Charles River Wheelers

WheelPeople: Your Bike Club Newsletter

Stay up-to-date with the latest Charles River Wheelers news, events, and rides. Our WheelPeople newsletter is tailored for current and prospective members seeking bike-related updates, expert advice, and cycling inspiration.

WheelPeople offers club and member news as well as informational content from third parties. Views expressed in third-party content belong to the author(s) and not CRW. Consult a professional for advice on health, legal matters, or finance. CRW does not endorse linked content or products. Content published in WheelPeople is owned by Charles River Wheelers (CRW) unless otherwise stated. 

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  • 2025-02-02 5:00 PM | Wheel People (Administrator)


    Prominent CRW member Eli Post passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Eli was a strong supporter and incredible contributor to CRW and the broader cycling community. 

    Eli joined CRW in 1993, shortly after he started to bike, and he said on the first ride he couldn’t keep up. But he came to love not only the biking itself, but every associated activity such as ride planning, gear research, article writing, and he treasured the many friendships he made. 

    CRW Volunteer Positions

    Eli held many volunteer positions in his tenure with CRW. These include:

    • Board Member – 2023 – 2024, 2019 – 2021, 2011 – 2014
    • WheelPeople Editor – 2020 – 2024
    • Secretary – 2023
    • President - 2013 – 2014
    • Century Committee – 2009 – 2017
    • Executive Vice President – 2011 – 2012, 2015 – 2016
    • Ride Program Coordinator – 2008 – 2012
    • Introductory Rides Coordinator – 2006 – 2008
    • Saturday Rides Coordinator – 2006 – 2008

    CRW Awards

    • 2016 – Ralph Galen Service Award
    • 2014 – Volunteer Award for Promoting Bicycling as President of CRW
    • 2006 – Good Shepard Award

    Ride Planning

    The ride planning and arrowing was a hobby of his unto itself. According to his son Alex, between his house and car he had enough spray paint cans to make a NYC graffiti artist jealous and if you looked at his car right now there will still be some spray paint. Once GPS became the standard for navigation, he joked that a future alien civilization would find some preserved arrows and spend years deciphering these ancient hieroglyphics. 

    He very much enjoyed delivering the pre-ride speeches. He used his trademark constant hand gestures, and constantly moved his feet around, his own ride leader dance. 

    For the century rides he enjoyed assessing which food would be snarfed down the quickest. Pizza and pie amongst the top contenders. He also felt he had perfected his recipe for lemonade/iced tea mix. 

    WheelPeople 

    Eli loved both writing articles and later serving as editor of WheelPeople. Even in the hospital just this month, he was working on a new article, to be included in an upcoming edition. 

    Some of his favorite articles over the years were the April Fools editions. A few that come to mind.

    His perfect day might be something like: Have a summer morning breakfast of Iggy’s bagels while polishing up a WheelPeople article, lead a club ride, and meet up with friends and family for post ride calzones and a craft beer. 

    Eli’s Life before CRW

    Eli was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1938. He went to the City College of New York where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Then earned a Masters in Public Administration from New York University.

    His work career was in City Planning in New York City and later for City of Boston. Eli changed careers completely and founded a greeting card company called Rainboworld.

    Check out pictures of Eli's life here.

    Members share their thoughts about Eli….

    When I first joined the CRW Board, I had the privilege of many conversations with Eli Post about his deep history with our club. His enthusiasm was contagious as he shared stories about CRW's evolution and the cycling community he helped build. Right up until his passing, we were collaborating on establishing a new club historian role - a perfect fit for someone who had helped shape so much of our history. His passion for CRW and cycling was truly inspiring. I will miss both his friendship and his dedication to our cycling community.
    Randolph Williams, CRW President 2024-2025

    Eli was a gentleman. What a great life of giving.
    Mark Nardone, CRW Board Member

    Eli was a member of the CRW Safety committee 10-15 years ago, and wrote a number of articles for the committee, published in WheelPeople. He served on the Board till term limited, then again when the term limit expired. He offered good advice and direction as editor when I took on the role of Safety Coordinator. I am also recalling the Intro to CRW rides he led -- Always a fine gentleman and dedicated to the club.
    John Allen, CRW Safety Coordinator

