By John Allen

To be confident in safe riding, to answer questions about legality, and in establishing fault if you are unlucky enough to crash, it helps for you to know where to find the relevant local laws. Ride leaders, municipal officials, and police also need to know about this – it’s important in case of questions about routes. In this article, I will give some examples of why this isn’t necessarily easy and then show where to look.

Massachusetts Traffic Law is "Special"

Massachusetts traffic law is the most disorganized and unreadable body of traffic law of any state, and the only one not based on the Uniform Vehicle Code. Massachusetts statutes consist of a skeleton of antiquated traffic laws overlaid with a patchwork of fix-up provisions, and with huge gaps. The main body of rules for driving is elsewhere, as I found out.

Let’s start with the earliest traffic law. It is more than two centuries old! Chapter 89, section 3 of the Massachusetts General Laws, dating from 1821, requires a horse pulling a sleigh to be equipped with three or more bells. Please keep that in mind if you happen to be driving a horse-drawn sleigh on the (now plowed) roads of Massachusetts! The 1821 legislation also established that traffic should keep to the right. So far, so good with that!

Now let’s move ahead to the more modern Chapter 90, section 14, Precautions for Safety of Other Travelers. This includes a couple of lines requiring motorists to make right turns safely around bicyclists. You will find them about ¾ of the way down in a 984-word paragraph. A bit farther on is this line: “It shall not be a defense for a motorist causing an accident with a bicycle that the bicycle was to the right of vehicular traffic.” So, if you enter an intersection from concealment and get left-crossed by a motorist who couldn’t see you in time, you or your survivors will be more likely to collect. That isn’t necessarily fair, though it is to your advantage.

There are other long paragraphs. For example, check out, Chapter 90, Section 7B, but let’s stick with what is relevant here.

In the March 2025 Safety Corner, I discussed the important amendment from 2023 making it legal for motorists to cross a double yellow line to pass vulnerable users, which legal category includes bicyclists. That is in Chapter 89, Section 2. I described how that can work for you

The main body of special bicycle laws is in Chapter 85, Section 11B. The basic rule there is that bicyclists have the right to use public ways and are subject to the traffic law. Other than that, the section is mostly about equipment. There is no mandatory bike lane or sidepath law: you enjoy more freedom as a cyclist than in most other US States. Enjoy it wisely. A summary of all cycling-related traffic is on the CRW site in an article in the February 2025 Wheelpeople. Let’s go into more detail here though. 

There is a provision the General Laws about right turn on red. It’s a “fix it” law which the Feds mandated to eke out a bit of energy efficiency during from the 1970s fuel crisis. There is nothing else in the General Laws about what to do at a traffic signal, or about many other complications which have arisen over the past century.

Let's take traffic signals as an example, to discover how the rules are split up between the General Laws, regulations and municipal ordinances:

There are explicit rules for drivers at traffic signals in Chapter 700 of the Code of Massachusetts Regulations, 9.06 (10), but these apply only on state highways. You’ll often see a “State Highway Ends” sign where a numbered highway enters a town. The rules change there too. It is no wonder that police and the public can’t interpret the law!

What About Other Local Laws?

Where are the rules that apply on streets and roads which are not state highways, or DCR parkways, or managed by authorities?

Basic traffic rules are established in ordinances that must be enacted separately by the governments of the 351 cities and towns. These are supposed to reflect a sample regulation, but because they have to be updated by cities and towns, there are inconsistencies.

Ordinances for Waltham, where I make my home, include wording on traffic signals similar but not identical to that in CMR 9.09 (10). You’ll have to look up the regulations for any other city or town in which you may have an issue about what is legal for a bicyclist. DCR Parkways fall under their own set of rules, in CMR 302, There are similar rules for authorities such as Massport and the National Park Service.

A cyclist, or motorist, or police officer should not have to review multiple documents for rules which apply to something as common and universal as traffic signals. Municipal traffic ordinances should address only issues which are unique to a community, Massport, the DCR, or the National Park Service, such as parking locations and path usage.

The earlier Wheelpeople articles which I have cited give you the information you need to follow the rules. This article, I hope, helps to resolve any issues about the context of those rules. 

As the temperatures drop and outdoor riding slows down for many members, there's another way to fuel your passion for cycling and stay connected to our community: step into a leadership role in CRW that makes a real difference.

