if clicking doesn't work) to access the signup sheet: https://volunteersignup.org/D4FY4. To sign up, just follow the instructions on the page.

Thank you for volunteering!

Sunday, August 3, 2025 | Lincoln-Sudbury High School

Get ready to push your limits, CRW members! Our signature "Climb to the Clouds" Century returns on August 3 with the ultimate test of endurance and climbing prowess. This members-only event challenges even seasoned cyclists with demanding terrain including the formidable Mt. Wachusett.

Two Distances, One Epic Challenge

• Century (100 miles): Start time 7:30 AM

• Metric Century (63 miles): Start time 8:30 AM

Routes are currently being vetted - links will be available soon. Both routes feature significant elevation gain. The century includes the crown jewel climb to Mt. Wachusett, offering breathtaking views as your reward.

Pace Groups for Every Rider

• Century: 20 mph group or 16-18 mph group
• Metric: Pace group details to be determined

Want to lead a pace group? Contact century@crw.org to get on the roster.

Full Support Along the Way

Three strategically placed rest stops will fuel your journey:

1. Dexler Drumlin Reservation - 192 George Hill Road, Lancaster, MA
2. Berlin Orchards - 310 Sawyer Hill Road, Berlin, MA 01503
3. Mt. Wachusett Visitor Entrance

All stops include porta johns and everything needed to refuel.

Essential Gear

Come prepared for changing conditions:

• Rain shell for potential precipitation
• Extra layers for cooler descents
• Standard cycling safety gear

Start Location: Lincoln-Sudbury High School parking lot, 390 Lincoln Road, Sudbury, MA

NOTE: Limited cell service at start location may affect GPS devices.

Special Opportunities

• Missed Your Medallion? Limited century medallions from last year are available.
• Ride Leaders: Current leaders who've led a CRW ride within the past year qualify for complimentary registration! Contact rides-vp@crw.org for your discount code.
• Want to help out? Access the volunteer sign-up sheet here: https://volunteersignup.org/D4FY4.

Scheduling Note

We know the CTTC overlaps with the Pan-Mass Challenge this year – not ideal timing! Unfortunately, local venue availability and logistics made this unavoidable. We know it's a big weekend for cycling, but we wanted to make sure we could still offer our awesome event this season. For those who can join us, we're looking forward to a great ride!

Ready to Register?

This members-only event is filling up fast. Register now or join CRW today to participate in this incredible cycling adventure.

The Climb to the Clouds Century will test your mettle and reward you with unforgettable views. Are you ready?

By John Allen

I am all in favor of aging CRW members’ riding e-bikes, as I indicated in an earlier Safety Corner article. You might see me more often on club rides once I acquire one!

Most e-bike riders operate their vehicles responsibly. However, the combination of powerful e-bikes and inexperienced operators, often teenagers, is creating safety issues. Let’s look into some background.

There are three classes of e-bikes, according to a system established by the industry lobbying organization PeopleforBikes. As of 2024, those categories have been lobbied into law in most states, as shown on a PeopleforBikes map:

The three classes are:

• Class 1: pedal assist only, top assisted speed 20 mph.
• Class 2: pedal assist and throttle, top assisted speed 20 mph.
• Class 3: pedal assist only, top assisted speed 28 mph.

Motors of all three are limited to 750 watts – one horsepower.

The Massachusetts Legislature took a conservative approach with its 2023 amendments to the traffic law, and did not recognize Class 3 as bicycles -- but they are still sold and used here.

A traditional gasoline-powered motorized bicycle is restricted by law and mechanically to a top speed of 30 miles per hour. A Class 3 e-bike has essentially the same performance. Beyond that, kits to hack an e-bike to exceed its rating are available over the Internet, as are bikes which exceed the performance limits. These machines are effectively electric motorcycles, but they look like e-bikes and are sold and ridden without licensing, registration or required safety equipment.

All of these, whether legal or not, are quiet, unlike gasoline-powered motorcycles. This stealth factor creates safety concerns when they are operated by inexperienced riders on sidewalks and paths. The risk extends beyond just the riders themselves.

This issue came to a head for me on Thursday, June 12. I was riding my bicycle legally, as I do, in downtown Waltham. A rider on what appeared to be an electric motorcycle was riding haphazardly, going around blocks on sidewalks, at 20 mph easily.. He zoomed past storefronts where people could easily have stepped out into his path. He rode past me three times on different streets. One time, I called out "hold it," but I couldn't block him and he kept going. I was concerned enough for the public’s safety to phone in a report to the police.

Communities and police are beginning to take action on this issue, especially in California. Action here in Massachusetts has reached as far as the establishing of a 15 mph speed limit on parts of the Minuteman path. And e-bikes are prohibited on sidewalks and most other off-road environments except for paved paths. But we need to go further with both education and enforcement to prevent serious accidents that could harm both riders and others.

Most bicycling advocacy in the USA still promotes infrastructure which is unsafe at the speeds these machines achieve.

For comparison, let's see what the European Union does. It has three categories of e-bike, but they are not the same.

• Pedelec: pedal assist only. Top assisted speed 25 km/h (15.5 mph and power 250 watts – 1/3 horsepower, no more than a fit bicyclist can produce. These are intended to fit in with typical utility bicyclists on urban roads and bikeways.
• L1e-A: “Powered cycle”: top assisted speed 15.5 mph, but the motor may have up to 1000 watts. This is for cargo bikes and delivery vehicles whose extra weight requires a more powerful motor.
• L1-e B: “Two-wheel mopeds” which include the Speed Pedelec: Pedal assist only, top assisted speed 45 km/h, which is 27.9 mph. Power is limited to 4 times that of a human rider, for practical purposes, 1000 watts. These are substantially the same as the US Class 3 but a helmet, licensing and registration are required. These are treated as mopeds, not bicycles, and are expected to be ridden on the street.

A speed pedelec and European registration plate.

The European Union got ahead of the e-bike issue, at least in its laws and performance limits. European bicycle culture is very different too, with larger ridership and much of it for daily transportation.

To address the youngest sector of e-bike users, the American Bicycling Education Association has created the Teen EBike Training program (https://teenebiketraining.com) and there is an excellent book for parents of e-bike riders, The Caring Parent’s E-Bike Survival Guide, https://bellemontproject.com/parents.

But with no well-supported nationwide enforcement and education effort, we have a long way to go here to establish consistent order and sanity around e-bikes.

Be careful out there, riding on the path, when you walk out of the storefront, anywhere. Take a good look around and be ready to avoid a collision!

And if and when you can put in a good word for appropriate advocacy efforts, please do!