    Eli did yeoman’s work for publishing the WheelPeople for so many years. He was also very humble when I urged him to run for the Board, despite his extensive prior experience. I enjoyed working with him on the Board and he had a really good sense of judgement and calm approach. The biking community lost a good soul.
    Edward Cheng, CRW President 2022 - 2023

    For many years, I led rides followed by parties starting from my house in Carlisle, as well as after event volunteer parties for notable CRW events such as the spring and fall centuries and "Climb to the Clouds"...Eli was always most helpful with ordering food and helping to find assistance. He sure made hosting easier. Thanks Eli. I think these events added greatly to the "social fabric" of CRW.
    Mike Hanauer, CRW President 1986 -1987

    Eli was a friend and a mentor.  He recruited me to work with him on CRW centuries about 10 years ago and taught me the ropes.  Eli had a lovely way of asking people to volunteer in a way that was hard to decline...When I was club president, I could always count on Eli for advice, support and elbow grease.  He did a superb job as editor of Wheel People for many years, and I remember numerous “reminders” from him when I was late in delivering a column...I will miss Eli.
    Larry Kernan, CRW President 2019 - 2020

    I remember Eli as transformative of the CRW centuries, setting a new blueprint for what they are today (with additional improvements along the way by newer members). In the “old days”, pre-ride snacks were not offered because, as I recall being told, one of the old guard pushed back because “They’re grownups, they can feed themselves breakfast”. Sheesh. Eli had persistence and patience with these “we’ve always done it this way” types. I thanked him for that over the years – pushing through with a vision for what the club could be. He really did help make this club what it is today - better, stronger, more welcoming, and more diverse in rides/abilities...In later years, Eli moved one town away from me and occasionally my route would take me by his house, and if his car was there, I’d knock on the door to say hi. Other times, I rode down to the Upper Charles Bike Trail near his house and at least twice, we met on the trail biking by coincidence and stopped to chat briefly. What a nice thing to see his friendly face there while out for a solo ride...And Eric Ferioli and I still offer one of Eli’s classic rides in the winter the “Natick Surprise” in South Natick. Maybe I will change the name to “Eli Post’s Natick Surprise” permanently? Very sad for our club to lose Eli.
    Ellen Gugel, Winter Ride Program Lead

    In 2008, I met Eli on a Wednesday Wheeler ride.  We became friends and he convinced me to get involved with the cycling community, especially CRW.  From then until COVID hit we collaborated on many endeavors including the helmet policy, all manner of CRW policy as we were both on the board together, and the original Cranberry Century.  We rode long distances in all kinds of weather until we both got too old for that.  But beyond that he was a wonderful friend whose company I always enjoyed.
    Bob Wolf, Executive Vice President 2015 - 2017

    Eli was truly a gentleman and someone beloved by so many.  I know that he had been ill over the past several years.  He was a nice person and will be missed by me and many others.
    Judi Burten, CRW Ride Leader

    I first met Eli when I worked with him in New York City in 1969 or 1970. I worked for the City of NY Housing Administration and Eli worked for the NYC Planning Commission.  He was a great guy and we had lunch together often. I left NYC in 1972 and moved to the Boston area, and lost touch with him. I never rode a bike around here until around 2009 and didn’t join CRW until around 2021. I never saw Eli the whole time in Boston, my loss.
    Bob Keller, CRW Member

    He was such nice man and did a lot for CRW, especially the newsletter. I remember meeting him on an "Eli Post birthday ride" from Hopkinton - possibly one of my first Ashland Bike Club Rides; he treated everyone to pizza at Cornell's Irish Pub.
    Marlene Heroux, CRW Ride Leader

    Eli was a CRW GIANT------- His leadership and diverse participation were Truly significant...
    Ilene Pincus, CRW Member

    CRW and WheelPeople thank Barbara Jacobs and Alex Post for contributing to this article. Thanks also to Ted Nyder for creating the photo montage page.
  • 2025-02-02 4:32 PM | Wheel People (Administrator)

    Before sharing updates, we would like to acknowledge and thank our outgoing Board members for their dedicated service to CRW: Norma Loehr, Megan Scully, and Eli Post. We are deeply saddened to share the news of Eli's passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family. Eli's contributions to CRW were significant and he will be greatly missed by our cycling community.

