Bike the Minuteman Bikeway from Bedford to Davis Square, Somerville
Details
Come join us for an easy-paced bike ride on the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway. Great opportunities for people watching on this one! You never know what you'll see on this distinctly urban trail. We'll bike the entire length of the trail, down to its end point at the Alewife MBTA station. After that, we'll continue onto the Somerville Community Path (a paved, mixed-use path about a mile long) and ride down to Davis Square.
We will make several stops along the way to regroup, hydrate and chit chat a bit before continuing.
Stop 1: Lexington Center. Regroup and bathroom break at the visitor's center along the trail. We'll also stop here on our return!
Stop 2: Arlington Center. Regroup at the Minuteman Bikeway sign.
Stop 3: Alewife MBTA station. Regroup before crossing over to the Somerville Community Path.
IMPORTANT: The Somerville Community Path winds its way through the various neighborhoods of the town. There are numerous road crossings, and there can be a LOT of foot traffic, more than we typically encounter on the bikeway itself. We will therefore proceed at a moderate pace on our bikes. Also, let's try to stay together, since it's easy to get lost if you've never been here before.
The nitty gritty for this ride...
- Length: Approximately 24-mile round trip, Bedford to Somerville.
- Trail details: Entirely paved; numerous road crossings.
- Suggested bike type: Road or hybrid, but any bike will suffice.
- Pace: Moderate, with several stops along the way to regroup.
- Lunch: Bring a lunch or snack to eat at the outdoor tables in Davis Square. It's a lovely spot to sit and people watch as you enjoy a bite to eat. Alternatively, bring money (and a bike lock!) and grab lunch from one of the many eateries in the square. We'll plan on laying over in the square for a while before we start our return trip.
- Parking: Arrive early, as this is a popular destination. Free public parking is available right at the Bedford Depot park. There is additional parking behind Bikeway Source. See the maps in the photo section.
- Post-ride Ice Cream: After our ride, we can head down the road (just a few minutes away) to Bedford Farms Ice Cream, 20 North Road, Bedford, MA, for some frozen treats. (781) 275-6501.
Bikeway Source
111 South Road
Bedford, MA
Safety Note: Bike helmets are mandatory on our rides.
About This Trail
The Minuteman Bikeway is a testament to the perseverance of a handful of avid cyclists who had a vision. After much political back and forth, ground was broken in October 1991, some 16 years after the B&M railroad made its last train trip in 1975. The first sections of the trail, located in Arlington and Cambridge, were opened to the public in October 1992. The Lexington and Bedford sections were completed in the spring of 1993. The trail's grand opening ceremony was May 29, 1993.
AS A CONDITION OF ATTENDING THIS MEETUP, YOU AGREE TO: Hold harmless, and indemnify the organizers and their relations and heirs, and all members and participants of this Meetup group from any and all claims for injury, illness, death, and/or property damage including those caused by negligence, ignorance, inexperience and other reasons. You also agree to assume all mental, physical, financial, and/or other risk associated with this meetup. Kayaking, camping, hiking, bicycling, and other similar activities pose inherent risks and dangers. Participation in these activities is voluntary and dependent upon your own personal judgment. As organizers, we make no claims regarding any expertise for this outing. This is not a guided tour.
Consuming alcohol before or during our events is prohibited.
Bike the Minuteman Bikeway from Bedford to Davis Square, Somerville