Park & Ride metro Boston
09-16-18, 05:23 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 6
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Park & Ride metro Boston
Hi everyone
i live in metrowest Boston and started working in Somerville but the traffic is horrible. I’d like to drive into Arlington and park somewhere near Mass Ave then bike commute in. Does anyone know where I can park reliably in Arlington?
i live in metrowest Boston and started working in Somerville but the traffic is horrible. I’d like to drive into Arlington and park somewhere near Mass Ave then bike commute in. Does anyone know where I can park reliably in Arlington?
09-17-18, 03:01 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Boston Roads
Posts: 975
Bikes: 2012 Canondale Synapse 105, 2017 REI Co-Op ADV 3.1
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 507 Post(s)
Liked 237 Times
in
133 Posts
Welcome to the commuter hell that is Boston. Arlington has the 2-hour on-street parking ban which sometimes gets enforced, sometimes doesn't. The closer you are to Alewife, the more likely that it will be enforced. You cold probably park somewhere near the Minuteman in one of the recreational lots (but definitely not by Alewife). Where are you coming from? There could be other, better options. I've seen Park & Pedal spots by the Charles River bikepath (Christian Herter Park) - https://www.parkandpedal.org/ Actually, looks like there are 4 DCR-owned spots by Alewife, those may fill up quickly. Pretty cool idea, we need more of this.
Park&Pedal - Welcome
Park&Pedal - Welcome
09-18-18, 04:16 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
In contrast to @autonomy 's commuter hell,
Welcome to the commuter hell that is Boston...
…And I cycle a nice distance of at least 14 miles through one of America’s most charming, interesting, and historic metropolises on residential and light commercial roads (and partially on a bikepath in a park) in the reverse commuter direction early in the morning, during all four (pleasant to tolerable) seasons.
For training purposes, I can expand my routes to encompass popular high-level cycling outer suburbs……
For training purposes, I can expand my routes to encompass popular high-level cycling outer suburbs……
My experience is that people drive differently in every city and treat cyclists very differently. The best advice often comes from cyclists that live the closest to you …
The exception here would also be Jim from Boston--anyone that can successfully commute around Boston has my full respect and probably knows how to deal with about every intersection imaginable!
The exception here would also be Jim from Boston--anyone that can successfully commute around Boston has my full respect and probably knows how to deal with about every intersection imaginable!
09-18-18, 04:53 AM
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 6
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
thanks for the reply - I decided to 'go for it' yesterday and parked at Hurd Field (behind the Trader Joes) - it worked out great. My overall commute time was the same but I got to ride for half the time and buzz past traffic. hopefully I can continue it without any issues
09-18-18, 04:59 AM
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 6
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
hi Jim - thanks for the comments. I used to do a 17mi each way in my old job but i'm not as hard-core as you all - it wasn't year round or even every day. This one is about 24mi each way and isn't practical right now due to kid soccer pickups and other time constraints.
09-18-18, 05:53 AM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
…I have previously posted to this thread, ”Why didn’t I ride”
My job; either too much to do, so I stay (comfortably) overnight and resume very early in the AM, missing my commute; or have to travel afar for a meeting...and to a lesser extent, family activities. …
Having a mileage-based training schedule however, effectively motivates me to make time to ride. I have the opportunity to commute a minimal 14 miles one-way during the week (Commuter Rail home), and round-trip on Saturday all year-round, for about 100 miles a week.
During the nice weather, I’d like to put in about 150-200 miles to train and do long rides.
In reality though, I probably get in about 20-30 miles per week during the winter, and maybe about 75-100 during the nice weather (to include early evening rides).
BTW, on my post to that above-mentioned thread, “Average Commuter Miles," I also quoted a Commuting Forum thread, “Commuting Safely Impacting Recreational Fun?”
Having a mileage-based training schedule however, effectively motivates me to make time to ride. I have the opportunity to commute a minimal 14 miles one-way during the week (Commuter Rail home), and round-trip on Saturday all year-round, for about 100 miles a week.
During the nice weather, I’d like to put in about 150-200 miles to train and do long rides.
In reality though, I probably get in about 20-30 miles per week during the winter, and maybe about 75-100 during the nice weather (to include early evening rides).
BTW, on my post to that above-mentioned thread, “Average Commuter Miles," I also quoted a Commuting Forum thread, “Commuting Safely Impacting Recreational Fun?”
Most of my riding is commuting, so I don't really differentiate "fun rides" from "commutes"
However, I don't see the dichotomy…
However, I don't see the dichotomy…
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 09-18-18 at 05:59 AM.
09-18-18, 06:25 AM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 4,530
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2112 Post(s)
Liked 663 Times
in
443 Posts
There is no reliable commuter parking on-street/public lot in Arlington. You have to move or risk tickets/tows.
