July 30th, 2012 
Instead of watching the Olympics and wishing you had the same athleticism as your favorite athletes, you can channel that fair-weather passion for a medal by hitting the streets of Boston. Test out Boston’s newest green initiative, The Hubway bikes! Mayor Menino, in cooperation with The City of Boston’s MassDot, MBTA and other transit associations, is working to make Boston a premier cycling city!
Hubway Bike Station With Kiosk (Photo Credit: FanPier)
Though Boston may not be the world’s premier cycling city just yet, the bike system is definitely taking off in popularity. To access the bikes for extended periods of time, potential riders must first sign up online to become a Registered Annual member for $85, which allows you an unlimited number of rides of over 30 minutes. Shorter term “Access Passes” are also available, allowing you free riding during either a 24 hour ($5 fee) or three-day period ($12 fee). Longer rides incur additional user fees. Even though helmets are not included, the bike is built to endure and to accommodate people of all shapes and sizes; it even includes blinking lights for nighttime riding.
Hubway (Photo Credit: Hubway)
The bike riding system is great and affordable, but do not forget to read the fine print! I found it hard to fully understand the terms for the additional fees. Just keep in mind that after 30 minutes of riding, as a casual or registered member, additional fees apply and continue to increase for every half-hour past the bike’s initially billed duration time. Trust me, it adds up. But, for all intents and purposes, it is ideal for traveling short distances, especially during peak traffic hours, or for simply touring around the city. The bike stations are also located throughout Boston, Brookline, Somerville and Cambridge. Also, the bikes stations and kiosks are available around the clock.
So give your couch a break during the Olympics and go for a spin!