    The CRW Board of Directors met in January to discuss several important club matters. The meeting began with approval of December's minutes.

    Budget & Operations:

    • The Board reviewed the preliminary 2025 budget, including discussions about membership dues and century ride pricing
    • Directors approved Directors & Officers (D&O) insurance renewal
    • The club is developing a streamlined "Contact Us" system to improve member communications and support
    • Year-end 2024 financial reports expected by month's end

    Rides & Safety:

    • Several workshops are being planned for 2025:
      • Technology training for indoor riding platforms
      • Winter training
      • Ride leader training refresh
      • Group riding safety clinics
    • The Winter Ride Challenge has 26 participants thus far
    • Indoor Zwift rides on Saturdays are attracting about 10 riders per session

    Club Communications:

    • The WheelPeople newsletter and ChainLink continue regular publication
    • A new volunteer coordinator has joined the team

    The Board continues to work on enhancing club operations and member experiences for 2025. Members with questions or suggestions are encouraged to reach out through the club's contact system.


  • 2025-02-02 4:31 PM | Wheel People (Administrator)

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

    Workshop Details

    • When: 7:00 PM, Tuesday, February 18, 2025
    • Format: Virtual event via Google Meet
    • Duration: 1.5 hour
    • Register HERE


    What We'll Cover

    • Zwift, Rouvy, and Peloton platforms
    • Using Discord while virtual riding
    • Comparing setups and options: dedicated vs. smart trainer
    • Q&A session

    How to Join

    • Zoom link will be posted in the event listing and shared with registrants via email 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.



  • 2025-02-02 4:30 PM | Wheel People (Administrator)

    You are all an inspiration to us winter warriors, slogging through the cold days as we eagerly await the warmth of spring!

    For those of you still considering joining the fun, there’s plenty of time to jump in! The challenge runs through March 31st, and every mile, hour, and elevation gain counts—whether indoors or outside.

    Want to join the challenge or update your ride data? Find detailed instructions for signing up and entering your miles by visiting this guide. It’s easy to track your progress and be part of the action!

    Let us know how your winter training is shaping up, and let’s make this winter one for the books!

    So, keep riding! ‍♂️

  • 2025-02-02 4:30 PM | Wheel People (Administrator)

    By Terry Gleason, BedfordBike@gmail.com

    Introduction

    CRW has asked me to contribute articles to WheelPeople from my perspective on cycling community advocacy. I hope that these articles will serve to educate CRW members on local, regional, and national issues that directly affect their safety and enjoyment of cycling.

    Although I know some of you from an occasional CRW ride or social event, I probably know more of you from our common interest in making bicycling more accessible for all types of riders. Below is a short summary of my related bicycling experiences.

    After 50+ years of bike commuting to work (Minneapolis, then Bedford and Lexington), I am now mostly retired. I spend one day a week at the Lowell Bike Connector Shop helping to recycle donated bikes into the local communities and introducing bicycle skills at the elementary schools.

    My past and present bicycling efforts and achievements at the local level include:

    • "Gold Bicycle Friendly Business" League of American Bicyclists certification for MIT Lincoln Lab
    • Community Preservation funding from the Town and State for bicycle shelters at our schools and a Fix-it Station at Bedford Depot Park
    • Snowplowing the Minuteman Bikeway
    • Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan for the Town of Bedford
    • Multiple Complete Streets workshops
    • Award-winning Safe Routes To School Program

    The Importance of Bicycling Advocacy

    Many CRW members are aware and supportive of the roles MassBike at the State level and the League of American Bicyclists (LoAB) at the National level play in advocating for programs and funding to make safe biking more accessible to all types of users.

    An excellent example of change through advocacy is the Vulnerable Road User Bill recently enacted in Massachusetts which included the new 4 ft passing law. Massachusetts joined a handful of states that require at least 4 ft clearance when a motorist passes a bicyclist or other vulnerable road user.


