By John Allen

What is a Complete Street? And how well is the concept being applied?  As a cyclist, you need to know.

Complete Street Definition

A Complete Street is described in planning literature as one which is safe and practical, pleasant even, for modes of transportation up to a contextually appropriate limit of speed, traffic volume, and vehicle size. A Complete Street serves pedestrians and bicyclists well, and at least local motor traffic. 

The speed limit is low enough that pedestrians can safely cross the street. There are crosswalks, signalized where that is warranted. Restrictions on motor traffic work down from the largest vehicles to what is appropriate in context. That approach to vehicle types and sizes has been traditional on DCR parkways, quaintly limited to “pleasure vehicles only”, a definition which over the years has been pushed wider to cover passenger cars and small cargo vans.

Hammond Pond Parkway Reconstruction: A Complete Street?

On Thursday, June 13, I joined representatives of Bike Newton and the Central Transportation Planning Staff for a ride to visit special bicycle facilities in Newton. One was DCR’s Hammond Pond Parkway, now under reconstruction.

Hammond Pond Parkway was overbuilt in the mid 20th Century as a 4- lane speedway, reflecting car culture that turned parkways into highways. It would certainly not rate as bicycle-friendly, though I have ridden it, controlling the outside lane (and so demonstrating that the parkway was overbuilt, because motorists could always pass me without delay). The terrain is rolling, with a long, steep slope down to Route 9 at the southern end. 

The DCR is currently taking the mile-long segment of the Parkway between Beacon Street and Route 9 down to two lanes, installing a 12- foot wide shared-use path 15 feet from the roadway on the west side and a 4-foot wide sidewalk on the east side. The current project imagines Hammond Pond Parkway as a pleasant, park-like experience for bicyclists.

The segment: 

Go to the RidewithGPS version of this map, so you can change to Satellite View or Street View and explore more widely.

I commented on this project when it was in the planning stage. At that time, there was a discussion about making the roadway 28 feet wide, marginally wide enough for today’s “pleasure vehicles” to pass bicyclists. A bit wider would be nice, but that is in the nature of political compromise.  

So, what is the problem, then? How well will Hammond Pond Parkway meet the definition of a Complete Street?

Is it Really Complete?

The DCR’s Dan Driscoll describes the reconstruction of Hammond Pond Parkway, now underway. A paved path will be in the strip behind the people listening. 

Safety Issues

Is it Practical for Bicycle Transportation? E-bikes? Motor Scooters? Year-round?

The path will cross parking-lot entrances and roads in crosswalks, adding delay and inconvenience. Traversal of multiple crosswalks will be needed at the Route 9 end of the segment. With such treatments, users become impatient and choose their own times and ways to cross, becoming unpredictable and increasing risk. If bicycles are to be competitive with motor vehicles and public transportation, they must not be subject to unnecessary delays, or held to low speeds.

The narrowed roadway is crowned and has storm drains. The proposed path, on the other hand, will be unusable or unsafe for weeks or months at a time in winter even if plowed, lacking drainage -- unless heavily salted (unhealthy for vegetation and bicycles).

So, the most practical solution in winter is to give up on the idea of bicycling and leave the path unplowed and unsalted for cross- country skiing and snowshoeing.

Years ago, the DCR applied the same configuration (a narrow, shoulderless roadway and parallel path) to Metropolitan Parkway in Waltham, shown in the following video: https://player.vimeo.com/video/117220059?h=71cf9423b4. Metropolitan Parkway is  very lightly traveled, so riding on the roadway is practical. Bicyclists on the roadway of Hammond Pond Parkway would have queues of cars behind them and would invite harassment.

Be Careful What You ask For -- and Just Be Careful

I have applauded the efforts of the DCR and particularly Dan Driscoll in extending the paths along the Charles River upstream to Waltham. I have supported the reasonable narrowing of Charles River Road and Nonantum Road, as well as construction of the Cochituate Rail Trail, the Mass Central Rail Trail, Bruce Freeman Trail and other trail projects. Those projects all have improved bicycle access without compromising access on roads. The Hammond Pond Parkway project, on the other hand, proposes to forego much of the potential of the Parkway for bicycle, e-bike, and motor scooter transportation, and so is fundamentally different in its impact.

