October 14: Park&Pedal Newton Launch

September 28, 2016UncategorizedPark&Pedal

Park&Pedal has expanded into the City of Newton and we’re celebrating! Join us on the morning of Friday, October 14th in Albemarle Park in Newton for a launch event and commuter breakfast. In attendance will be:

• Mayor Setti Warren, Mayor of Newton
• Nicole Freedman, Director of Transportation for the City of Newton
• David Montague, Park&Pedal and Montague Bikes Founder

Montague bikes will be giving away a bicycle to one lucky winner and area bike organizations, advocacy groups, and food vendors will be joining us to make for a fun and festive morning.

RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/361123210943867/

Confirmed so far (more to come!):
• Free bagels from Rosenfelds Bagels
• Free pastries from Newton Village Cafe
• Free breakfast burritos from Anna’s Taqueria
• Free bike tune ups from Belmont Wheelworks
• Tea and Juice from Honest Tea
• Free COFFEE!
• Food donation from Russo’s Watertown
• Food donation from Wegman’s (Chestnut Hill)
• Food donation from Shaw’s (Waltham)
• Hubway
• MassRIDES
• Rejjee
• Sierra Club
• Massachusetts Nature Conservancy
• Charles River TMA

If you’re interested in participating in the event as a vendor, please contact us at info@parkandpedal.org

Park & Pedal is a free network of parking lot hubs conveniently located cycling distance from your city’s employment centers, allowing commuters to park in a designated spot, and pedal their bike to work, avoiding “last-mile” congestion.

The program provides a manageable step toward bike commuting, especially for those who live too far from work to cycle the entire distance. The goal is keep cars out of the city, and get more people on bikes!

Park&Pedal CO2 Display at Massachusetts Transportation Building

July 28, 2016Newsco2 savings, emissions, massachusetts, MassDOT, transportationPark&Pedal

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas emitted by human activities. According the US Environmental Protection Agency, transportation alone accounts for 31% of the CO2 released into the environment by humans, a close second only to electricity production.

Every car on the road contributes to the amount of greenhouse gas in our atmosphere, and with the average round trip commute in the US at 24 miles and getting longer, shifting our mode of transportation is a serious matter.

At Park&Pedal Fest 2016, the celebration event for the expansion of the Park&Pedal program, we built a display to illustrate a rather shocking reality.

The average American car commuter produces 230 cubic feet of CO2 every day.

Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack liked the display so much when she saw it at the event, she asked that it be installed in the offices of MassDOT.

Inside the lobby of the Massachusetts Transportation Building is the rather conspicuous black box shown above. The sign reads, “Volume of this box = ONE Commuer’s CO2 Emissions from ONE DAY”. Visible to everyone who enters the offices of MassDOT or the MBTA, the 10 foot long 230 cubic foot box is a reminder of the impact on the environment of every car on the road.

We wish it is was possible for everyone to use alternative transportation as the sole means to get to work, but not everyone lives close enough or conveniently enough to cycle/walk the whole distance, or take advantage of public transportation. Park&Pedal allows those car commuters without a green alternative to cycle part way, reducing the number of miles driven and the amount of greenhouse gases released into our atmosphere.

Park&Pedal Picking Up Steam (and Saving CO2)

July 26, 2016Newsartesani, co2 savings, emissions, herter, herter park, Park&PedalPark&Pedal

Today, unlike almost every other day of the year, Boston area commuters had many reasons to drive to work. It is July 26th, the height of summer, when many are on vacation. The Massachusetts Turnpike going into the city of Boston, which is choked by gridlock traffic almost every other day of the year, had 60 mile an hour traffic sailing into the city. And today, gas prices are near a ten year low, making driving and commuting by car cheap. And finally today it is hot outside, really hot. Heat wave hot. And sticky. Perfect weather for air conditioned driving.

Yet today, at the Herter Park&Pedal hub, one of 20 Park&Pedal hubs around the city of Boston, there were approximately 50 people who had decided to Park&Pedal in to their jobs, rather than take advantage of cheap gas and smooth sailing on an open turnpike.

I sat and watched as car after car pulled up, and pulled out a bike, and started the better part of their commute. I marveled at the fact that there were more than a dozen pickup truck drivers who had opted to leave their vehicle and ride their bike to work. Think of the emissions that saved!

All in all, with one location, on one day, the Park&Pedal program reduced emissions in the Boston area by a huge amount. Just the carbon dioxide alone that those 50 cars and trucks did not produce today totals around 6,730 cubic feet. That is substantial savings in emissions. And the best part is, the price tag for setting up the program that made those savings possible was almost nothing. That’s right, Park&Pedal cost the taxpayers of Massachusetts virtually nothing. It uses existing, underutilized weekday parking areas, some signs, and a little awareness. And that’s it.

Park&Pedal is catching on quickly. It is getting people out of their cars, and onto their bikes for their commute. It reduces emissions. It also reduces gridlock traffic and parking issues near areas of employment, while providing commuters a healthy, less stressful way to get to work. Other cities, states, and countries would do well to note the success here in Massachusetts, and consider programs in their areas.

