Boston Bike Story: Emmanuell De Barros
What’s your bike story?
After advocating for public transit to be more efficient and affordable, I saw that biking was also getting better — getting safer, clearer, connected routes — and I saw the advantage of biking as a faster way to get around. Then when I was at Dorchester Bay working with the Healthy Community Champions program, I saw how positive biking can be for your health. Now it feels even safer and more accessible to bike around Boston, and that it is “greener,” and I’ve started telling other people about it and trying to get them to bike. I see people in the inner city getting around quicker because it is the fastest way to get around.
What would you say to someone who has not biked in Boston before?
Biking is a good way to explore the city and not be stuck in traffic. There’s a map of all the bike routes that you can follow to figure out the best way to get around. There are also so many ways and different levels you can be involved in to make roads safer if you want to bike but your route isn’t safe yet.
What is your favorite moment on a bike?
Sunrise and sunset. I leave work sometimes at 5 or 6 in the morning and can see the sunrise. I saw it on the Longfellow once. You can see amazing views biking around. You also don’t have to wait for someone in front of you so there is more freedom.
What would you like to see to make Boston a better biking city?
More bike routes away from traffic like Beacon St. and the bridge in Charlestown. Improving the City for bikes makes it better for everyone. People who ride bikes walk, too.
Emmanuell De Barros, Charlestown via Dorchester