You may remember that back in March the Blue Line Pilot Program kicked off, expanding bicycle access during rush hour on the Blue Line. The change in peak hour restrictions is a victory for the communities of East Boston, local advocates like the Chelsea Creek Action Group, and for MassBike. As you may know, the only way to get to or from East Boston by bike is to go through Chelsea, a serious detour if you are traveling into Cambridge, Boston, or further south. Thanks to better access on the Blue Line, residents of East Boston can more easily get around by bike.

So far this change in bike access is only a pilot program. We need help from our members and supporters to make sure that this program continues indefinitely. To evaluate the new program, the MBTA has asked East Boston community organizations and MassBike to help count bicycles and evaluate train occupancy rates during peak hours - information that is essential to making the new extended hours permanent.
[caption id="attachment_5818" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="East Boston youth and MassBike ED David Watson make the long journey from East Boston to City Hall Plaza"][/caption]
During the week of September 12, we'll have both morning and evening rush hour shifts. Shifts run from 7:00am-8:30am, 8:30am-10:00am, 4:00-5:30pm, and 5:30-7:00pm. Volunteers will be trained on-site, so anyone can help with counting. If you are interested in helping out with a shift or two or need more information, please email [email protected].

Please help show the Blue Line Pilot Program's success by joining us for a morning or evening shift to evaluate the program. Not only will you be helping to gain more access to bicycles, but you can also work to earn a MassBike membership. Find out more about our volunteer program here. Thanks for your support!