    Has your town installed the new signs? If not, why not?

    Perhaps a phone call, letter, or email from someone like YOU (a resident who frequently rides a bike in your town) could help to make that happen.

    How Can CRW Members Get Involved?

    As a regular feature in WheelPeople, I will share my insights on how members, individually or working with others in their community, can advocate at the local level for changes that can have a major impact on the health of bicycling in their area. I will focus on efforts that will bring improvements for 'utilitarian' or 'transportation' bicyclists, as well as for cyclists who ride for recreation and fitness.

    This month, I am sharing a concrete (and easy!) example of how concerned cyclists can advocate as individuals.

    The Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) serves the 97 towns and cities in the Greater Boston Area. The MPO recently launched a Vision Zero Program. The Vision Zero goal (an international movement) is to significantly reduce serious injuries and death on our roads.

    The MPO Vision Zero website provides two links to provide feedback on general issues or specific problem spots in MPO communities. The first link is a 10-minute survey where you can provide general comments on road safety in your community. The second link is to an interactive map. Here, you can view issues in the MPO region identified by others, and add your own concerns. Both the survey and the interactive map allow you to categorize your comments based on mode, e.g., motorist, pedestrian, bicyclist, motorcyclist, public transit.

    Checking out the MPO Vision Zero website and sharing your knowledge there about road safety issues in your area is a great first step to getting involved in bicycling advocacy.

    Future Articles

    In upcoming issues of WheelPeople, I will address several bicycling-related issues, including default lane width striping, funding opportunities, Bicycle Friendly Community and Business accreditations, driver education improvements, navigating the MassDOT 'Crash Data Portal', transportation funding inequities, plus issues members express interest in

    Does your town have an upcoming election or important vote with relevance to bicycling? As a 501(c)3 organization, CRW cannot endorse candidates, but our members can publicize relevant upcoming town elections and forums and encourage us to show up.

    Comments, suggestions, and alternate opinions are always welcomed. Click on “Add Comment” below to share your thoughts and get a public conversation going.

    One of my goals is to have advocates in all the communities where we live or ride regularly. If you are already an active bicyclist advocate and/or wish to do more in your community, please contact me via email and describe your situation.

    You can reach me at: BedfordBike@gmail.com [please include "CRW" in the Subject]


  • 2025-02-02 4:29 PM | Wheel People (Administrator)

    By Linda Nelson

    The Town of Weston has 87 miles of public roads and more than 90 miles of roadside paths and trails, including the three miles of the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail (MCRT), a shared use path that currently runs from Route 27/126 in Wayland through the east-west corridor of Weston to the closed rail bridge separating Weston and Waltham. Upon completion the MCRT will run from Northampton to Boston.

    Weston’s narrow and winding roads help give the town its “semi-rural character” even though the town is 12 miles from metropolitan Boston. Many of CRW’s rides begin or transverse the town center of Weston from all directions and exit it in as many routes, making Weston one of the major metro west “hubs” for bicycle routes. Weston, like most towns in Massachusetts, is creating a Town-wide Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan. This plan will make its roads, paths, and trails safer and more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists of all ages and abilities. The town has engaged a design and engineering firm to listen to pedestrians and cyclists within and outside the town. The goal is to hear from a diverse and representative group of residents and community stakeholders throughout the planning process to inform plan recommendations that address the needs and desires of the community towards an improved bicycle and pedestrian experience.

     If you are a CRW member and live in Weston, please contact Anna Sangree, AICP, RSP asangree@beta-inc.com. to make your voice heard on cycling needs in and around Weston.


  • 2025-01-21 4:23 PM | Wheel People (Administrator)

    By Amy Juodawlkis

    Over the last few years, I have embraced New England winter cycling. Early on, I was often cold and miserable. After some trial and error and exchanging tips with other dedicated cyclists through our club's Slack #gear channel, I now have a solid system of clothing and gear that works for me in the cold. Below are some insights from me and other year-round riders, including accessible options for anyone just beginning their winter cycling journey.