(That is, not getting a ticket or towed on any given day at Hurd Field is not an indicator of success. Things that increase risk are parking the same car there day after day, soccer/baseball activity, and finally it is spill over for “holiday” shopping parking for Trader Joes, which begins just weeks away.)
You could certainly park at Alewife (and pay the MBTA for the privilege) and take a bike from there. Depending on the time of day, the commute by car in to or out of Alewife garage is hell.
I’m not recommending, but another alternative is there is a semi-underground market for renting driveway/garage/off-street parking in Arlington/Medford/Cambridge.
Usually month-to-month spaces, so you pay for the space no matter if you use it or not. Check craigslist or the arlingtonlist.
-mr. bill
(That is, not getting a ticket or towed on any given day at Hurd Field is not an indicator of success. Things that increase risk are parking the same car there day after day, soccer/baseball activity, and finally it is spill over for “holiday” shopping parking for Trader Joes, which begins just weeks away.)
You could certainly park at Alewife (and pay the MBTA for the privilege) and take a bike from there. Depending on the time of day, the commute by car in to or out of Alewife garage is hell.
I’m not recommending, but another alternative is there is a semi-underground market for renting driveway/garage/off-street parking in Arlington/Medford/Cambridge.
Usually month-to-month spaces, so you pay for the space no matter if you use it or not. Check craigslist or the arlingtonlist.
-mr. bill
Last edited by mr_bill; 09-18-18 at 06:34 AM.
09-19-18, 04:35 AM
#8
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 6
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
There is no reliable commuter parking on-street/public lot in Arlington. You have to move or risk tickets/tows.
(That is, not getting a ticket or towed on any given day at Hurd Field is not an indicator of success. Things that increase risk are parking the same car there day after day, soccer/baseball activity, and finally it is spill over for “holiday” shopping parking for Trader Joes, which begins just weeks away.)
You could certainly park at Alewife (and pay the MBTA for the privilege) and take a bike from there. Depending on the time of day, the commute by car in to or out of Alewife garage is hell.
I’m not recommending, but another alternative is there is a semi-underground market for renting driveway/garage/off-street parking in Arlington/Medford/Cambridge.
Usually month-to-month spaces, so you pay for the space no matter if you use it or not. Check craigslist or the arlingtonlist.
-mr. bill
(That is, not getting a ticket or towed on any given day at Hurd Field is not an indicator of success. Things that increase risk are parking the same car there day after day, soccer/baseball activity, and finally it is spill over for “holiday” shopping parking for Trader Joes, which begins just weeks away.)
You could certainly park at Alewife (and pay the MBTA for the privilege) and take a bike from there. Depending on the time of day, the commute by car in to or out of Alewife garage is hell.
I’m not recommending, but another alternative is there is a semi-underground market for renting driveway/garage/off-street parking in Arlington/Medford/Cambridge.
Usually month-to-month spaces, so you pay for the space no matter if you use it or not. Check craigslist or the arlingtonlist.
-mr. bill
i definitely thought of alewife but like you said the traffic in/out is horrible at rush hour and at that point I’d just drive in...
Wish they’d setup a Park&Pedal location somewhere in Arlington!
09-19-18, 06:17 AM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 4,530
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2112 Post(s)
Liked 663 Times
in
443 Posts
Yeah, agreed, yet for a long time have didn’t have a Park&Ride either.
But we do now, at the MassDOT District 4 at Route 2/Appleton. Forgot about that!
But that reminds me of other informal gathering spots. During the 80s/90s there was “Salvation Station” at Poet’s Corner (across from St. Camillius). An old derelict parking lot, but still passable and parkable, a bunch of vanpools stopped there to bring people out to the 128/495 tech companies and back.
Then St. Camillus purchased the lot and suddenly closed it, but by then peak vanpool had come and gone, so for quite a few years they forgave us our trespasses since we parked less than a half a dozen cars weekdays in the church parking lot far from their front doors.
The downside (upside?) is the hill between there and the rest of Arlington. Generally not a problem, although there was the time coming home after an ice storm when I had to fetch a turkey (twice) at the bottom of that hill.
-mr. bill
But we do now, at the MassDOT District 4 at Route 2/Appleton. Forgot about that!
But that reminds me of other informal gathering spots. During the 80s/90s there was “Salvation Station” at Poet’s Corner (across from St. Camillius). An old derelict parking lot, but still passable and parkable, a bunch of vanpools stopped there to bring people out to the 128/495 tech companies and back.
Then St. Camillus purchased the lot and suddenly closed it, but by then peak vanpool had come and gone, so for quite a few years they forgave us our trespasses since we parked less than a half a dozen cars weekdays in the church parking lot far from their front doors.
