Boston Bikes To Host ‘Women’s Bike Ride and Festival’

Photo by Meghan Ireland

Thanks to the city’s “Boston Bikes” program, local bicycle ridership has increased by more than 80 percent since 2007. Now, as part of the program’s female cyclist initiative, Boston will host New England’s first-ever Women’s Bike Ride and Festival on August 16. Proceeds from the event will benefit Roll it Forward, a city program which provides repaired bikes to low-income residents for exercise and transportation.

Open to cyclists of all abilities, the festival features 10, 30, and 50 mile rides which will begin and end in Millennium Park. Don’t worry if you don’t own a bike; festival goers sans wheels can rent them from Urban Adventours at a discounted rate.

Attendees can also participate in a number of workshops, including an adult learn-to-ride clinic where, for a fee of $5, students will receive a free bike rental and two hours of instruction. Experienced cyclists will provide tips on mountain biking, road cycling, commuting, and mechanics as part of the festival’s other workshop offerings. There will also be an expo featuring bike-friendly companies, kids activities, and live music by TromBoston.

8/16; Rides begin at 9 a.m. Registration is $35 for adults and $10 for kids ages 6 to 12. Millennium Park, 300 Gardner St., Boston, bostonbikes.org.