    Layering is Genius

    The secret to comfortable winter cycling isn't about having the latest gear (although I love a good sale). It's about understanding and implementing an effective layering system. I have found that the key is to combine a base layer, an insulating layer, and a wind-stopping layer, especially on the upper body. Also, layers can be adjusted as conditions change, making sure you stay comfy throughout your entire ride.

    Hard-Learned Lessons

    • Many people prefer to start out feeling a bit chilly, knowing they will warm up. I like to start warm and adjust zippers or remove gear if I get hot.
    • I prefer merino wool when it gets REALLY cold, but synthetic base layers can also work.
    • I run up and down my basement stairs a few times before I head outside, to get my blood moving.
    • Lip balm and sunglasses are essential out in the cold winter air.
    • A layer of Vaseline or lotion on your hands/toes/cheeks can help hold in heat.
    • I bring extra chemical hand/toe warmers to share with a friend if needed
    • I keep my phone close to my body - cold kills batteries fast.
    • The toastier my hands and feet are, the happier I am.
    • My winter-specific cycling boots are one size larger to allow room for thicker socks.
    • Don’t forget to eat and drink; a hot drink in a thermal bottle can be HEAVEN.
    • Stop and warm up occasionally; watch the weather and your buddies; make sure it’s safe to keep going

    Clothing Suggestions

    Upper Body

    My current setup:

    • Base Layer: Merino wool (a great investment) or waffle weave shirt
    • Mid Layer: Winter-weight cycling jersey
    • Outer Layer: Cycling-specific winter jacket with windproof front panels

    A smart, minimal-gear approach:

    • Base Layer: Athletic long-sleeve or thermal underwear
    • Mid Layer: Short sleeve cycling jersey with arm warmers
    • Outer Layer: Wind-resistant jacket or rain shell

    Lower Body

    My go-to gear:

    • Base Layer: Winter thermal bibs with chamois
    • Outer Layer: Wind-stopping overpants (e.g., Gore) for brutally cold days

    A practical setup that many riders swear by:

    • Base Layer: Regular cycling shorts/liners
    • Mid Layer: Thermal leggings, yoga pants, or running tights
    • Outer Layer: Water-resistant athletic pants, mountain bike shorts/capris, or rain pants

    Head/Neck/Face

    My current setup:

    • Merino wool cap with ear coverage
    • Neck gaiter
    • Fleece-lined balaclava for the coldest days

    Effective gear that many riders choose:

    • Fleece or wool “tuque”-style cap
    • Thin scarf
    • Ski goggles for harsh conditions

    Hands

    What I use:

    • Neoprene bar mitts/wind-stopper pogies (e.g., Bike Iowa PogieLites)
    • Cycling-specific winter gloves or wool gloves with Thinsulate lining
    • Hand warmers for really cold days (I recently learned a brilliant trick from a club member:  drop the chemical warmers inside the pogies, instead of placing inside gloves)

    Proven options many experienced riders use:

    • Liner gloves under winter gloves
    • “Lobster claw” style cycling gloves
    • Non-bulky ski gloves
    • Battery-powered electric gloves


    My toasty Ragnoroks and electric socks.

    Feet

    My winter solution:

    • Winter cycling boots (e.g., 45NRTH Ragnarok), or neoprene covers with regular cycling shoes for milder days
    • Merino wool ski socks (knee-highs on very cold days) OR my super-cozy electric socks (others use heated insoles)
    • Chemical toe warmers (some people place these on top of shoes, under their shoe covers; I use them on the bottom of my sock)

    Alternatives that many riders prefer:

    • Winter boots with flat pedals (versatile for walking too)
    • Standard wool socks, e.g., Woolie Boolies
    • An old trick that still works: plastic bags between sock layers
    • Another old trick: electric tape over the vents in your shoes

    What I Wear at Different Temperatures


    My typical kit for 45°F.

