Biking Resources

Riding a bike in Worcester is a healthy, sustainable and affordable way to get around and see the City. Here are some tips and resources to make your ride in Worcester as safe and comfortable as possible.

ABC Check

Before every ride, be sure to do a quick ABC (Air, Brakes, Chain) check of your bike.

AIR: Squeeze your tires to check their pressure. In general, they should feel firm to the touch. The recommended pressure range will be listed on the side of your tires. Use a pressure gauge to measure air pressure and add air if necessary.

BRAKES: Hold down your brake levers and rock your bike back and forth. Make sure that the wheels do not move, and your brake levers are not touching your handlebars. If you are uncomfortable adjusting your own brakes, a local bike shop will be able to help you.

CHAIN: Lift your rear wheel off the ground and push one of your pedals forward. Make sure the chain is running smoothly. Clean your chain regularly and periodically add some lubricant to the chain. Chain lube is inexpensive and can be found at local bike shops as well as many sporting goods stores.

If you need more assistance or have questions about maintaining your bike, contact one of the community groups listed below or visit your local bike shop.

Lights

If you plan to ride at night, make yourself visible! Massachusetts state law requires that you use a white light on the front of your bike and a red light on the rear. Wearing reflective or high-visibility clothing can also help you be seen.

Follow the Rules of the Road

Under Massachusetts General Law, you may ride a bike on all public streets in the Commonwealth, except limited access highways or express state highways where signs have been posted. When riding, you must obey all traffic laws and regulations. Always ride in the same direction as traffic. Stop at all stop signs and red lights and always yield to pedestrians.

Hand Signals

Use hand signals to let others know when you intend to turn or change lanes.

When passing another biker or a pedestrian, use your bike's bell or your voice to let them know you are passing. Always pass on the left.

Public Transit

WRTA buses are equipped with racks on the front of each bus that can accommodate two traditional bikes. More information about taking your bike on WRTA buses is COMING SOON!

MBTA Commuter Rail trains can accommodate bikes during off-peak hours. Consult the Commuter Rail Schedule to see if bikes are allowed on your train. A bicycle symbol on the schedule will indicate whether bikes are allowed or prohibited. Remember to follow the conductor's instructions when placing your bike on board. More information about bringing your bike on MBTA trains can be found on the MBTA Website.

Community Groups

If you would like to learn more about riding or maintaining your bike, find other people to ride with or make new friends, Worcester has many different community groups that can help.

Worcester Earn A Bike is a non-profit community bike shop that teaches people bicycle maintenance and allows them to earn their own bike from an inventory of donated bikes. During open shop hours, you can drop in and work on your own bike under the supervision of a shop manager.

MassBike provides education and resources for bikers across Massachusetts. Here in Worcester, they frequently organize casual group rides for all ages and fitness levels. In 2022, MassBike launched a pilot program to distribute e-bikes to income eligible people in Worcester.

Seven Hills Wheelmen is a recreational group for adults to ride bikes in the Worcester and Central Massachusetts area.

Walk Bike Worcester works to make walking and biking more safe, pleasant and convenient.

The Major Taylor Association is a Worcester-based non-profit organization that honors the legacy of Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor, a world champion bike racer from the turn of the 20th century, who overcame discrimination to become the world's first Black sports superstar. For much of his career, Major Taylor lived and trained here in Worcester. Each summer, the Major Taylor Association organizes the George Street Bike Challenge, a time trial race up a steep Worcester street where Major Taylor used to train.

History of Biking in Worcester

Biking in Worcester has a long and rich history. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Worcester was an important hub of bike manufacturing, racing and recreational riding clubs. Here are just a few of the cultural and educational resources for anyone wishing to learn more about this part of Worcester's past.

The Major Taylor Museum, located at 2 Main Street, tells the story of Major Taylor, his life in Worcester and Worcester's Black community in the early 20th century.

Visitors to The Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center, located at 3 Paul Clancy Way, can learn about Worcester's history as an industrial and manufacturing hub, before taking a ride on the Blackstone River Bikeway.

The Museum of Worcester celebrates the history of this great city. Through its rotating exhibits and extensive library, the museum is a wonderful resource for anyone wishing to learn more about the role that biking has played in Worcester's history.