David Montague
Founder
Park&Pedal

Herter Park&Pedal Overflow Parking Available

July 22, 2016Newsartesani, Boston, Brighton, dcr, herter park, Park&PedalPark&Pedal

Every day, for three weeks since the Park&Pedal Fest 2016 celebration, I have arrived at the Herter Park&Pedal hub for my morning commute around 8:15am. And without exception, every day it has been full. Fortunately for me, at Herter, there is plenty of overflow parking. For the last three weeks I’ve noticed that the number of Park&Pedalers in the overflow parking has been growing, sometimes exceeding the number of Park&Pedalers in the sanctioned spaces.

Today I pulled up next to a woman who looked to be in her 60’s taking a bike off her car which she had parked in one of the overflow spaces. She did not look like a seasoned cyclist, but rather someone who might usually encourage her kids to ride their bikes, but stay in the comfort of her car for her own trips. Just like everyone else I have talked to on these great mornings of Park&Pedaling, she just loved the idea, and had, for the first time in many years, changed her routine of getting in her car and battling traffic all the way to work. She told me she was riding six miles in to work at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and was getting exercise and feeling a “mental health improvement” from not sitting in gridlock traffic. I nodded my head in agreement. What a great way to start off a beautiful Friday morning.

Recap: Park&Pedal Fest 2016 – Expansion!

June 23, 2016Events, News2016 launch, charles river, dcr, EEA, expansion, festival, herter park, MassDOT, Park&PedalPark&Pedal

On the morning of Friday June 17th, Park&Pedal Fest 2016 took place to celebrate a vast expansion of the Park&Pedal network. Montague Bikes worked alongside the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, the City of Newton, and the town of Bedford to identify 15 new locations that now host Park&Pedal hubs. This brings the total number to 19 and expands the program into greater Boston to accommodate more commuters.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us, especially Department of Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation. We greatly appreciate your support and efforts in this significant expansion of the country’s first Park&Pedal commuting network.

Also in attendance was Park&Pedal founder David Montague of Montague Bikes and Massachusetts State Representative Kevin Honan.

DCR addressing the crowd and media. Behind from left to right is David Montague, Mass EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton, and Mass DOT Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack.

Park&Pedal Fest was also an opportunity to bring together Boston’s cycling community. The event featured free breakfast, giveaways, bike raffles, music, bike tune-ups, and support from many of the area transportation and cycling groups. Thank you to Belmont Wheelworks, Iggy’s Bread, Boloco, Dunkin Donuts, Naked Juice, Trader Joe’s Cambridge, Wegmans Chestnut Hill, 92.9 WBOS, CommonWheels, Hubway, GeoOrbital, Superpedestrian, Rejjee, Boston Cyclists Union, MassRIDES, Livable Streets, MassBike, the Sierra Club, the Nature Conservancy, the Charles River Conservancy, MassCommute, Allston Brighton TMA, Seaport TMA, Charles River TMA, Cambridge Community Development, and the Arsenal Project.

No one loves coffee and donuts quite like cyclists!

Many organizations out spreading the word about alternative transportation.

Bike giveaway sign up!

WBZ Channel 4 News interviewing Park&Pedal founder David Montague.

All smiles from Massachusetts Dept. of Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack!

Wheelworks providing free tune-ups!

The Sierra club spreading the word about climate change.

Naked Juice was on site with their truck and lot’s of juice and smoothie samples!

Burritos from Boloco, and test rides of the Copenhagen Wheel electric motor.

What’s that green board in the background? A map of 15 new Park&Pedal locations just waiting to be unveiled!

Rejjee was on site registering bikes to combat theft.

Secretary Pollack chatting with David Montague and Renata von Tscharner, the founder and president of the Charles River Conservancy.

Awaiting the unveiling of all 15 new locations!

Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack extolling the virtues of Park&Pedal. She often parks and pedals herself!

Park&Pedal founder David Montague addresses the crowd.

Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton picking a lucky winner in our bike giveaway!

All the winners! Three Montague Bikes and a longboard courtesy of Honest Tea.

Thanks again to everyone who came to Park&Pedal Fest 2016! You can see all the new locations at http://www.parkandpedalmap.org/

June 17: Park&Pedal Fest 2016 – Expansion!

June 6, 2016Events, Newsartesani, dcr, event, giveaway, herterPark&Pedal

Friday, June 17 at 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Christian A Herter Park – 1175 Soldiers Field Rd, Boston, Massachusetts 02134

After a successful year getting drivers out of their cars and onto bikes, Park&Pedal is expanding! Come join us for a celebration and launch event for the newest Park&Pedal locations.

Stop by on your morning bike commute, or Park&Pedal from the event location. We’ll have free food, music, and you can even enter to win one of several Montague Bikes being given away at the event! Ride home on a new set of wheels!