By Amy Juodawlkis

CRW is excited to announce a partnership with local bike shop Quad Cycles, 1043 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, offering members exclusive benefits:

• 15% discount on all merchandise, including bikes and parts
• Expedited "same day" service on standard repairs (bike must be brought in before noon; excludes extensive repairs or special-order parts)

Rustem Gode, owner of Quad Cycles, said, "We're proud to partner with CRW. By working together, we can promote the growth of cycling and support the passionate individuals in our community."

To enjoy these benefits, simply present your CRW membership card at Quad Cycles. We believe this partnership will enhance your cycling experience and provide more value to your CRW membership. Happy cycling!

Quad Cycles
1043 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476
Email: info@quadcycles.com
Phone: (781) 648-5222
Website: www.quadcycles.com

To present an electronic version of your membership card via the Wild Apricot Member App:

1. Click the My Profile tab.

2. Click the My Card button.

To download a printable PDF version via the CRW Website:

1. Click on your name in the top right corner to go to your profile.

2. Click on Printable PDF below the card image.

Members: We are currently in the process of updating our database of local bike store discounts so that we may present a full list on our website. If  you would like to help with this effort, please complete our Volunteer Interest Form. Thank you!!!

Cancelling Your Ride Registration

By Amy Juodawlkis

When the unexpected happens, and you can't make that CRW ride you're registered for, please go ahead and cancel your registration so we're not needlessly waiting for you at the ride start.

Here are three ways to cancel your registration:

Option 1: Cancel from your CRW Website User Profile

1. Click on your name in the top right corner to go to your profile.
2. Select "My Event Registrations" and find the event you wish to cancel.
3. Click on "Confirmed" next to the event registration.
4. On the next page, click "Cancel Registration" to cancel your registration.

Option 2: Cancel from the CRW Website Event Page

1. Open the Event Calendar and select the event you want to cancel.
2. On the event page, click "Already registered" in the left panel.
3. This opens the registration form with a "Cancel Registration" button, which you can click to cancel.

Option 3: Cancel from the CRW Member Mobile App

1. In the Wild Apricot mobile app, select "My Tickets".
2. Select the event you want to cancel.
3. Click "Cancel" to cancel your registration.

NOTE: Ride Leaders can also cancel registrations via the CRW Admin Mobile App: 1. Click on the rider's name in the event's Registrants list; 2. Click on the (...) button; 3. Select Delete.

______________________________________________________________________________

Adding Your Picture to Your Profile on the CRW Website

By Barbara Jacobs

It is very easy to add your picture to your profile on the CRW Website. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to the CRW.org website.
2. Click on your name at the top of the page - this brings you to your "My Profile" page.
3. Click on "Edit Profile".
4. Scroll down until you see "Avatar".
5. Click on " Choose File".
6. Find and click on the picture you want to have as your "Avatar".
7. Go back to the top of the page and "Save".

One of the most requested features from our recent member survey was the ability to synchronize the club event calendar with personal calendars. We are excited to announce that this feature is now available! By following the steps below, you can ensure that you never miss out on any of our exciting events.

How to Sync the CRW Event Calendar with Google Calendar:

1. Open Your Google Calendar:

   Begin by opening your Google Calendar in a web browser.
   
   

2. Find the "Other Calendars" Section:

   On the left side of the screen, locate the "Other calendars" section.
   
   

3. Add a New Calendar:

   Click the plus sign (+) next to "Other calendars."
   
   

4. Select "From URL":

   In the menu that appears, select the "From URL" option.
   
   

5. Enter the Calendar URL:

   Input the following URL into the provided field: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/calendar%40crw.org/public/basic.ics



6. Add the Calendar:

   Click "Add calendar." Google will automatically sync the CRW event calendar to your personal Google Calendar and display the events.

