Last spring Montague Bikes worked with the state of Massachusetts to establish the nation’s first official Park&Pedal program. The multi-modal commuting network encourages car commuters to park outside the city and cycle the second half of their journey. It provides a stepping stone to bike commuting for those who live too far from work to ride the entire distance, and reduces traffic in the city while allowing commuters to avoid last mile congestion and incorporate exercise in their daily routine. June 17th saw the massive expansion of the official Park&Pedal program in greater Boston with the addition of 15 new locations.

Montague has been encouraging the concept of Park&Pedal commuting for many years as keeping a folded bike in your trunk makes it even easier. We approached state and city officials last year to make the program a reality, and have continued working to support and expand Park&Pedal. On hand to celebrate the expansion were MA Department of Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack, MA Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton, MA Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Leo Roy, and Park&Pedal and Montague Bikes founder David Montague.

DCR Commissioner Leo Roy addressing the crowd and media. Behind him from left to right is David Montague, Mass EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton, and Mass DOT Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack.

The expansion celebration deemed Park&Pedal Fest, was also an opportunity to bring together Boston’s cycling community. The event featured free breakfast, giveaways, bike raffles, music, bike tune-ups, and support from many of the area transportation and cycling groups.

“The Park&Pedal Commuter Network serves as an excellent example of state government working with private partners to meet the needs of the public,” said Governor Charlie Baker.“By expanding this unique multimodal system, commuters will benefit greatly by not only alleviating traffic congestion, but will also encourage healthy active lifestyles.”

“Every day the Greater Boston region experiences an influx of commuters on local roadways,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The Park&Pedal Commuter Network is an innovative idea that has already provided fantastic results over the course of a year, and I am excited for the program’s expansion, which will directly benefit the public and environment for years to come.”

No one loves coffee and donuts quite like cyclists!

Many organizations out spreading the word about alternative transportation.

WBZ Channel 4 News interviewing Park&Pedal founder David Montague.

All smiles from Massachusetts Dept. of Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack!

The Sierra club spreading the word about climate change.

Park&Pedal founder David Montague addresses the crowd.

Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton picking a lucky winner in our bike giveaway!

All the winners! Three Montague Bikes and a longboard courtesy of Honest Tea.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us. We greatly appreciate your support and efforts in this significant expansion of the country’s first Park&Pedal commuting network.

Learn more about the program at www.parkandpedal.org