Yesterday, my wife and I participated in the Tour de Donuts in the Boston area. The event was held in memory of Rick Archer, who lost his life in a cycling accident involving an automobile this spring. The idea was to teach people about safe cycling, raising money to help advocate for cycling safety, having fun, and…eating donuts.
The group of sixty riders met at Bloc Café in Somerville. We started by eating some Union Square Doughnut donut holes while listening to a cycling safety lecture. There was another talk at a local cycle shop a few blocks away. Much of the talk was on how to use bike lanes and interact with cars/drivers in urban traffic.
Then, we headed out around the MIT campus in Cambridge and over the bridge to Boston. We visited the Back Bay, SOWA and Downtown Crossing areas of Boston. There were more stops to eat donuts at both Blackbird Donuts’ stand at the SOWA market and mini-donuts at Red Apple Farm. All of the city riding gave us the opportunity to practice what we’d learned. Our group had some very experienced riders who helped us with managing in traffic.
It was a blast riding through places we typically only stroll. The ride ended at a local brewery where we shared a drink and a few laughs. My wife and I really hope they do this again next year. We also learned about other venues for finding about cycling outings in the city.
Here is video of our ride through Downtown Crossing:
Milford Street 
Nice idea. AND doughnuts. I would have thought that one of the first rules would be to ride single file. Why isn’t it?
Thank you. It was a good idea. In answer to your question, first, I’m no expert and laws vary, as do traffic conditions. We did ride single file most of the time especially in areas where there was a narrow bike lane. In other areas, the bike lane is also shared by buses, so it’s really wide. There, we could ride abreast. Bikes are allowed to occupy a whole lane of traffic when needed. So in the lead image, we are in a left turn lane and occupying the whole lane. That was safer than trying to wedge the bikes between traffic and parked cars. That is not a good idea. There is no place to move if there are potholes or a car door opens. Also, these images were made at stops. At stops, we did bunch up a bit in the bike lane. Also, the video was made in a place where motorized vehicles are not allowed; we each navigated through the pedestrians on our own because a single line would have caused more problems. I hope that helps.
Such a brilliant idea. There are so many fatal and near fatal accidents with cyclists and although it is absolutely fair to say that motorists must pay attention, educating cyclists is essential too. It is a wonderful way of honouring a tragic death and the donuts would ice the bun of any day for me!
Thank you so much. Yes, the fun of the donuts was the hook for us but we learnt a lot. Cheers!
Sounds like a lot of fun, and a great way to educate both bicyclists and drivers. We have tours with vintage and dressed-up bikes but everyone else just races around the city like it’s the Tour de France.
The vintage tours sound fun. It is good that this group is trying to change the habits of cyclists and drivers. Cheers
I am glad you explained this event and worthy cause. Cheers, Chris!
You had me at donuts. . . hahaha 😀
That’s what attracted us also! 😃
🚲 🚲 Lessons taught and safety prevailed while refreshments 🍩🍩 were “O” so good!
Followed by tour de coffee? 🙂
Okay, before we left I mounted a second water bottle cage on my bike to hold a thermal travel mug of coffee. Now the truth is known. ☕️
Ah hah!!! 🙂
Great video and very good images of the event !
Thanks Chris for sharing!
Thank you, Soheir. So now you have seen video of downtown Boston. Cheers!
Yes Boston is a beautiful place indeed i enjoyed the video a lot!!
Such a good cause. And doughnuts too, oh my 🙂
A good cause with good food is a winning combo! Thanks, Christy. Have a great week!
You’re right! And thanks, Chris 🙂 I hope your week is great too
Based on the feature image alone, it looks like 50% of the participants were thrilled with the event. I would have thought it would be higher. Considering the doughnuts an’ all…
😉
Thank you, Gabe. It was a hit overall. Lots and lots of donuts were consumed. Cheers!
I can imagine. And I have to say I’m a bit jealous. I’ve run quite a few marathons over the years, and the best treats we get are banana halves and Goo packets.
I think I need to change sports.
I see so many “ghost bike” memorials as I travel in urban spaces…and here in etown we also have bike lanes which are contested between neighbourhoods and bike lane placements…cycling here is not like Amsterdam that I do know 🤓 sad about your friend Rick….hard story for his loved ones 😔
I did not know Rick but most of the group we rode with did know him. And most had tails of accidents and near misses on their bikes. People are trying to make Boston more bike-friendly. Thanks Hedy. I hope your week is going well. Cheers
yup i’ve hit cars with my yoga mat! 😀 i also use sidewalks…not going compete with cars/trucks 🙂
I agree; don’t challenge cars and trucks. We have too much to lose. Thanks Now, I have a great mental image of a woman hitting a car with her yoga mat. 😃 Cheers!
Yes Chris I work out my pitta to cool down in yoga 🤓😀☺️
Truly innovative! Donuts + safety lessons = tasty treat !
It was a lot of fun. And helped us be more mindful of staying safe. It’s nice to see you again. Cheers
Hope you had fun biking around. So glad to be back. Cheers 😀
I think I could keep up with you. My speed for sure! Was your camera or phone mounted on your bike? Very smooth video…
I’m sure you could have. This was a slow rolling ride. Nope, this was handheld. Cheers
Wow! Looks like you had a great day! Learning something new and eating doughnuts – how much better can it get?! 😄 The video was also great fun to watch! Cheers!
Thank you. So now you’ve seen a bit of downtown Boston. Fun times. Cheers
Look forward to see it in person someday! 😄
👍🏼