Today starts the first day of 30 days in the Orange Line shut down. Many people are considering alternate modes of transportation. One of which is the Blue Bikes that you see all over the city. Already, an estimated 40,000 cyclists take to the roads of Boston but that number is expected to rise in the next 30 days. That is because for the next 30 days, Blue Bikes are FREE in the city (the first 45 minutes of your ride anyway.) Bike shops are also getting an increased number of inquiries from prospective riders. The only thing is, you can’t just expect to get a bike and ride it to work without knowing some basic rules of the road. Regardless of how you are planning to get to work today and everyday for the next 30 days: “Plan ahead,” said Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler. “We have a lot of options for Orange Line riders to go online to the MBTA site and a variety of other sites and information that are out there. Review ahead your plan and for both our riders and for drivers, we ask that everyone take their time. Plan extra time and be patient. It is the first work day. There will be adjustments and there will be challenges.”

Here’s what we suggest: GET UP EARLY. Leave your house at least an hour earlier than normal to navigate through potential road blocks (no pun intended.) Plan your route. There are a number of alternate ways for you to get to work in the next 30 days but you have to know what you’re doing ahead of time. Don’t wait until 7am Monday morning to figure out how you’re going to get to work.

If you are planning on taking a Blue Bike to work for the next 30 days, here are some things you need to know abou the service.

• What exactly is Bluebike?

  Bluebike is a public bike sharing system in Arlington, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Newton, Chelsea, Everett, Revere, Salem, Somerville and Watertown. It’s a fun, affordable and convenient transportation option for quick trips around town.

  Bluebikes: Metro-Boston Bikeshare Program | Bluebikes Boston

  Experience Metro Boston in a whole new way with Bluebikes, a fun and affordable way to get around.

• How does Bluebikes work?

  First, you have to become a member online. Find a bike near you. Get a ride code or use your member key to unlock it.  Take as many short rides as you want while your pass or membership is active.  Return your bike to any station, and wait for the green light on the dock to make sure it’s locked.

  How It Works | Bluebikes Boston

  Bluebikes is Metro Boston's public bike share program, with over 4,000+ bikes and more than 400+ stations across Arlington, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Newton, Revere, Salem, Somerville, and Watertown. It's a fun, affordable and convenient transportation option for quick trips around town.

• Bluebike docks are being expanded for the next 30 days

  These are the areas that Bluebikes are being expanded: Ruggles, Stony Brook, Boylston Street at Dartmouth Street, State Street at Boston City Hall, Congress Street at City Hall and Williams Street at Washington Street.

  A ride whenever you need one - Lyft

  Rideshare with Lyft. Lyft is your friend with a car, whenever you need one. Download the app and get a ride from a friendly driver within minutes.

• Members will NOT have to pay for a renewal during this period

  To help accommodate riders for the next 30 days, there will be no membership renewal or if you are a new member you won’t have to pay.

  Pricing | Blue Bikes Boston

  Annual $11.13/month Best value,$133.50 paid at signup Annual - paid monthly $13.50/month 12 monthly installments,for a total of $162 Monthly $30.50/month Month to month,cancel any time The Single Trip fare is $2.95 and includes one ride up to 30 minutes, so it's great for quick trips on-the-go.

• Helmets are required for anyone 16 or under

  Here are a list of the bike laws in Massachusetts

  Massachusetts Bike Laws

  Do you know your rights and responsibilities on the road? Here is a summary of Massachusetts' bike law that covers equipment, riding, safety standards, races, violations, and penalties.

• Remember the ABC's of your bike

  A is for air, check your tires. B is for brakes and C is for the chain, make sure it’s lubricated.

  

  SETTLE, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: A rider stops for a wheel change after shredding his tyre during the 57th Annual Yorkshire 3 Peaks Cyclocross Challenge on September 15, 2019 in Settle, England. The 3 Peaks Cyclocross is staged in the Yorkshire Dales National Park each year. It is renowned as being the toughest and biggest Cyclocross event in the UK. The race was born in 1959 when a Yorkshire schoolboy, Kevin Watson rode, pushed and carried his bicycle 30 miles to the summit cairns of Whernside (2,419ft), Ingleborough (2,373ft) and Penyghent (2,273ft). (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)

   

• Make sure you know your hand signals

  You can learn your hand signals here:

  Bike Hand Signals | Bike Law Network

  Using three basic bike hand signals can reduce the risk of being in a crash. Learn how to signal while cycling, then reach out to the Bike Law Network if you are hurt in a bike accident.

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