617 straight weeks of biking through the elements
By Ben Terris, Globe Correspondent
At 25 degrees, with Kendrick Street in Needham framed by icy mounds of plowed snow, the six bikers talked about what a nice day it was for a ride.
This conversation was hardly a joke, considering members of this group, The Saturday Fitness Riders—organized by the Charles River Wheelmen— have been doing this ride, which generally ranges between 28 to 42 miles, for 617 consecutive weeks. If temperatures of -1 degrees in January 2004 or summer days where the thermometer read over 100 couldn't stop the streak, 25 degrees without a cloud in the sky could certainly be considered fairly mild.
Since the April Fools snowstorm of 1997, at least one biker—with as many as 100 on nice summer days— has left from Nahanton Park for a roundabout Saturday morning ride to the Highland Street Starbucks in Needham. It has been such a lengthy streak that a poll of 53,000 people conducted two years ago by RoadBikeRider.com not one member could think of a longer one.
"We are dedicated, committed, and passionate about biking," said Chris Randles, 50, one of the group leaders and Newton resident. "Most people remember you when you first rode your bike down the road and the sense of freedom you had. This group is proof that you can retain that thrill your whole life."
As if it wasn't already obvious, this is a group of serious bikers. One member, Marty "Bruno" Estner, 62, sounds like John McCain talking about his houses when he discusses his number of bikes.
"I really don't know how many I have," Estner said. "Somewhere around 19 I think." To be fair, Estner is also the owner of the cheapest bike in the group, one that he found in the Wayland dump and had fixed up for less than 60 dollars. Some members of the group have bikes that cost more than $6,000.
This ardor for biking has put some members of the group in less than ideal situations.
"After about 100 weeks straight we were sort of stuck with it, there was no way we were going to stop what we started," said Mark Dionne, 58, one of the founders of the group. "Because of this, I have suffered the coldest periods in my life. There is nothing worse, than salted roads at nine degrees. It means your water bottle is frozen, but the melting snow on the road will completely coat you. I call these rides the Ice Cream rides."
Sometimes the conditions are so bad that one person is forced to go out alone just to keep the streak alive. This was last the case for Estner.
"A couple of years ago I had to make my way through a blizzard, and it was like biking through mashed potatoes," Estner said. "Mark [Dionne] saw me off, I asked how far I had to go to keep the streak alive, he told me until I was out of sight. I still claim to have done 19 miles that day, but I guess no one can verify it for sure."
Members of the group claim that it is not weather, but traffic that poses the biggest threat to their safety. Cars cut them off while making right hand turns, or nearly clip them with their side view mirrors on a regular basis.
They are also used to having to stand up for themselves, and remember fondly when one of their own 6' 10" bicyclist chased down a reckless driver to give him a piece of his mind.
Still the group is quick to mention that in the past decade there have been major improvements to bicyclist's safety. Not only have more signs sprung up urging motorists to share the road but also, most recently came the signing of the Bicyclist Safety Bill.
On Jan. 15 Governor Deval Patrick signed this bill, drafted by the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition, in order to improve the health of the state while also emphasizing bike safety. The bill passed after eight years and four legislative sessions and includes a number of safety initiatives from police training on bicycle laws to making instructions on how to best share the road.
With improvements like this, it seems as if the lengthy streak is not in any trouble of dying out.
"This streak will last forever, even if it has to become a wheel chair event," said Randles. "We cyclists enjoy suffering too much to stop. We are seasonal connoisseurs of suffering."
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It is fitting that the picture shows them riding 3 across (and it looks like their riding on the wrong side of the street too). This group constantly rides in packs, blocking traffic lanes. There are thousands of side roads to ride bikes on, yet this group chooses to ride (and block traffic) on major commuting roads. And no, they don't follow the traffic laws. Do you wonder why people who have to deal with you think you're obnoxious? I'm not impressed that you ride in lousy weather, runners do it all the time, and they don't screw up traffic doing it.
Hey, they're riding out of a parking lot in the picutre! Give them a break. It's the cars far more often than the bicyclists that don't follow the traffic laws. It seems like for jman, *any* bicyclist on the road "screws up the traffic."
I agree with jman 100%!
This group is constantly blocking traffic (Why must they ride 3 across?) and creating hazards on busy roads. As a resident of a neighborhood they frequent quite often I can say I find them particularly frustrating.
So, just because they are in a large group they are above the traffic rules that most* (unfortunatly not all) other bicyclists in the area follow??
Where are you rushing off to that you can't find a moment to enjoy the sight of these cyclists, and safely find your way around them? Why does a good news story like this invite such hostility? Please respect their right to share the road, and try a ride yourself, you won't believe what a good mood it will leave you in, and what good shape you'll find yourself in in no time. Congratulations to them all.
