Photo: James Rojas (WBZ)
CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — With many commuters looking at alternate modes of transportation ahead of the MBTA Orange Line shutdown this Friday, bicycle stores in the Greater Boston Area have seen an uptick in customer traffic.
Landry's Bicycles at 100 Hood Park Dr. in Charlestown is one of those stores. Manager Greg Hoffman told WBZ that since the shutdown was announced, customer interest in bicycles has gone up.
"There's definitely been a lot of interest in commuter bikes, electric bikes, cargo bikes. I mean everything, you know, you could use to either get to work or use as work instead of using the train," Hoffman said.
For first time bike riders, or those who have not ridden a bike in a while, Hoffman advised, "Take your time. Plan accordingly, you know, the weather, the distance, maybe wake up a little earlier than you're used to. Check the maps."
The shutdown of the Orange Line is planned to last until Sept. 18 to allow crews to work on long-neglected track repairs and replacements as ordered by the Federal Transit Administration. State and local transportation officials are warning commuters that with a major train line shutting down, there is expected to be increased congestion on roadways.
During the shutdown, City of Boston is offering free 30-day passes for Bluebikes, the city's public bike share. The passes will be available to anyone on the Bluebikes website or the Bluebikes mobile app, and provide an unlimited number of 45-minute bike trips at no cost.
WBZ's James Rojas (@JamesRojasNews) has more.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App