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Park(ing) Day in Wollaston
Quincy is doing PARK(ing) Day 2014! Bring your bikes and help transform a parking space for the day! Friday, September 19, 2014 You’ve heard of a drive-in…now there’s a PARK-IN! Join Councilor Kirsten L. Hughes, the Quincy Chamber of Commerce, and the Planning and Community Development Department as we participate for the first time in worldwide annual PARK(ing) Day. Instead of a street parking space there will be popcorn, fun activities, and a chance to share what your community means to you! For just ONE DAY come and hang out at the three parking spaces in front of the Wollaston Theater. wolly park in...
Read MoreBoston’s “Hub on Wheels”
Members of Quincycles look forward to participating in Boston’s 10th annual “Hub on Wheels” citywide bicycle ride/festival on Sunday, September 21st. Along with thousands of other cyclists, choose from 10, 30, and 50 mile routes and experience a car-free Storrow Drive, explore historic neighborhoods, and take in views of the Boston Harbor. It is an extra special experience not to be missed! Members of Quincycles will be meeting at the Wollaston T station at 6:20am sharp that morning to take the train to South Station. We will then bike to the starting line at Government Center. If you would like to join us, please confirm with Tim Lanham at timothy.lanham@comcast.net. If you choose to participate, regardless of whether you join us or not, wear your Quincycles t-shirts if you have them! Note: all participants must register to participate. Registration is found at...
Read MoreAugust is “Bike Month” at Thomas Crane Library
Quincycles is excited to announce that the Thomas Crane Library, 40 Washington Street, Quincy has declared August 2014 as “Bike Month.” Special activities will include screening of bicycle-themed movies on Thursdays, two workshops on basic bicycle maintenance hosted by local Quincy bicycles shops, and a meeting of Quincycles on Thursday, August 21 at 6:00pm. All events are free and open to the public. We hope to see you there! MOVIES Thursdays at 7:00pm (Aug 28 at 6:00pm). Click here for more info: Bike Month Movie Flyer 2014 + Aug 7 – “Bikes not Bombs” Boston based “Bikes not Bombs” ships thousands of bikes overseas every year, trains youth how to fix and maintain bikes, and runs a retail shop. Join director Jodi Sugerman-Brozan for a screening of several short films. + Aug 14 – “Power to the Pedals” Cambridge resident Wenzday Jane’s mechanical skills and innovative actions are reshaping her community. Sustainable solutions suggest that things don’t have to be the way they are. Following the screening, a panel discussion will be held with the film maker, members of Quincycles, and Kristina Johnson of the Quincy Planning Department. + Aug 21 – “The Bicyclists” An independent film that has been receiving rave reviews wherever it has been screened. “This could be a hipster’s delight. A female character named Steve? Actors on fixies? Featuring hip local music? Awesome.” – Vancouver Voice. Not Rated. + Aug 28 – “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure” (Note: special Family-focused screening time of 6:00pm) Classic Family Fun! Pee Wee lives an idyllic life until someone nabs his most prized possession: his fire engine-red customized bicycle. Rated PG. WORKSHOPS Click here for more info: Bike Month Workshops Flyer 2014 + Wednesday, Aug 20 at 6:30pm – “Basic Bike Maintenance” Led by Mike Fink of “Boston Bike Guy” participants will learn how to do a basic bike inspection, lube a chain, learn the difference between a derailleur and a cassette, and leave knowing how to perform some important fundamental maintenance. + Tuesday, Aug 26 at 6:30pm – “Bicycling De-mystified” Led by Paul Anderson of “Anderson Bicycle” participants will learn about different kinds of bicycles and bike accessories and receive tips for great local places to...
Read MoreBlessing of the Bicycles
Quincy bicyclists gathered on Sunday, July 20 at Union Congregational Church, Rawson Road, Wollaston for a blessing of their bicycles by Pastor Jack Swanson (seated in the middle of the photo – pastor of Union Congregational) and Pastor Nathan Pipho (third from left – President of Quincycles and pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church). After receiving a blessing, participants took a four mile ride through Wollaston before returning to the church for a cook out hosted by the church. The event was held in partnership with Quincycles and served as our monthly “Easy Rider Ride” for bicyclists either new or returning to...
Read MoreJuly Bike Rides
Quincycles is pleased to host two exciting rides in July: On Saturday, July 12 at 7:30am we invite intermediate cyclists on our “Beaches of Quincy Ride.” We will meet at Anderson Bike Shop, 380 Washington St, and begin our ride by riding to the two beaches at Quincy Point and the four beaches at Germantown. We will then ride to the two beaches at Houghs Neck and then to Adams Shore to view Front Beach and views of Boston. Onwards to Squantum along Wollaston Beach finishing with Orchard Beach and Nickerson Beach. We will return to Anderson’s Bike Shop with a leisurely ride through Quincy back streets. Total distance approximately 30 miles and 3 hours. This ride is our monthly “Second Saturday” ride. Upcoming rides will be held August 9, September 13, October 11, and November 8. On Sunday, July 20 at 1:00pm we invite cyclists of all abilities to our “Blessing of the Bicycles Ride.” We will meet at Union Congregational Church, 136 Rawson Road, Wollaston for a short blessing over the bicycles. We will then take a leisurely 5 mile ride through Wollaston before returning to the church for a barbeque on the church lawn. This ride is our monthly “Easy Rider Ride.” Upcoming rides will be held August 16 and September 20. All Quincycles rides are free and open to the public. For more information about these rides, please email us at...