Which "piece" of his mind did the biker give? You give someone a "peace" of your mind
I understand the frusration about riding 3-across - as a driver I don't like it, and as an avid bicyclist, I don't really like it either. That said, I agree with Jeff - there are a lot of great forums to advocate for bike/car relations, but can't we cut these guys a bit of slack. Just because runners go out in the frigid cold (in very small numbers) doesn't seem like a good reason to diminish the idea of doing it on a bike every week for as long as they have. These guys love what they do and I applaud them for the accomplishment and the commitment!
Skyway, no it was right the first time. Piece of his mind.
And jman? DId you think for a minute maybe it was a staged photo?
Wow. I have to agree with Em. This is a great story. Me thinks there are too many people irritated by Boston traffic to take a look around at alternatives. I've biked to work for 30 years. It is the fastest way to get around, you feel great, you eat whatever you like, and you're happy when you get to work.
what they fail to mention is the amount of near head on collisions these bikers have caused . I used to live off of south street in needham and these bikers have no regards for the rules of the road and like to bike in the middle of this narrow winding street and never move over when a car is coming. Im so HAPPY TO KNOW THEY DO THIS WHEN THE STREET IS EVEN MORE NARROW WITH THE MOUNDS OF SNOW ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD !!
I think that some of the most reckless drivers have made comments here. You do not have any right to pass a bicycle. Remember driving is a privilege. You can not pass a bicycle on a narrow road if there is no room. A bicycle does not ride on the edge of the road for several reasons plus many others.
1) road is actual broken up due to poor construction primarily stemming to a lack of roadbed on the shoulder
2) glass and other debris linger by the shoulder
3) It is illegal to ride on the right the side of the white line.
It seems that several posers are unaware of the rules of the roads and they are commenting on the bicyclist's failure to follow those rules. Doesn't make much sense.
We put a lot of effort into breaking the riders into small groups, to minimize the effect on traffic.
Still, some drivers will aggressively pass the small groups when it is not safe. I suspect these people are a variation the playground bully who takes his frustration out on the little guy--a frustration generated by being frequently stuck in traffic--traffic that is 99% caused by other cars.
Reality is somewhere in the middle here. As a cyclist and a driver, I see grains of truth in both perspectives. While a majority of cyclists do follow the appropriate laws, there is a minority of cyclists that fail to follow basic laws, such as stopping at stop signs or red lights. Nothing damages the reputation of cyclists more than when we act in a manner that supports the stereotype.
However, it is also true that drivers often do not know the law when it comes to the rights of cyclists, and/or drivers refuse to follow the laws when it comes to passing cyclists (on both side and main roads). I have been the victim of a few too many close calls where impatient and/or careless drivers put lives at risk unnecessarily.
Cyclists on the road are people with parents, children, spouses and friends that care about them. Both cyclists and drivers have responsibilities to know and follow the laws to prevent needless tragedies.
i agree.. south street is dangerous enough without bikers flying around narrow sharp turns-- especially in the winter with the snow. Im sure if you petition the whole street most people would want to ban cyclists from this road.
Bill .. cars have the right of way you cant expect people to drive 3 MPH behind these jerks it would back up traffic for miles. bottom line they should be banned from south street end of story. Also, dont call us reckless drivers when we are just trying to make our way home and back safely everyday up and down this street.
I live in Needham, I ride on south street, "bikes flying around corners"
Question
What is the legal speed limit for South street? 20 mph?, 25 mph?, 30 mph? yes there are curves on South street, MGL state that the speed limit is what is "safe" and "resonable." given conditions - I would like to have the NPD "survey" the going speed limit on South street....maybe with radar and some citations
"Bill .. cars have the right of way you cant expect people to drive 3 MPH behind these jerks it would back up traffic for miles"...
that says it all ...after all you are very important and speed limits don't apply to you as you are the only person on the road. Maybe you should remember what maybe you were taught when you were young maybe it is time to "share" and not be so "me, me, me"
This is for "m", and any other poster who wants bicycles banned from his neighborhood. It's from the Mass Driver's Manual (ch. 3, p. 73):
Except on limited-access or express state highways where prohibited by posted signs, bicyclists and moped riders have the same rights to use the public roadways as any other drivers. They must obey the same traffic control and right-of way laws. But, like pedestrians, these riders are often difficult to see in traffic and are poorly protected against being hit by motor vehicles.
Be safe, when passing a bicycle or moped:
• Reduce your speed. The wind turbulence or air pressure change
caused by your passing vehicle can throw a rider off balance.
• Leave plenty of room between your vehicle and riders.