    40-50°F (4-10°C)

    • Synthetic or merino base layer
    • Long sleeve thermal jersey or short sleeve jersey with arm warmers
    • Wind-stopping cycling vest or jacket (if it’s on the colder side, a thin down vest)
    • Light winter gloves
    • Cycling shoes with toe covers
    • Merino socks (calf-length)
    • Merino cap
    • Neck gaiter
    • Cycling bib shorts with knee warmers, or full-length bib tights

    30-40°F (-1 to 4°C)

    • Long sleeve merino base layer
    • Winter-weight long sleeve jersey
    • Wind-stopper jacket
    • Lobster or winter cycling gloves
    • Thermal bibs
    • Neoprene shoe covers or winter cycling boots
    • Merino cap
    • Merino gaiter
    • Merino socks (knee-length)

    Below 30°F (-1°C)

    • Sleeveless waffle weave synthetic base layer
    • Merino insulating layer
    • Winter cycling jacket (with or without fleece liner)
    • Bar mitts over cycling or lobster gloves, with chemical hand warmers dropped in
    • Merino socks (knee-length, with chemical toe warmers) or electric socks
    • My warmest winter bib tights
    • If extremely cold, wind-stopper overpants
    • Winter cycling boots
    • Balaclava (with or without an extra gaiter)

    Final Words

    The above are my personal preferences and insights to dress for winter cycling. It definitely takes some trial and error to figure out what gear works for each individual rider. Here is an article by Pamela Murray that has great winter cycling options that include “regular,” every-day clothing. See also Bicycling in Winter by John Allen for much more information about winter cycling in general, as well as links to other resources. CRW continues to offer rides throughout the winter, so if you’re on the fence, I encourage you to give it a try (check out the club calendar here). Hope to see you out there on the road this winter!

    Share your knowledge! What do you wear for outdoor cycling during the winter months? Let us know in the comments.
  • 2025-01-21 10:48 AM | Wheel People (Administrator)

    By John S. Allen

    CRW can take pride in its support for lawful and courteous use of the roads and paths on which we ride. This important for our safety, and interaction among ourselves and with other travelers -- also for our being welcome in the communities where we ride.

    Sometimes, though, questions arise about what actually is legal. And Massachusetts traffic lawa can be confusing. They are scattered in the General Laws, ordinances of cities and towns, regulations for state highways and DCR property... Also, there have been some significant important amendments recently.

    My friend and CyclingSavvy colleague Eli Damon created a detailed summary of Massachusetts bicycling laws as several years ago. I have been updating it since. The remainder of this article is the updated summary. It includes inks to the underlying laws in case you want to take a deeper dive. I can be thankful that everything to look up is online now, and so is Wheelpeople, so the information is only a click away!

    Access (MGL 85-11B)

    • Cycling is permitted on all public ways (roads and trails) except limited-access or express state highways where signs prohibiting bicycles have been posted.

    Behavior (MGL 85-11B)

    Obeying the Traffic Law

    • Bicyclists are required to obey the traffic laws for drivers, with specific provisions and exceptions.

    Group Cycling

    • Cycling more than 2 abreast is prohibited.
    • Cycling 2 abreast is permitted subject to the duty to facilitate overtaking (MGL 89-2).
    • Cyclists riding 2 abreast must ride within a single lane.

    Passing on Right

    • Cyclists usually pass on the left but are permitted to pass on the right – though this can be hazardous!

    Cycling on Sidewalks

    • Cycling is permitted on sidewalks when necessary in the interest of safety except in designated business districts, unless otherwise directed by local ordinance.
    • Cyclists on sidewalks must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before overtaking a pedestrian. 

    Signaling

    • Cyclists are required to signal their intention to stop or turn. 
    • Signals need not be made continuously and shall not be made when both hands are needed for the safe operation of the bicycle. 
    • Signals may be made with either hand.
    • Audible warning when needed (voice or bell); no siren or whistle.

    No Hands

    • A cyclist must keep at least one hand on the handlebar at all times.

    Equipment (MGL 85-11B)

    Seat

    • A cyclist must ride upon or astride a permanent and regular seat.

    Cargo

    • Cargo must be carried in or on a basket, rack, trailer or other device designed for such purposes.

    Modifications

    • No handlebars above shoulders or extended front fork.

    Passengers

    • A passenger must ride only upon or astride a permanent and regular seat or on or in a trailer.
    • A passenger between the ages of 1 and 4 must be in a “baby seat”, on a tandem, able comfortably to reach the handlebar and pedals or on or in a trailer.
    • A passenger under 1 must be in a trailer.