• Several Montague Bikes raffled off to attendees (free to enter)
• Free bike service by Belmont Wheelworks
• Free bagels and bread from Iggy’s Bread
• Free donut holes from Dunkin’ Donuts
• Free coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts
• Free juice from Naked Juice
• WBOS 92.9 street team with music and giveaways
• Test rides with GeoOrbital
• Test rides with The Copenhagen Wheel
• Bike registration from Rejjee
• Hubway
• MassRIDES
• LivableStreets Alliance
• Sierra Club
• The Nature Conservancy
• MassCommute
• Allston Brighton TMA
• Seaport TMA
• Cambridge Community Development
• The Arsenal Project
**More vendors soon to be announced!

In attendance will be:
MA Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack
MA Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs Matthew A. Beaton
MA Department of Conservation & Recreation Commissioner
Park&Pedal and Montague Bikes founder, David Montague
**Vendors soon to be announced!

RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1628856450707481/

If you’re interested in participating the event as a vendor, please contact us at info@parkandpedal.org

Park & Pedal is a free network of parking lot hubs conveniently located cycling distance from your city’s employment centers, allowing would-be car commuters to park in a designated spot, and pedal their bike to work, avoiding “last-mile” congestion.

UPDATE: Herter / Artesani Re-Opened

April 25, 2016Newsannouncement, artesani, dcr, herter, openingPark&Pedal

Park&Pedal

Press Release Contacts: Ryan Walas – (617) 491-7200 or rwalas@parkandpedal.org

For Immediate Release: Monday, April 25, 2016

Advisory: NOW OPEN – Artesani / Herter Parking Lot on Soldiers Field Road

WHAT: The Park&Pedal hub located at the parking lot between Artesani and Herter Parks on Soldiers Field Road in Boston is now officially re-opened for the season. After a temporary closure to the site to accommodate the Charles River Dredging Project, the parking lot is now open to the public.

WHERE: The parking lot located at Artesani Park on Soldiers Field Road in Boston

Notice: Temporary Closure of Herter / Artesani Parking

January 27, 2016Newsadvisory, artesani, closure, dcr, herterPark&Pedal

**NOTE: There are two additional DCR controlled lots on Soldier’s Field Road with access to the Paul Dudley White bike path that are still open during this closure. They are just east of the closed lot toward Boston on same side of the road.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION
Governor Charles D. Baker
Lt. Governor Karyn E. Polito
EEA Secretary Matthew A. Beaton
DCR Commissioner Carol I. Sanchez

Press Release Contacts: Kevin O’Shea- (617) 626-4967 or kevin.o’shea@massmail.state.ma.us

For Immediate Release: Monday, January 25, 2016

DCR Traffic Advisory: Artesani Parking Lot on Soldiers Field Road in Boston

WHAT: Beginning on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 and continuing through Saturday, April 30, 2016, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will be closing the parking lot between Artesani and Herter Parks on Soldiers Field Road in Boston to accommodate the Charles River Dredging Project. The parking lot will be off-limits to the public for parking during this time.

WHERE: The parking lot located at Artesani Park on Soldiers Field Road in Boston

WHEN: Tuesday, January 26, 2016 – Saturday, April 30, 2016

###

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), an agency of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, oversees 450,000 acres of parks and forests, beaches, bike trails, watersheds, dams, and parkways. Led by Commissioner Carol Sanchez, the agency’s mission is to protect, promote, and enhance our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr. Contact us at mass.parks@state.ma.us.

251 Causeway Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114
(617) 626-1250 office / (617) 626-1351 (fax)

UPDATE: December Closures to Paul Dudley White Bike Path

December 21, 2015Newsannouncement, dcr, maintenance, path closure, paul dudley white pathPark&Pedal

Press Release Contacts: Kevin O’Shea- (617) 626-4967 or kevin.o’shea@massmail.state.ma.us

For Immediate Release: Friday, December 18, 2015

DCR Recreational Advisory: Temporary Path Closures for the Paul Dudley White Bike Path in Boston

WHAT: Beginning on Monday, December 21, 2015 and continuing to Friday, January 22, 2016, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will be implementing a temporary closure of Paul Dudley White Bike Path along the Boston side of the Charles River between the Boston University Bridge and the River Street Bridge, to accommodate repairs to the pedestrian bridge.

WHERE: Paul Dudley White Bike Path, Boston, between the Boston University Bridge and the River Street Bridge

WHEN: Monday, December 21, 2015 and continuing to Friday, January 22, 2016

###

251 Causeway Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114
(617) 626-1250 office / (617) 626-1351 (fax)

Park&Pedal in Winter

December 14, 2015NewsPark&Pedal

If you’ve been using the Park&Pedal network this summer, you may have noticed parking signs with a date range ending on November 30th. We want you to know that you can continue to Park&Pedal even in the off-season!

April 1 – November 30 is when the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation can guarantee the lots will be clear of snow. Outside that time there’s a possibility parking could be hindered by winter weather. Regardless, you are welcome to Park&Pedal in the “off-season” and we encourage you to do so!

Follow Park&Pedal on twitter at @parkandpedalbos for the latest updates on parking lot closures and news.