• If you have too little room in your lane to pass safely, you must wait for oncoming traffic to pass or for the lane to widen.
I drive a car and ride a bike. Both have their hazards, but I never feel as vulnerable as when I'm on a bike and a motorist decides to vent his frustrations on me.
There are good and bad drivers, just as there are good and bad riders. If we banned motorists from every road after some fool demonstrated poor driving habits (I know, never in Mass!), then we'd have no roads left. So how come all cyclists are "jerks"?
My suggestion: if you see cyclists riding in a way that violates the law, stop and talk to them. Politely.
Pass when it is safe to do so.
I cycle on South Street regularly. To the drivers who use South Street, I make one request:
Pass when it is safe to do so.
That's all you have to do. I have seen dozens of drivers risk head-on collisions by not observing this simple rule. Why? To get to the next red light or stop sign as soon as possible!? Drivers have told me.. "you were in MY way." Yo, it's not YOUR way... it's a public way.
Pass when it is safe to do so.
Oh, and congrats to the C.R.W.S.M.F. riders for the long streak! (I often see them when I am riding my recumbo on Saturdays and they are a well organized, friendly and law abiding group. And in very good shape too.)
M,
Really? Banning bicycles from a public road? You must be kidding, as bicycles are permitted by law to use our roads, and are, in fact, considered a powered vehicle. You'd be better off banning horses, but you'd probably lose that one too.
Here's a better idea: whenever you get angry because a cyclist is riding in front of you on "your" road, take a deep breath, relax, and think about how the posted speed limit is probably a reasonable safety device. You better get used to seeing bikes on "your" roads, because more and more people are coming to their senses, getting out of their cars, and enjoying life from the seat of a bicycle. Better yet - get a bike, polluter!
What about when the posted speed limit is 35 mph and the cyclist in front of me is going 10 mph? For how long should I have to follow along at a snail's pace? Half a mile? One mile? Two? Who's obnoxious in that situation? How about on Kendrick Street at rush hour? All commuting cars must move left while traffic backs up so that a cyclist can get in his morning ride? I happen to be a safe and law/rule abiding citizen, but I have no patience with drivers/riders who cause great inconvenience to many.
In Massachusetts, there is a rule for passing slower vehicles. You may overtake when it is safe to do so. A safe and law/rule abiding citizen need only follow that rule. It works pretty well. If you have "no patience" for inconveniences .... you best not operate a vehicle of any kind on a public road. Or maybe when you do, give yourself more travel time so as to ease your anxiety.
These bikers take over South Street in Needham. I am surprised no one has been injured or worse..yet. I dread the spring, then it starts. It's almost like they are entitled to the streets. I have seen backups on South Street because of the bikers. This street can be treacherous enough because of the twists and turns and it's narrow. Now is practically a bike path. The decision should be made before someone gets seriously injured, bike path or street. It has gotten to the point where cars and bikes cannot coexist on this road. A good friend of mine, an avid biker, will not travel on South Street because it's too dangerous. You can not see around some of the corners. There will be a head on collision one of these days and I'm sure, a biker was somewhere in the vicinity.
buzzb wrote:
"It's almost like they are entitled to the streets. "
It's not entitlement, it's a public right of way.
buzzb wrote:
"There will be a head on collision one of these days and I'm sure, a biker was somewhere in the vicinity."
If there is a head on collision it will be due to a decision made by a motorist to pass when it was unsafe to do so. I have prevented dozens of head on collisions on South Street by signaling to an overtaking motorist NOT to pass my vehicle at a blind corner or hill when I could hear or see that on coming traffic was approaching.
It's true that there is a sense of entitlement on South Street.... among motorists.... as evidenced by this discussion.
Well Geoff, keep thinking that way but remember, that street is narrow and dangerous whether your biking or not. An with the increase of bikers on that particular street, it's just an accident waiting to happen. You should also factor in all the young drivers out there Hidden driveways everywhere, good luck to you. You're obviously not getting the point. I do the best I can when I'm driving but it is getting more and more dangerous and the arrogance I have encountered from some bikers is incredible. As I said, I have a friend who is an avid biker, he and his friends readily admit it getting seriously dangerous on South Street. I'm curious Geoff, are you from Needham? If you are then you must have see the guy on the recumbent bike? That guy should have either his lawyer or an ambulance
Let me complete my sentence..
.If you are then you must have see the guy on the recumbent bike? That guy should have either his lawyer or an ambulance following him.
buzzb,
You seem to be concerned about safety, which is great. Thanks for that. I wonder what specific cycling behavior you have witnessed that you perceive as an expression of arrogance? If I am riding as far to the right as is safely possible, do you perceive that as arrogant? I have pointed out what motorists can do to safely accommodate cyclists on South Street - to overtake when it is safe. Based on your experience, what do you propose that cyclists can do to make South Street safer?