The downside (upside?) is the hill between there and the rest of Arlington. Generally not a problem, although there was the time coming home after an ice storm when I had to fetch a turkey (twice) at the bottom of that hill.
-mr. bill
Last edited by mr_bill; 09-19-18 at 06:50 AM.
09-21-18, 08:27 AM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
maybe this? too far out? it's on Route 62 in Bedford on the Reformatory Branch Trail. you can take that East to the Minuteman Trail to Arlington & Cambridge
398 MA-62, Bedford MA 01730
Park&Pedal - Welcome
Bedford's Park and Pedal program keeps pushing for increased bicycle use - News - Bedford Minuteman - Bedford, MA
https://www.bedfordma.gov/healthy-be...-pedal-program
398 MA-62, Bedford MA 01730
Park&Pedal - Welcome
Bedford's Park and Pedal program keeps pushing for increased bicycle use - News - Bedford Minuteman - Bedford, MA
https://www.bedfordma.gov/healthy-be...-pedal-program
09-23-18, 07:49 PM
#11
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 6
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yeah, agreed, yet for a long time have didn’t have a Park&Ride either.
But we do now, at the MassDOT District 4 at Route 2/Appleton. Forgot about that!
But that reminds me of other informal gathering spots. During the 80s/90s there was “Salvation Station” at Poet’s Corner (across from St. Camillius). An old derelict parking lot, but still passable and parkable, a bunch of vanpools stopped there to bring people out to the 128/495 tech companies and back.
Then St. Camillus purchased the lot and suddenly closed it, but by then peak vanpool had come and gone, so for quite a few years they forgave us our trespasses since we parked less than a half a dozen cars weekdays in the church parking lot far from their front doors.
The downside (upside?) is the hill between there and the rest of Arlington. Generally not a problem, although there was the time coming home after an ice storm when I had to fetch a turkey (twice) at the bottom of that hill.
-mr. bill
But we do now, at the MassDOT District 4 at Route 2/Appleton. Forgot about that!
But that reminds me of other informal gathering spots. During the 80s/90s there was “Salvation Station” at Poet’s Corner (across from St. Camillius). An old derelict parking lot, but still passable and parkable, a bunch of vanpools stopped there to bring people out to the 128/495 tech companies and back.
Then St. Camillus purchased the lot and suddenly closed it, but by then peak vanpool had come and gone, so for quite a few years they forgave us our trespasses since we parked less than a half a dozen cars weekdays in the church parking lot far from their front doors.
The downside (upside?) is the hill between there and the rest of Arlington. Generally not a problem, although there was the time coming home after an ice storm when I had to fetch a turkey (twice) at the bottom of that hill.
-mr. bill
I noticed that while Arlington plasters “2 hr parking” all along Mass ave, once you cross over to Lexington, especially that ‘no mans land’ area before Pleasant st, that cars are parked all along with no signs... that may be another option unless others know better...
cheers
09-23-18, 07:55 PM
#12
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 6
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
[QUOTE=rumrunn6;20578211]maybe this? too far out? it's on Route 62 in Bedford on the Reformatory Branch Trail. you can take that East to the Minuteman Trail to Arlington & Cambridge
398 MA-62, Bedford MA
thanks Rumrunn6 I know that area of Bedford well, unfortunately it’s out of the way for my current commute. I’m in Sudbury so might look into Newton or Waltham options too. Cheers and safe riding
398 MA-62, Bedford MA
thanks Rumrunn6 I know that area of Bedford well, unfortunately it’s out of the way for my current commute. I’m in Sudbury so might look into Newton or Waltham options too. Cheers and safe riding
09-25-18, 11:34 AM
#13
Full Member
If looking at Newton/Waltham, some options might be:
1. Norumbega Park (good size lot, parking for boating rental place that is pretty much closed this time of year). Google Norumbega Road (parking is on west side of river.)
2. Cotler Park off Kendrick Street. Parking lot is extension of parking lot for business, but is for the park.
3. Commonwealth Ave, Newton, south of Auburndale Park, near Islington Road(access road, one way). I parked here for a few months, and was never bothered.
A few other spots I know of, as I work around there; let me know what area interests you the most, and I might be able to offer some more specific suggestions.
1. Norumbega Park (good size lot, parking for boating rental place that is pretty much closed this time of year). Google Norumbega Road (parking is on west side of river.)
2. Cotler Park off Kendrick Street. Parking lot is extension of parking lot for business, but is for the park.
3. Commonwealth Ave, Newton, south of Auburndale Park, near Islington Road(access road, one way). I parked here for a few months, and was never bothered.
A few other spots I know of, as I work around there; let me know what area interests you the most, and I might be able to offer some more specific suggestions.