Important Notes:

• Update Frequency: Please note that changes made to the shared calendar may not be instantly visible. Google Calendar updates can take up to 12 hours to reflect new or updated events.

By syncing the CRW event calendar with your personal calendar, you’ll have easy access to all club activities right at your fingertips. This feature will help you stay informed and make the most of your membership with the Charles River Wheelers. Happy cycling!

For further assistance or if you encounter any issues, please contact our contact us form.

Dear CRW Members,

It is with mixed emotions that we announce the resignation of Eli Post as the editor of WheelPeople, effective June 1, 2024. For the past several years, Eli has been the driving force behind our beloved newsletter, dedicating countless hours to ensure that each issue is informative, engaging, and reflective of our vibrant cycling community.

Eli’s passion for cycling and his commitment to CRW have been evident in every edition of WheelPeople. His editorial vision has helped shape the publication into a cornerstone of our club, providing members with ride updates, cycling tips, and captivating stories from our community. Under his leadership, WheelPeople has not only informed but also inspired us all. 

We want to take this opportunity to thank Eli for his outstanding service. His hard work, creativity, and dedication have left an indelible mark on CRW. Eli has graciously agreed to work with Barbara Jacobs on the June issue and will assist his successor to ensure a smooth transition. Eli will continue to contribute as a writer, sharing his insights and experiences with us in future articles.

One of Eli's upcoming projects is a collaborative article with his son about the geographical distribution of our membership—a testament to his ongoing commitment to CRW. We are excited to see his future contributions and are grateful for his continued involvement.

Eli’s decision to step down comes due to personal health reasons. While we will miss his leadership as editor, we understand and fully support his decision. We are fortunate that Eli will remain a part of our community and continue to share his passion for cycling with us.

Please join us in expressing our heartfelt thanks to Eli for his years of exceptional service and dedication. We wish him all the best in his health and future endeavors. Eli, your contributions have made a significant impact, and we look forward to seeing you on the road and reading your inspiring articles in WheelPeople.

With gratitude,

Randolph Williams
President, Charles River Wheelers

Cape in a Day Too, June 22

Join CRW for this one-way 105 mile ride that starts from the MBTA train station in Braintree and goes south through mostly quiet roads all the way to Cape Cod.

You will enjoy great scenery along the coast and down the Shining Sea Bike Path, grab lunch in Woods Hole and maybe stop for some beach time before catching the Cape Flyer in Hyannis back to Braintree.

Ride Leader(s): Jerry Skurla  jskurla@comcast.net 

The Willie Hume Pneumatic Classic celebrates the 1889 debut of pneumatic tires in bike racing, June 30

On May 18th, 1889 the captain of the Belfast Cruisers Cycling Club was the first person to compete in a bike race on newfangled "sausage tyres" invented in 1887 by Scotland's John Boyd Dunlap (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Boyd_Dunlop).

The Pneumatic Classic features 2 late morning rides (25m & 40m) departing from the Dirigible Brewery in Littleton, MA.

After finishing the rides we'll toast Willie and John's accomplishments - and marvel at today's tubeless tires - with Dirigible's craft brews and food. 

Ride Start Location:  

Dirigible Brewery in Littleton, MA.    https://dirigiblebrewing.com/faqs 

Ride Leader(s):

Jerry Skurla  jskurla@comcast.net 

Bikepacking 101, July 6-7

In its 4th season, Bikepacking 101 is a two day, one night introduction to "bikepacking," which means all overnight gear is carried on your trusty bike, NOT your back.  

The trip starts in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The first day’s 38-mile route is on paved road, dirt roads in New Hampshire and a section of the Cross Vermont rail trail, finishing at Ricker Pond State Campground in Vermont which features a swimming beach and modern bathhouse. 

The second day’s 39-mile ride includes more Cross Vermont rail trail, a unique hardware store & bar in Cabot, Vermont, and a wonderful LONG descent on the Lamoille Valley rail trail back to the start in St. Johnsbury.