Geoff, apparently, not all bikers are as kind and as user friendly as you are. I have been behind bikers, lined up 3 side by side, sometimes even chatting , completely oblivious to all traffic. Give me a break. If you're doing the right thing, then great for you but I would still be concerned. As far as accidents with cars, well you would have to thank the motorists for that and their patience. Mark my words, there will be a tragedy on that road and everyone will be up in arms. How could have this happened, blah blah blah. Take it from me, a lot of people in this town, both young and old , have just about had it.
One of my coworkers, while getting his mail, was almost hit by a biker. Now that was fluke, I'll admit and I'm still laughing but there are no sidewalks on that road. And you know why that is? Because the street was too narrow, It was made for horse and buggy, an old horse and livestock trail.
Poster #10 says it all. He can't ride too far to the right because he may injure himself or his equipment.
Enough is enough. In the spring and summer South Street becomes a kind of pin ball machine or slalom course. The elderly drivers love the challenge.
get a license...
To Geoff A. --
Wouldn't it be illegal and dangerous for me to cross the solid center line on South Street? Better to follow along behind the cyclist at 10 mph, I guess, so that's what I'll do from now on. I have plenty of time.
KM, it's legal to cross the line.... when it is safe to do so. That is, when you can see clearly that the way is free of oncoming vehicles. Sorry to be the legal nerd, but here it is, Mass General Laws, Chapter 89:
Section 2. Except as herein otherwise provided, the driver of a vehicle passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction shall drive a safe distance to the left of such other vehicle; and, if the way is of sufficient width for the two vehicles to pass, the driver of the leading one shall not unnecessarily obstruct the other. Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on visible signal and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.
AND the newly approved amendment:
SECTION 8. The first paragraph of said section 2 of said chapter 89, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the first sentence the following sentence:— If it is not possible to overtake a bicycle or other vehicle at a safe distance in the same lane, the overtaking vehicle shall use all or part of an adjacent lane if it is safe to do so, or wait for a safe opportunity to overtake.
buzzb wrote:
"Take it from me, a lot of people in this town, both young and old, have just about had it. "
So what do people in that town propose to do about it? Sounds like you are suggesting they are ready to act in some way against cyclists. Are they? What would that accomplish? Through what legal mechanism would they pursue an anti cycling agenda? Or would they act illegally? NOW you have me worried.
Geoff, could you please tell me where on South Street it's possible to see far enough ahead to determine whether there is oncoming traffic, and therefore safe to pass a cyclist? With all its twists, turns and hills, I would find it unsafe to pass anywhere along that way. Am I being too cautious?
Geoff, This town is very slow to act so I doubt any changes will be made, that is of course, until there is an injury or worse. It took a death to get the light on South and Dedham Ave. I truly hope we don't see an accident or even an altercation but I wouldn't bet on it. And by the way, whoever drew up the Mass General laws that you quoted, have never been on South Street.
I've been hearing these arguments about cars vs. bikes since the invention of snowboards, and then it was skiers vs. snowboarders. Listen; there are good arguments on both sides. Being an avid cyclist myself it frustrates the hell out of me when you’re riding in a group and someone yells, "Car back"! And no one moves over to let the car pass. Then when the car races past them yelling and extending a finger, cutting them off or throwing something they get mad. We need to find a happy medium so we can all ride together on the roads. As motorists you are driving a 2000 lb. vehicle that can inflict a lot more damage or death then a bicycle can so be careful. As Cyclists, be more alert to the traffic around you and obey the bicycle laws so we can all share the road safely. The law has just been changed to allow riding two abreast on a road with more than one lane in the same direction however; you must facilitate overtaking to allow a vehicle to safely pass. I agree with the person who said, get out of your car and ride a bike you'll feel better and loose weight.
The spirit of what #33 suggests is right on.
I would like to see all users of South Street recognize that's it's a narrow, busy residential road. You can't expect freeway privileges on a road with blind corners, blind hills, hidden driveways, pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, joggers, dog walkers, road maintenance crews, lawn crews, delivery trucks, utility trucks, mail carriers, home renovation and construction trucks, and no sidewalks.
The leaders of the Saturday morning fitness ride remind the riders every week to keep single file, and try to break up the riders into small groups to help with traffic. There are other groups of riders that I hope will learn to do the same.
There used to be signs on South Street restricting truck traffic, but all but one of them has disappeared. I wrote a letter to the town about this with no results. Perhaps Needham residents who are concerned with safety on South Street could do something about this.
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