Read MoreQuincycles First Annual Meeting
The following is the conclusion to the 2014 Annual Report presented by Nathan Pipho, the President of Quincycles, at the first Annual Meeting of Quincycles – May 15, 2014. The Future Quincycles is well served by the rich gifts and talents of its leaders and members. Members of Quincycles are committed to establishing a bicycle culture in the city of Quincy and are willing to put time and energy into making it happen. Through the efforts of too many people to name (lest I forget someone unintentionally), a strong foundation has been established for Quincycles to continue to lead the way towards the fulfillment of this vision. I am encouraged by our promotional outreach rides schedule for 2014. “Second Saturday” rides of approximately 20 miles offered April through November, and “Easy Rider Rides” offered on the third Saturday of each month as a way to encourage new or returning bicyclists on a rides fitting to them will help us continue to build the network of bicyclists in Quincy. Participating in the DPW Bicycle Safety Rodeo on May 17, the Quincy Flag Day Parade on June 14, and the Quincy Farmer’s Market will help us continue to be visible in the community. It is my hope that Quincycles will be constructively persistent in working with the Mayor’s Bicycle Commission to implement bicycle infrastructure on our city streets. Planning Department Director Dennis Harrington, a supporter of bicycling in Quincy, said at a 2013 Bicycle Commission meeting, “Nothing will help more than paint on the streets.” I believe bike lanes will encourage more riders and more riders will encourage even more riders. I would like to close with a story. This morning I spoke with a 77-year-old Chinese resident of Quincy who was learning English in one of the ESL classes at my church. He told me he rides his bike twice a week from North Quincy to the Kam Man Market, 219 Quincy Avenue to get groceries. It occurred to me that this man, and perhaps most bicyclists in Quincy, will never participate in a meeting or event of Quincycles, but it is precisely for them we work. Our work is not just to improve conditions for ourselves, but for the countless numbers of our neighbors who are already bicycling as a way of life. May we always remember that our work has a direct impact on the lives of our neighbors and the overall health of Quincy. I am privileged to serve as President of Quincycles and to work with so many great people in this noble effort. I look forward to what the future holds as we continue our work and our riding fun. Faithfully submitted, The Rev. Nathan Pipho Thursday, May 15,...
Read More2014 Ride Schedule Announced
For the third season, Quincycles is pleased to announce it will be hosting a variety of rides for Quincy residents and friends. All rides are free and open to the public. Please contact us at info@quincycles.org to be put on our email list announcing the latest ride details. Weather related cancellations will be posted on facebook and sent by email. 2014 Ride Schedule “Second Saturday Rides” will be held monthly beginning on Saturday, April 12 at 7:30am. These rides will begin at Quincy City Hall, 1305 Hancock Street, and will take various 15-20 mile routes through Quincy, Dorchester, Milton, and the Blue Hills. Specific details of each ride, including the routes, will be posted here, sent by email, and posted on facebook. Dates for these rides: April 12, May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13, October 11, and November 8. “Third Saturday Easy Rider Rides” will begin on Saturday, May 17 at 9:30am. These rides will begin in different locations of the city and are perfect opportunities for recreational cyclists who are either new to cycling, returning to cycling, or would like shorter and slower paced rides. Details will be posted here, sent by email, and posted on facebook. Dates for these rides: May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16, and September 20. “Family Ride” is being planned in conjunction with the DPW Bike Safety Rodeo set for Saturday, May 17 from Noon to 3:00pm. This is a perfect opportunity to ride with small children in a safe environment. Two “Destination Rides” are planned for the Spring and Fall. The Spring Destination Ride will be held on Saturday, May 31 beginning at 8:30am on the “East Bay Trail” in Rhode Island from Providence to Bristol (24 miles round trip). The Fall Destination Ride will be held on October 18 beginning at 8:30am on the “Shining Sea Trail” from Falmouth to Woods Hole on the Cape (24 miles round trip). More details will be announced closer to the dates. “Hub on Wheels” – Sunday, Sep 21, 2014. We encourage people to join “Boston Bikes” for their 10th annual “Hub On Wheels” citywide bike ride! Experience a car-free Storrow Drive, explore historic neighborhoods, and take in views of the Boston Harbor with thousands of other cyclists is an extra special experience not to be missed! Partiicipants can choose from 10, 30 and 50 mile routes. Registration opens in the Spring. Other rides will be announced throughout the year. If you have any ideas for rides please contact us. Disclaimer: All individuals participating in rides sponsored by Quincycles assume responsibility for their own safety by obeying the laws of the road, wearing a helmet and appropriate clothes, being aware of their surroundings at all times, and through proper maintenance of their...
