Boston– Seaport has quickly become one of the country’s most bike-friendly neighborhoods and as Boston heads into spring and summer, the neighborhood shares that it has now completed new parking-protected bike lanes along Seaport Boulevard and created a plethora of new seasonal programming and urban amenities.
Next week, coinciding with National Bike Week (May 13-17), Bostonians and bike enthusiasts of all ages can head to Seaport to kick off the season and find special events, ranging from free bike check-ups to a Kids Bike Rodeo to neighborhood giveaways that reward bikers for commuting sustainably (please find the full itinerary below). www.bostonseaport.xyz; @seaportbos
Of note, whether cycling, walking or driving, WS Development recently led a dramatic $8 million redesign and reconstruction of Seaport Boulevard (pertaining to the half-mile between Sleeper Street and Pier 4 Boulevard). As a result of the extensive reconstruction, Seaport Boulevard now offers
- New signalized mid-block crossings to improve pedestrian connectivity between the historic Fort Point Channel district and Boston Harbor
- Parking-protected bike lanes to improve safety for Seaport District cyclists on the Seaport’s major commuting route, from the Fort Point Channel east to Pier 4 Boulevard
- Corridor-wide traffic signal improvements that will streamline vehicular traffic on the Seaport’s main artery as part of MassDOT and the City of Boston’s Adaptive Signal Technology initiative
- Landscaping designed by High Line landscape architect James Corner Field Operations, including large swamp white oaks grown in Indiana and selected for their resiliency and dense shady foliage
- A public art installation, Air Sea Land, by world-renowned Spanish street artist Okuda San Miguel. Okuda’s seven original sculptures occupy prominent locations at each pedestrian crossing of Seaport Boulevard to create a sense of surprise and delight for pedestrians as they traverse the newly improved boulevard.
“Seaport Boulevard is the neighborhood’s Main Street. Working closely with our partners at the City of Boston’s Transportation and Public Works Departments, we have taken a corridor originally designed only with cars and trucks in mind and transformed it into a beautiful pedestrian- and bike-friendly destination; one that embodies the forward-thinking values of Boston’s newest neighborhood,” says Yanni Tsipis, Senior Vice President, Seaport at WS Development.
“The City of Boston is very pleased with the transformation of Seaport Boulevard into a corridor that improves safety and enhances the experience for residents, cyclists, and visitors to our city,” stated Boston Chief of Streets, Chris Osgood.
Kicking off during National Bike Week and carrying into October, 2019, look for the following bike programming in Seaport:
Weekly Bike Check Ups
Seaport Common and One Seaport Courtyard
May 15-October 30, 2019
Calling all city bikers, Seaport and The Seaport Transportation Management Association have teamed up with Landry’s Bicycles to offer complimentary bike check-ups. Alternating between Wednesday mornings, 7:30-9:30am in Seaport Common, and Thursday afternoons, 11:30am-1:30pm in the One Seaport Courtyard, from May 15-October 30th, this weekly series is free and open to the public. Riders must register in advance and can sign up for a 15-minute slot via www.bostonseaport.xyz/events. The series will also offer treats from local businesses to thank bikers for commuting sustainably.
Bike to Work Day
La Colombe (23 Northern Avenue, Boston MA 02210): 7 am – 10 am
Friday, May 17, 2019
Celebrating Bike To Work Day in Seaport, professionals can jump start their day by swinging into La Colombe on their way to work for a complimentary beverage as a thank you for commuting sustainably. Bring a business card and enter to win a one-year membership to Boston’s bike share program, Blue Bikes.
Family Bike Rodeo
Sunday, May 19, 2019; 11am – 2pm
Seaport Common: 85 Northern Avenue, Boston MA 02210
Pedal down to Seaport for the MassBike Kids Bike Rodeo. Held in Seaport Common, families can take a spin through a bike obstacle course, brush up on repair and maintenance skills, or get creative with a kids bike-decorating contest. Treats and giveaways from local Seaport businesses will round out the event.
ABCs of Biking with MassBike
Thurdsays, June 20, July 18, August 15, 2019: 12:00 – 1:30pm
One Seaport Courtyard
In partnership with MassBike, Seaport will host a range of biking seminars to empower bikers with knowledge, safety tips and technical repair tricks, allowing them to take their commute into their own hands. Bikers can connect, trade stories and ask questions. Details will be posted on www.bostonseaport.xyz closer to June 20th.