Climb to the Clouds, August 11

This legendary CRW ride will test your biking abilities with two challenging routes climbing up Mount Wachusett. There is a century length ride with 6,324 feet of climbing or a metric century with 3,358 feet of climbing. To help you succeed there are rest stops along the way.

Come climb this iconic Massachusetts mountain and bask in the glorious views of New England with CRW this August!

Image courtesy of trailspotting.com

3rd Annual Spring Swap Meet & Rides, May 5th

By Jerry Skurla

Both riders and bargain hunters enjoyed a fine spring day for the 3rd Annual Spring Swap Meet & Rides in Lexington on May 11.  

Almost 50 riders turned out to ride. Kudos to Lindy King, who led the 10 am ride of 38 miles, and Mary & Larry Kernan,  co-leaders of the 25 mile ride that rolled out at 11 am.  Both groups arrived back at Harrington Middle School just as the Swap Meet was opening at 1pm.

By Barbara Jacobs

The Bike Thursday Ride series is a weekly ride that runs between May and October for cyclists that enjoy riding at a slower pace of 10-12.5 mph. The routes are usually in the western suburbs, but could be in other areas. All rides are scenic, usually on low traveled roads. Bike Thursday is a very social ride that includes a picnic lunch at or near the start location. Sometimes there are stores available to purchase food, other times we bring lunch and hang out together. 

The rides are between 20-25 miles and take 2+ hours. At the start we break up into 3 groups of 10-14 riders each. 

Bike Thursday is a "led ride". There is always a ride leader (approved by CRW) and a sweep (chosen from the group of riders) for each group, and "human arrows" are used to help keep the group together.  

People often wonder why there a limit of 36 participants (including leaders) on Bike Thursday rides. Since we break into 3 groups of riders based on average speed (ranging from 10 to 12+ mph overall), we have 3 volunteer leaders each take out a group of 10-14 people. We have found that this is a safe and enjoyable group size for these rides.

Here is the ride grouping for each Bike Thursday ride:

• Group 1: riders between 12-13 mph overall
• Group 2: riders between 11-12 mph overall
• Group 3: riders between 10-11 mph overall

Parking is another reason there is a limit to the number of riders.  Some of the places we park at are public which is great if they have a lot of parking spaces. In other cases we get permission from a store, church, or school to park in their lots. It is best not to overwhelm these parking lots with lots of cars.

If the ride is already full when you attempt to register you can add yourself to the waitlist. If there are cancellations, people on the waitlist will be added to the ride in the order that they signed up.

People often ask where the ride starts. In the weekly ride description the city/town that the ride starts in is listed. Once you register for the ride, you will receive a "confirmation email" from Charles River Wheelers. This email will provide you with the ride start location and the Ride with GPS route link.  

Interested in learning more about Bike Thursday? Email bj.bikethursday@gmail.com

Ride Leaders needed

by John O'Dowd

Please consider leading during the weekends, both Saturday and Sunday's are great times to lead rides and support your club. Please connect with the VP of Rides if you need some assistance. 

Ride Leader Incentives

by Norma Loehr

In 2024 we want to do even more to show our Ride Leaders just how much we appreciate their time and efforts!

While we currently have incentives in place for Ride Leaders who are occasional leaders in the form of kick-off and year-end parties and a yearly gift, this new rewards program is designed to recognize our super-leaders: those who go above-and-beyond for CRW and our members.

There are six awards categories for our super Ride Leaders.

For the following categories, the top three Ride Leaders will receive a $50 gift card plus a free one-year membership to CRW. 

• Most Recurring rides led

• Most Non-recurring rides led

For the following categories, the top three ride Co-leaders will receive a $25 gift card.

• Most Recurring rides co-led

• Most Non-recurring rides co-led

For the following categories, the top Ride Leader will receive a $50 gift card plus a free one-year membership to CRW:

• Most rides by a new Ride Leader (class of 2024)

• Most feedback from members

We will publish and regularly update a leaderboard for the general Ride Leader and Co-leader categories so you can track your progress throughout the season. The new Ride Leader and feedback categories are more complicated to track so there will not be a regularly published leaderboard. All awards will be presented at the annual Ride Leader party in November (you do not need to be present to win). 

