Commuters and Students on the Bikeway

During a state bike trail user count day 61 'commuter cyclists' were counted in the morning on the Bedford MM Bikeway. They represent 122 fewer car trips through Bedford that day

Bikes used by commuters come in all flavors, usually dependent on the commute distance and surface conditions encountered:

• Hybrid bikes (medium width tires) are favored by many because they are most versatile for different weather and road conditions
• Mountain bikes (fat tires), are like jeeps with snow tires - designed for rough and irregular surfaces, but not very practical on normal roads
• Road bikes (narrow tires), are like Honda Civics - designed to be most efficient, important for longer commutes. For these bikes, a firm, smooth surface is necessary for safety, comfort, and efficiency.

If the Minuteman Extension were built with a soft surface, it would make bike commuting more difficult for most users.

To view commuters, both students and adults, on the Minuteman Bikeway visit:

http://picasaweb.google.com/MMextension/MMCommuters?authkey=Gv1sRgCIGxxeixgtXEwAE&feat=directlink

Select any photo to view it full-sized.

The Minuteman Bikeway is a popular path for many cyclists who live, work, or transit through Bedford. Some commuters would not bike commute if they had to ride on the congested roads in the area. Students also commute to school on the bikeway. The young man above is roller blading to the High School.