[BCM] MBTA bike survey

Tue Jul 7 04:55:23 EDT 2009

I understand that there are certain distances that simply cannot be covered on a daily basis via the bike, and that using public transit is a far better option than cars for human existence as well as this damn planet we need to survive on, but frankly I do everything I can to avoid it. I biked from the south end to brookline for work on my humble fixed gear, with it's 23cm tires, during that huge snow storm towards the end of december. i've been dealing, without much complaint, with my current commute between brighton center, central square, and wherever during the horrible rains. point being that when shit hits the fan weather-wise, i don't see very many other folks out there on bikes. i think it's incredibly important to show some folks that it's possible to deal with the elements while on a bike. 

regarding the commuter rail.. something needs to be done about this idiotic vision the masses have regarding bikes. there hasn't been a goddamn friday or saturday night that i haven't been yelled at or had shit thrown at me on my way home from work. i mean, c'mon.. a lit cigarette and a slushie that smashed in to my front wheel? some folks just see cyclists as being lesser. legally, you have just as much of a right to bring a gigantic fucking suitcase or two on to the train as a bike which uses as much, if not less space if you remove a wheel or two. if you end up dealing with a total fucking pain-in-the-ass "authority" figure just tell them that. if they get bitchy, ask them what reason they'd have to throw you off the train for having something that's about as reasonable as any other rolling thing. it's about as much of a pain in the ass as dealing with the morning rush hour, but if you somehow end up getting thrown off you could probably find a way to sue them for discrimination and make some money. on a train a bike is simply an object you're carrying.. just like any other. it's not like it's going to turn in to a fucking hydrogen bomb. either way, know your rights and don't take any shit when you don't have to. 

Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 06:02:56 -0400
From: datkinsg at gmail.com
To: list at bostoncriticalmass.org
Subject: Re: [*BCM*] MBTA bike survey

I've taken my bike on the commuter rail a few times and they have always been courteous, but, as a rider of the often standing-room only trains, I can appreciate how unwelcome a bike would be during busy times. Best case is they let you put the bike in a vestibule on the end; but then I'm worrying it's going to fall over (or out!) of the train car.

I think the best strategy is what one person mentioned--get a beater bike and lock it up at South Station to be there when you need it. Meanwhile we can dream of the day when this will be our problem:

http://hembrow.blogspot.com/2009/06/dutch-railway-station-cycle-parking.html

On Thu, Jul 2, 2009 at 11:39 PM, robert fine <countrybob at comcast.net> wrote:

It’s wise to carry a printout of the policy regarding
bringing bikes on any MBTA vehicle because not all the T personnel are fully up
to date or otherwise well informed about this policy which has been modified
over the past few years. It’s very proactive for the T to have done this
but notice that they reserve the right to refuse access if they think the
bicycle poses a safety risk so you need to still need to demonstrate common
courtesies when boarding. 

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