    Helmets

    • A cyclist 16 or younger must wear a helmet
    • A passenger 16 or younger unless in an enclosed trailer.
    • Helmets must meet standards and be properly fitted and adjusted.

    Brakes

    • Must enable a cyclist to stop safely from 15 mph within 30' on a dry, clean, hard, level surface. 

    Lights and Reflectors

    • Cyclists must use lights and reflectors from ½ hr. after sunset to ½ hr. before sunrise.
    • During this time, the cyclist must:
    • Use a white headlight visible from 500'.
    • Use a red taillight and a red rear reflector.
    • Have pedal or ankle reflectors and reflectors facing to each side.
    • A generator-powered light that activates only when the bike is moving is OK. 
    • Reflectors must be visible from 600' when directly in front of lower beams of a motor vehicle's headlights.

    Ebikes (MGL 85-11B 3/4, 90-1, 90-1C, 90-1E)

    • Prohibited on sidewalks.
    • May be prohibited on some trails by local regulation. 
    • Class 1 and 2 (20 mph assisted top speed without/with throttle) are defined as electric bicycles, others defined as motorized scooters or motorcycles and subject to rules for them.

    Laws That Apply to All Drivers Including Cyclists

    Laws for drivers apply. Note especially:

    Cyclists May Use the Full Lane

    • Cyclists are not required to ride at the edge or in the door zone. “Upon all ways the driver of a vehicle shall drive in the lane nearest the right side of the way when such lane is available for travel, except when overtaking another vehicle or when preparing for a left turn.” (MGL 89-4B

    Safe Passing

    • “If it is not possible to overtake...at a safe distance in the same lane, the overtaking vehicle shall use all or part of an adjacent lane, crossing the centerline if necessary, when...safe... and...adhering to the roadway speed limit” (MGL 89-2).
    • “In passing a vulnerable user, the operator of a motor vehicle shall pass at a safe distance of not less than 4 feet and at a reasonable and proper speed” (MGL 90-14).

    Passing On Right

    • “The driver of a vehicle may, if the roadway is free from obstruction and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles, overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle...(a) making or about to make a left turn, (b) upon a one-way street, or (c) upon any [one-way] roadway” (MGL 89-2).

    Lane-splitting, Lane Changes

    • “The...vehicle shall be entirely within a single lane, and [the driver] shall not move from the lane...until he has first ascertained if such movement can be made with safety” (MGL 89-4A). 

    Violations

    Reporting Crashes (MGL 85-11B)

    • Cyclists must report a crash to local police if it involves personal injury or at least $100 worth of property damage.

    Penalties (MGL 85-11B, 85-11E)

    • Penalty can be up to $20, but no penalty for not wearing a helmet.
    • Violators under 18 can have their bikes impounded for up to 15 days.
    • Violations by cyclists under 18 cannot affect any civil right or liability and cannot be considered a criminal offense.
    • Violations do not affect a cyclist's license to operate a motor vehicle or status in the safe driver insurance plan.
    • Parents and guardians are responsible for violations committed by cyclists under 18.

    Police Stops (MGL 85-11E) 

    • A police officer who observes a traffic law violation committed by a bicyclist may request the offender to state his or her name and address. Refusing to do so, or stating a false name and address shall be punished by a fine of $20-$50. An offender who refuses to state his or her true name and address may be arrested without a warrant. Presenting ID is not required.
    • Cyclists cannot be arrested for traffic violations.
    • For cyclists under 16 committing traffic violations, police officers may give the notice to the parent or guardian.

    Note: Massachusetts General Laws leave out many details, including, for example, what is required at a red, amber or green traffic signal. These are covered in ordinances of the 351 cities and towns (see Sample Regulation), in Mass. Highway Department regulations (CMR 700 9.00), in Department of Conservation and Recreation regulations (CMR 302) and in regulations for quasi-public entities, notably Massport. Regulations and ordinances cannot overturn provisions of the General Laws except (rarely) where the Legislature has granted a home-rule petition to a city or town. Example: in Provincetown, bicyclists are allowed to travel in both directions on one-way Commercial Street. 

