Thanks to a generous grant from the City of Boston’s Boston Bikes program, and hired help from Bikes Not Bombs trained youth mechanics and others, the Boston Cyclists Union has launched its first major outreach effort in a way that directly benefits cyclists—particularly those that do not have the benefit of a local bike shop. Thanks to BCU volunteers and employees, we served 222 bikes in July traveling from market to market in Mattapan, Roxbury, Dorchester, East Boston, Roslindale and Mission Hill.
At nine Farmer’s Markets across the city, each on a set day of the month this summer (e.g. Second Saturdays, Third Thursdays, etc.), the BCU is operating a bike tune up stand. We perform simple repairs and tune ups free of charge from July to September and offer inner tubes, some parts and bike locks.
Additionally, we will be talking to local residents about what changes they would like to see in their neighborhoods in terms of road design or policy, so we can incorporate those thoughts into our advocacy work. Much of this input will be incorporated onto maps of each neighborhood that will accompany the tune up stand.
Also—bike theft is a huge issue in many neighborhoods. The BCU is working on literature that show the best locks to use and best locking techniques, as well as helping to make sure everyone records their bike’s serial number so police can more easily identify it in the event of a robbery.
We are currently looking for volunteers with bike mechanic skills to participate in this effort. If you have these skills and are available for any of the times in the calendar shown here, please contact pete@bostoncyclistsunion.org! This effort will be a fun way to connect to neighborhoods and new cyclists across the neighborhood, and lunch will be provided.