apricissimus 

I'm moving to Melrose, MA, in a few days, and I need to figure out the best route to ride to work (in the Back Bay). As a preliminary measure, I used google maps to find a bike route, though I know they can be hit-or-miss. (Google seems to always want you to go well out of your way to get to a dedicated bike path, if one exists, rather than take a more direct yet still bikeable route.)

Google says I should go south on Main St. through Melrose, Malden, and Everrett, then take Broadway and Alford St. into Charlestown, then a different Main St. into the city. It does seem like a pretty direct route. (Once I get to the North End or Downtown, I'll take the regular roads rather than the path along the river like google wants me to.)

I assume the return trip will be just about the same, but in reverse.

Does anyone know if this seems like a reasonable route? Any tips worth sharing?

jtrem14

The only other possibility I see is going the Fellsway/28, and cross the Charles by the science center. Might be a lot of weird intersections through Somerville, though. I think the route you had is probably best and most direct that you can get and still avoid a lot of terrible roads.

Just out of curiosity, why do you want to avoid the path along the Charles? That is where I try to open it up

apricissimus 

I want to avoid the Charles because of the jogger, dog walkers, tourists, etc., but maybe there aren't so many of those earlier in the morning. I don't know. It's also a bit less direct than other routes given where I need to go. I'm comfortable enough riding on congested city streets. I'm less comfortable on high speed suburban arteries, and I've never been on these roads, so I don't know what they're like.Anyway, thanks for the response. I'm planning on making the trip after work tomorrow and I'll report back.

Leebo

Try bikely, mass bike, rubel bike maps or Boston bike guide.

apricissimus 

I've got the Rubel bike maps and it honestly never occurred to me to consult them. Not that I could right now since everything's all packed away. Oh well, I'll just set out and go find Melrose. It'll be an adventure.

apricissimus 

I wound up getting really lost around Sullivan Square, which is a pretty terrible place to be spending any time in. And Alford St. was pretty awful. Main St. in Medford and Malden had some really bad pavement. I'll definitely be looking for another route.

jtrem14

Yeah, Main in Malden is terrible. Try the Fellsway. The bridge is much nicer. You can avoid Sullivan Sq. if you stay on 28. It's a decent ride, but heavy traffic.