Boston Cyclists Union

The Union Rider: October 2019

By Bike Union Staff | October 29, 2019
BCU Board President Steven Bercu (Photo: Donrick Pond)

Read our new Strategic Plan

The Boston Cyclists Union has grown significantly since 2015, when we last drafted a Strategic Plan. Much has changed about the state of biking in Metro Boston since then too. So this year, we developed a new Strategic Plan to reflect those changing dynamics and improve our ability to effect change going forward. We encourage you to read the full plan, as well as an introductory letter from our Executive Director Becca Wolfson and Board President Steven Bercu.

Congress St.. (left) and Brookline Ave. (right)
(Congress St. photo: Tom Meek)

Infrastructure update: More protected bike lanes!

In 2017, we supported Boston’s first-ever people-protected bike lane, on the Congress St. bridge. Now, that bridge, and the neighboring Summer St. bridge too, are in the process of getting bike lanes protected by flex posts, not people. This development is a heartening reminder of our ability to get better infrastructure when we stand together and demand more. Other recent or upcoming infrastructure updates — the city’s longest contraflow lane, on Bay State Rd., plus protected bike lanes on parts of Brookline Ave, Stuart St., Washington St., and Harrison Ave — are also encouraging signs that Boston is picking up the pace when it comes to making changes on the ground.

Fix Our Transportation Crisis: Call to Action

This Wednesday, we’re headed to the State House alongside Transportation for Massachusetts and other advocates to lobby for legislation that will deprioritize single occupancy vehicle travel, and increase investments in public transit, biking and walking. Join us to learn more about these legislative priorities, and to make your voice heard! Transportation funding and policy are key issues this legislative session, so it’s important for us to speak now with lawmakers and urge them to act. 

Biketoberfest 2019

We shared a full recap in a previous email, but in case you missed it:

  • We raised a record $35,000+! Thank you all for your generous donations.
  • Rep. Ayanna Pressley shared a video message about her new Future of Transportation Caucus, and how she’ll representing our membership in D.C. (Watch the video here.)
  • Photos from BIketoberfest are available here. Tag yourself and your friends, and follow our Facebook page (if you don’t already) for bike news and updates on our work.

Don’t forget to vote next week!

Election Day is next Tuesday, Nov. 5. Before you head to the polls, find out where candidates in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville stand on important transportation issues by reading the candidate questionnaire we developed with the Massachusetts Vision Zero Coalition. And of course: Don’t forget to vote!

We’re hiring interns!

We’re seeking two winter interns to join our team: A Community Organizer to help with our Winter Bike Budget campaign, and a Development/Office Manager to help with events and membership. For more information about the positions and how to apply, head here.

Dudley Bike Workshop Schedule: Last chance for repairs before spring!

The bike workshop at 375 Dudley St. will only be open for two more weeks this season. Come on by if you want to work on your bike, get free repairs or reduced-price parts! The shop will be open the weeks of October 28 and November 4, on Tuesday and Thursday, from 3-6pm. 

Job postings

  • City of Cambridge, Transportation Project Planner: The Transportation Project Planner will manage and oversee the City’s public transit program; multi-modal, sustainable transportation infrastructure projects; regional transportation planning processes; and other projects or initiatives as needed. To learn more and apply, click here.
     
  • MassDOT, GIS Analyst: The selected applicant will be assigned to the GIS Services Section within the Office of Transportation Planning (MassDOT Planning). To learn more and apply, click here.
     
  • WalkBoston, Program Coordinator: WalkBoston seeks a self-motivated, detail-oriented, full-time Program Coordinator with experience in office management, development (fundraising) activities, communication strategies, and event planning. To learn more and apply, click here.
     
  • Ciclismo Classico, Travel Consultants & Bicycle Event Assistant: is seeking a full time and part time employees who are results orientated, passionate about cycling, active travel, and the outdoors and who loves to share this passion with others. Email Lauren at lauren@ciclismoclassico.com. 

Chain of Events

Full chain of events here.

Posted in Newsletter