“From HGSE, it’s Biking in Boston. I’m Sarah Montroll. Today on our show, we take a look at cycling in Boston and Cambridge – cities renowned for their rich history, fervent sports fans, and, let’s say, its… challenging roadways. We delve into the world of those who navigate the tangled cobblestone streets and narrow colonial-era lanes on two wheels, exploring the thrills and perils they face, and what keeps them pedaling.”
This podcast was inspired by my own experiences biking in the Boston and Cambridge areas. To me, biking is fun, affordable, and by far the fastest way to get around. However, despite being praised as a “bike-friendly” city, it seems that just about every time I get on my bike I am faced with a near miss, close call, or narrowly avoided accident. I knew I couldn’t be the only one. So I created this podcast with the hope of connecting with the active cycling community that makes up this area and uncover the joys, fears, and opportunities of biking in Boston.
Act One begins by taking listening to the streets of Cambridge and Boston where I ask cyclists to share the scariest experience they’ve had on a bike and what keeps them peddling. We hear from students, parents, and commuters who have biked these streets almost half a century.
Act Two goes back in time by delving into the rich history of biking in the city of Boston and examining the evolution of bike infrastructure that has shaped the experiences of cyclists on these historic streets.
The podcast ends by looking into the future by imagining a city that boasts a connected, protected, and equitable bike network. This future has replaced the densely congested roadways, currently full of fuel consuming and carbon emitting vehicles with bicycles. The air is cleaner, the people are active, and the transportation is sustainable. This is not the world we live in right now but it is entirely possible.