  • 2025-01-20 4:50 PM | Wheel People (Administrator)


    Where you are from? I live in Arlington. I have always lived in the Boston area, and Arlington is my favorite. 

    What is your best advice for a new club member? Enjoy your ride and get to know people! Rides are more fun that way! 

    When did you become a Ride Leader? I have been a ride leader for a couple of years. 

    What led to you becoming a Ride Leader? I was going on so many rides that I wanted to pitch in and help out! Every ride leader is different, but I find it really rewarding to ride with the same crew once or twice a week, and to welcome new cyclists. 

    What types of rides are you planning on leading? I would like to lead some rides on Cape Cod. I am hoping to schedule some in 2025. 

    How long have you been cycling, and what initially got you interested in the sport? About 12 years ago, I was on a day-long ride around Westport, MA. My friend’s son convinced me that I would have so much more fun if I ditched my heavy hybrid for a road bike. Happily, I took his advice. 

    How many miles a year do you typically ride? Around 2,500.  Nearly all outside. 

    What is your greatest cycling accomplishment? I’m just happy to keep getting back on the bike! 

    What is your favorite route to ride? Last summer I went on the club ride to Martha’s Vineyard. That is a great ride with so much great scenery. 

    What is your favorite post-ride food or drink? A chai latte and butter croissant. 


  • 2025-01-14 9:48 PM | Wheel People (Administrator)

    The CRW Slack space is great for organizing rides and keeping members connected. This is an information space divided into channels. Members can monitor chat in the channels of their choosing, send private direct messages to individuals or groups, and stay informed about club happenings.

    Slack is where we plan impromptu rides, announce organized rides, share routes, discuss gear, and build our cycling community. Instead of information getting lost in lengthy email threads or scattered across different platforms, everything is organized into focused channels that make it easy to find exactly what you need.

    We use threads to keep discussions organized, so you can easily follow the conversation about specific rides.

    Members can also invite others to join the space by sending a simple invitation.


    Quick Start Guide for New Members

    1.    Getting Set Up

    • Download Slack (desktop and mobile apps)
    - Windows: https://slack.com/downloads/windows
    - Mac: https://slack.com/downloads/mac
    - IOS: https://slack.com/downloads/ios
    - Android: https://slack.com/downloads/android
    • Follow link from the invitation email.
    • Complete your profile:
    - Add a photo
    - Contact info, if desired
    - Add your general availability
    - Set your preferences


    2. Browse and Join Channels

    • Click on the Home button.
    • Hover over Channels, and you will see a drop down for Create/Manage/Show and Sort.
    • Select Manage > Browse Channels.


    • Hover over the channels you are interested and select Join; all members are automatically follow the club-announcement channel. 


    Channel Descriptions:


    3. Get Familiar

    • Read up on older posts in your favorite channels
    •  Check out #help-use-slack if you have questions
    • Set up mobile notifications
    • Talk to your riding buddies in the DMs
    • Invite your friends to join: Under the CRW drop-down, select Invite People to CRW; copy the invite link to forward on.


    4. Start Communicating
    Members find many ways to communicate in Slack, for example:

    • Hop into #ride to share your ride photos or find a riding buddy for your lunch ride today
    • Talk about the hottest cycling tech or post a bike for sale in #gear
    • Announce a non-CRW event in #community-news
    • DM a ride leader with your questions about an upcoming ride
    • Discuss routes for an epic multi-day trip in #adventure
    • …and much more!

    5. Best Practices

    • Use threads (see below) for extended discussions to keep channels clean and organized.
    • Tag specific people using @ mentions when needed.
    • React with emojis to acknowledge messages without cluttering the channel.

    6. Getting Help

    • The #help-use-slack channel is your friend. Our experienced members are always ready to help you navigate the platform and get the most out of our digital community.

    Remember, cycling is all about community, and our Slack workspace helps make that community stronger and more connected than ever. So jump in, join the conversations that interest you, and become part of our vibrant cycling community. See you on the roads – and in Slack!

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