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Bike to Save the Planet

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Transportation

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Are you looking for a way to change the carbon footprint of your transportation, but without the cost of an electric car?

Consider adding biking to your roster of transportation options! Whether you bike to work, school, or just down to the Town Common to visit the Farmer’s Market, biking is good for you and helps our planet.

Better health, improved focus and learning outcomes, cleaner environment and less traffic are all great reasons to ride a bike.  For a child, learning to get around by bike can lead to a lifetime love of getting places without a car. For adults, it can be a great way to incorporate exercise into your day. Those who are looking for a faster ride may even consider an electric bike as a green alternative to driving their car. Electric bikes are great to consider for replacing trips made in the car, as they can help handle routes that are long, hilly, or may involve cargo.

Emissions from transportation contribute to 27% of all emissions in the United States and 38% of emissions here in Massachusetts. Reducing your car travel by biking can help to reduce those emissions. Reducing emissions around schools in particular can help to improve overall air quality in our community and for our kids.

Steps to Take

There are a few easy steps to get ready. It is crucial for riders of all abilities to prepare beforehand. If your child wants to bike to school, be sure to work on these steps together with them:

1. Grab a helmet! Your helmet is super-important, as it protects your head in the case of a fall or collision. Anyone 16 years of age or younger is required by law to wear a helmet any time they are riding a bike. The helmet should be snug and level, with the straps comfortably tight.  Don’t use an old, cracked helmet or one that doesn’t fit right.

2. Assess your bike’s condition. Follow the ABC Quick Check:

  • Air in the tires
  • Brakes working well
  • Chain is tight enough and gears shift well
  • Quick release levers are closed
  • Nothing broken or flapping loosely that can tangle in the wheels

3. Review the rules of the road. You can review applicable state laws around bicycles here. The Somerville Bicycle Committee’s website also has usefule resources for cycling safely.

4. Get together with friends: this makes it safer and more fun. Arrange to meet up in a convenient place. 

5. Pick a route. Try to avoid areas of high vehicle traffic, when possible. Do a trial run of your route on the weekend first, when there’s less pressure to be there on time. Bike New England also has some route options. Take advantage of bike lanes, where available

There are also two bike shops here in Franklin. Stop into Crossing Cycle or Bicycles Plus to look at options and get professional advice. 

Have fun and stay safe!  And take the time to snap a photo and leave a testimonial to encourage others.

Deep Dive

Before you get out on the road, know the rules! If you are biking on the roadway, rather than a dedicated bike route or path, you are subject to certain laws. You must communicate your actions to the flow of traffic and you must obey the traffic laws of the commonwealth. 

While our roadways are a great way to get to many locations in town, Franklin also has access to trails in our area. If you are starting out cycling, the Southern New England Trunkline Trail is a low stakes, well maintained place to start. The trail has multiple entrances within Franklin. Those who prefer mountain biking may find the Franklin State Forest trails to be more their speed. Franklin has been working to expand bike accessibility within town. By participating in Planning Board meetings, you can help shape the future of Franklin infrastructure.

Electric Bikes

Electric bicycles are an option for riders who are looking for faster speeds, assistance with cargo, or even those with more limited mobility. The typical range for electric bikes can be between 20 and 100 miles, depending on a variety of factors. Charging an electric bike can be completed using a standard electrical outlet. There are two primary types of electric bike: pedal assist, where the motor engages only when you are pedaling, and throttle, where the motor engages when you engage the throttle. Visit the Green Energy Consumers Alliance website to learn more about the different varieties of electric bikes available.

The Bellingham Public Library hosts the Minuteman Junior Cycling Club, which is open to 5th through 12th graders. The group rides in the Franklin area, from Walpole to Uxbridge. The Pan Mass Challenge also offers a kids ride in Franklin. This ride of variable mileage is open to cyclers ages three through 14.  For more experienced riders, there are other cycling groups in the area. Team PHAT Tuesday is a cycling team located in Franklin that participates in the Pan Mass Challenge. 

Franklin schools that are registered partners in the Safe Routes to Schools program are listed below: 

  • Horace Mann Middle School
  • Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School
  • Oak Street Elementary School
  • Helen Keller Elementary School
  • John F. Kennedy Memorial School
  • Jefferson Elementary School
  • Remington Middle School

Car Free Campus Day is the Tuesday on or before Earth Day in April. MA Walk, Bike, and Roll day is the first Wednesday in May. See the Mass DOT Safe Routes to School webpage for more information about their flagship events. You can check who is registered to participate here.

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