For more information on this rewards program, see the following FAQ.

FAQ

Who is eligible for these awards?

All active Ride Leaders are eligible except our board members. You will still see board members on the leaderboard, though!

What rides count towards these awards?

Rides posted publicly on the CRW Ride Calendar and that took place are eligible. Special riding workshops and rides designed for a subset of rider types (e.g. devo, gravel, Women’s/NB) are eligible.

The following are not eligible:

• Rides canceled for any reason

• Rides added to the calendar after the ride has occurred

• Virtual rides

• Non-ride events (e.g., lecture, tutorial, party)

What do I need to do to be sure my ride counts towards these rewards?

1. Create a detailed ride listing. A great ride listing will have the following information, as applicable:

• Route description

• Ride start time and location (or town)

• Affiliated ride program and/or intended audience (e.g., devo, intro to gravel, mellow/recovery)

• Ride type, size, and pace(s) supported

• Ride Leader name and contact information; Co-leader name(s)

• Any additional logistical information (e.g., parking, rest rooms, planned stops)

• If the route is not included in the posting, how and when the route will be communicated to registered riders (the link to Ride with GPS route may be emailed directly to registered members)

• Any ride group email list must be easily joined, with instructions to do so included in the event posting

Remember: You want to reach your intended rider audience AND members need enough information to determine if a ride is “for them”.

2. Post your ride on the CRW Ride Calendar. Remember to set registration number limit, if needed.

3. Register yourself using the Ride Leader ticket type.

Can someone win in multiple categories?

No. An individual may only win in one category. If someone is in the top three in multiple categories, the one where they have the highest rank is the one where they will win. The category (ies) where they ranked lower, the next leader after them will be awarded the prize.

What if there are other rider leaders on the ride I am leading? Do they get a Ride Leader credit?

No. There is only one Ride Leader per ride. The Ride Leader must be listed in the ride listing and registered for the ride using the Ride Leader ticket type.

How do I get credited as a Co-leader?

Co-leader(s) will be confirmed with the Ride Leader ahead of time and registered for the ride using the Co-leader ticket type before the ride takes place. 

I am leading a pace group for someone else’s ride, do I get Ride Leader credit?

No. However, if you are listed as a Co-leader and registered for the ride using the Co-leader ticket type, you will receive a Co-leader credit. For our Century rides, all participating Ride Leaders leading a pace group are Co-leaders, as the Ride Leader responsibilities were fulfilled by the club.

How is this data being tracked?

Data will be drawn from the CRW calendar/registration system so that everything can be tracked automatically. Data cannot be submitted in any other form.

When do rides need to occur to be considered for 2024?

Winners will be selected based on CRW Ride Calendar data from Jan 1, 2024 through the day before the annual Ride Leader party in November 2024.

When are the winners announced?

Winners will be announced and rewarded with their prize at the Ride Leader party in November. Winners do not need to be present to win. Winners will receive an email with information on how to collect their prize and they will be recognized in WheelPeople.

As you know, CRW thrives on the passion and enthusiasm of its members, and we believe there’s no better way to highlight this than by sharing your incredible experiences on our social media platforms. 

Whether it's a stunning sunrise ride, an exhilarating trail, a group photo from a club event, or just beautiful scenery captured during your journey, we want to see and celebrate it all.

Here’s how you can participate:

1. Choose your best photos or videos that represent your biking adventures and our club spirit.

2. Email your images or videos to social@crw.org with a brief description of the moment and any interesting details you’d like to share.

3. Include your social media handles if you’re comfortable with us tagging you in our posts.

By sharing your moments, you’ll help inspire fellow members and potential new riders, and you’ll contribute to a vibrant and engaging online presence for our club. 

We can’t wait to see your photos and celebrate the joy of biking together!