Read MoreNine Reasons to Create a Bicycle Friendly Business District
Members of Quincycles were pleased to attend the Quincy Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Meeting and Business Showcase on Thursday, January 30 to begin a conversation with Quincy business owners about the benefits of bicycling to businesses and the community. According to April Economides, principal of Green Octopus Consulting and creator of the nation’s first Bike-Friendly Business District program for the City of Long Beach, California, here are nine reasons to create a bicycle friendly business district: 1. There is a strong “bike local” / “shop local” connection: bicyclists tend to shope closer to home. 2. People traveling at human-scale speed are more likely to notice businesses they pass: Bicyclists not only notice more businesses than car drivers, they can also easily hop off and stop, and their parking is right in front of their destination. 3. Most trips are short trips: 40% of U.S. trips are less than two miles. Bicycle friendly business districts help convert some of these trips into bicycling trips, which increases sales for local businesses. 4. Bicyclists have more discretionary income: Car-free bicyclists save an average of $8,000/year, and car-light bicyclists save, too. Bicyclists tend to shop closer to home and more often. 5. Businesses along bike lanes see increased sales: increased sales were reported in such diverse cities as San Francisco, California; Ft. Worth, Texas; and Toronto, Canada after bike lanes were installed. 6. Bicycle-friendly districts attracts tourists: bike tourism is on the rise. In 2005, in Quebec, bike tourists spent an average of $83/day compared to non-bike tourists, who spent an everage of $66/day. 7. Increased bicycling reduces the need to create more car parking: “Not enough parking” is often a concern of business districts. However, incentivizing drivers to instead bicycle opens up car parking. 8. Bicycling brings joy, and joyful workers bring higher earnings: In the U.K., regular bicyclists take 1.3 fewer sick days per year. 9. Bicycling brings more vibrant Main Streets: Bicyclists, just like pedestrians, add more eyes and ears to the district, making it safer, friendlier, and more vibrant. This attracts more women, families, and a diversity of customers, thereby increasing sales. Click Here to read the full article and access studies that back up each of the...
Read MoreMore bike lanes in Quincy urged
Patriot Ledger Thursday, January 16, 2014 By Patrick Ronan QUINCY — A regional planning agency has suggested adding 23 miles of bike lanes in Quincy, a city that before last year had no bike lanes whatsoever. “It’s a perfect place for bicycling,” said Tanya Paglia, regional planner for the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. The council Wednesday proposed a set of recommendations to the city’s planning board geared at making Quincy more appealing for bicyclists, including a plan to paint bike lanes on several major roadways by the end of 2014. The recommendations were endorsed by city planners. Although the council identified 23 miles of Quincy roadways for bike lanes, the council said there are several “high priority” streets that should get lanes this year. These areas include the east side of Adams Street, three sections of Hancock Street and two sections of Washington Street. David Loutzenheiser, transportation planner for the council, said adding bike lanes to the “high-priority” streets would encourage more sustainable commuting while not altering existing travel lanes for motorists. Also, he said the changes would have very little impact on the city’s public works budget. “We’re recommending that that be done in the next year. It’s simple striping and paint,” Loutzenheiser said. Kristina Johnson, Quincy’s director of transportation planning, said the council’s recommendations will be forwarded to Public Works Commissioner Daniel Raymondi, who manages roadway spending. She said the costs for bike lanes vary by street, but she said it isn’t “heavy lifting” financially. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council, using federal grant funding, studied roadways in 13 Boston-area communities, with Quincy being the largest, and recommended new bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. The council said adding bike lanes in Quincy could connect the city’s neighborhoods, accentuate landmarks and provide better access to the MBTA stations.The city got its first-ever bike lanes last fall as part of a $1.5 million reconstruction of Adams Street. The new lanes are on the west side of the road from Furnace Brook Parkway to the Milton line. The city’s planning department has said that designating more areas for people to bike and walk is a top priority and coincides with the $1.6 billion downtown redevelopment project, which includes plans for a new public park called Adams Green. Last year, Mayor Thomas Koch created a commission specifically meant to address bike-related issues. The city is also trying to shake its reputation as an unsafe place to walk and bike, as data in recent years showed that Quincy had one of the state’s highest incidence rates for pedestrian and bicyclist accidents. Loutzenheiser said adding bike lanes improves safety because it alerts motorists about where bicyclists will ride. Also, he said having bike lanes takes cyclists off of busy sidewalks. The council also suggested creating a new citywide “greenway” that would connect Quincy’s transit stations, historic sites and scenic locations. A “greenway” is a path marked by signage or road markings, similar to how Boston’s Freedom Trail is marked by brick. Johnson said the city will someday consider joining Hubway, which is the bike-sharing system used in Boston. But she said establishing bike lanes must come first. “We’re going to focus on the infrastructure first, but (Hubway) is certainly in the back of our mind,” Johnson said. “Especially as we move forward with the downtown redevelopment and we have Adams Green coming online. It’s going to be a natural extension, for sure.” Read more: 23 more miles of bike lanes in Quincy urged – Quincy, MA – The Patriot Ledger...
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