Here at Montague Bikes we’ve been encouraging the concept of Park&Pedal commuting for many years. If you normally drive to work and your commute is too long to do entirely by bike, park half way or a reasonable distance from work and ride the remainder. It provides a manageable step toward bike commuting and can save money on parking, gas, and vehicle wear, while adding exercise to your daily routine.

Montague has been working to establish an official Park&Pedal program in our home city of Boston, and on Friday July 31st, Park&Pedal officially launched in partnership with the state of Massachusetts. Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton, Department of Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack, Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Deputy Commissioner for Operations Matthew Sisk, and Park&Pedal founder David Montague from Montague Bikes unveiled the first in the nation multimodal commuting network. The free program, which is designed to encourage bike commuting by providing a network of parking hubs conveniently located within cycling distance from centers of employment, will allow commuters to park their cars for free and then ride their bikes the remaining distance to work.

“The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has always been at the forefront of innovative ideas,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The Park&Pedal Commuter Network is the direct result of state government and private partners working together to achieve results that will benefit the public and the environment.”

“The Park&Pedal program will provide a unique, outdoor recreational opportunity for Massachusetts citizens to incorporate in their daily lives while commuting to work,” said EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The results of such partnerships, like the one between DCR and Montague Bikes, will have lasting effects on thousands of people for years to come.”

By commuters utilizing parking hubs, such as the one at DCR’s Christian Herter Park, the greater Boston area will benefit in various ways, including:

• The reduction of traffic congestion during the rush hour commutes;
• The increase in available parking spots within the City of Boston and surrounding communities;
• The decrease of environmentally harmful vehicle emissions; and
• The contribution to a healthier citizenship.

The launch event was a great celebration with the local bike community out in full force to support to initiative.

It was a fun filled morning with giveaways, bike raffles, and many delicious free breakfast treats. We want to extend a big thank you to all of our vendors for donating their time, service, food and beverage, and their help in promoting our event. Thank you to Iggy’s Bread, Crema Cafe, Union Square Donuts, Boloco, Whole Foods Market, Naked Juice,Mix 104.1, Urban Adventours, Belmont Wheelworks, CommonWheels, Green Streets Initiative, Bern, Hubway, MassCommute, Boston Bikes, Boston Cyclists Union, MassBike, Cambridge Community Development, and Charles River TMA.

Free water bottles and bike giveaway entries here!

We had so many supportive riders from the greater Boston bike community come out to celebrate, and many new riders getting on the bike thanks to the Park&Pedal network.

Cutting the used bicycle tube ribbon! From left to right: MA State Rep Kevin Honan, Park&Pedal founder David Montague, DOT Secretary Stephanie Pollack, EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton, DCR Deputy Commissioner Matthew Sisk, MA State Senator Will Brownsberger

MA Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack with David Montague.

MA Secretary of Energy and the Environment Matthew Beaton chatting with Renata von Tscharner, president of Charles River Conservancy!

Hot, Iced, and Cold Brew coffee were flowing at the Crema Cafe tent!

Urban Adventours was on site to lend support and lead a ride into downtown Boston.

Belmont Wheelworks provided free bike service and tune ups!

Park&Pedal founder David Montague of Montague Bikes addresses the crowd.

Priscilla Geigis (left), DCR Director of State Parks & Recreation watches the ribbon cutting.

Five Montague folding bikes and a Bern helmet were given away to attendees. Congratulations to our winners shown here! A Montague folding bike is perfect for a Park&Pedal commute, as it can always be stowed easily in your car trunk.

View all the photos from the official Park&Pedal launch event in our Facebook album.