Why volunteer with CRW this winter?

While CRW offers fewer outdoor rides in the colder months (plus some indoor virtual opportunities), many members find their club involvement naturally decreases. Administrative roles offer a meaningful way to stay engaged while building skills that employers actually notice.

Here's what you gain:

Real experience that strengthens your resume. Whether you're between jobs, exploring a career change, or looking to demonstrate new capabilities, nonprofit leadership experience shows initiative, responsibility, and commitment. You'll develop project management, communication, inventory management, or editorial skills, all while supporting something you already love.

Professional development without the pressure. Practice leadership in a supportive environment where everyone shares your passion. Make decisions, manage budgets, coordinate events, or oversee operations. All the meaty experience that hiring managers value, with a community that has your back.

Stay engaged when your riding schedule changes. Don't let winter disconnect you from the cycling community. These roles keep you plugged in, building relationships and contributing in new ways.

Shape the club you want to ride with. Have ideas for better merchandise, stronger member communication, or ways to celebrate our legacy? Administrative roles give you the agency to actually make those changes happen.

We're looking for help with three exciting opportunities:

• 60th Anniversary Committee Chair – Help us celebrate six decades of CRW! This leadership role is perfect for someone with organizing talent who can coordinate anniversary events, merchandise, and promotions. You'll build and lead a team to create memorable celebrations honoring our legacy. If you've ever wanted "spearheaded major organizational milestone" on your resume, this is it.
• WheelPeople Editor – Keep our members connected and informed! Work with our editorial team to plan, edit, and publish our monthly newsletter. This role is ideal for someone with writing/editing skills and computer savvy who wants to showcase their communication abilities while keeping our cycling community engaged with great content and club news.
• Merchandise Manager – Manage all things CRW-branded! Select, order, and oversee our club products, maintain inventory, process sales, and track financials. This hands-on role is perfect for someone who wants to gain e-commerce, inventory management, and small business operations experience while promoting club identity and pride.

The commitment is flexible, the impact is real, and the timing is perfect. Winter is when we plan for the upcoming season and our milestone 60th anniversary year. Your involvement now shapes what's ahead.

Plus, you'll have a supportive board ready to help you get started and answer questions as they come up. Not sure which role is right for you? No problem. Reach out and we'll connect you with the right people to discuss it. No commitment required until you're ready.

Ready to shift gears? Contact Jim Salvie at volunteering@crw.org and let's find the perfect fit for your skills and schedule.

***SHARE YOUR RIDE PHOTOS WITH CRW!***
Email them to: media-share@crw.org

Enjoying a crisp Fall morning on the Praline Croissant ride.

This month we are featuring Butch Pemstein, who has been a CRW volunteer in many capacities over the years. His knowledge and insight are a treasured resource for the club. Take it away, Butch!

I am privileged to have been a CRW member, and officer, over the past several years. I’m not at all sure that my contributions to the Club are worthy of the spotlight, but here goes:

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?

I grew up Worcester, and now live in Newton.

How long have you been cycling, and what initially got you interested in the sport?

I suppose that I began cycling when everyone else started, grade school, or perhaps before. My sister held the bike up, yelling “Pedal, Pedal” and after a few falls, I was a fan. Gave it up, too juvenile, when I became “worldly” in high school! I got my first 10 speed in 1984 and have been hooked since. I don’t remember what it was, but I got a brown Fuji and cycled into town as often as possible, even in the winter.

How long have you been a CRW member? 

I think I joined CRW sometime around 2003-4.

How many miles do you typically ride per year? 

I used to do 5-6,000 miles a year, but lately, having aged, if I can do a 15-20 mile ride once or twice a week, I am pleased.

What is your greatest cycling accomplishment?

None of my cycling has been worthy of public memory: I rode the PMC 23 times, the first time in 2000, when I was almost 62. I’ve done Washusett, with the Club, but that was really a long time ago.

What is your favorite route to ride?

There’s a Wednesday Wheelers (WW) route on the North Shore, that goes from Gordon College all the way around Gloucester and Rockport that I managed to do pretty much every year. Easy hills, lots of ocean, interesting towns, good food.

What is your favorite post-ride food or drink?

I look forward to a glass of beer (maybe two) after a ride but always fill up on water first. No coffee!

What is your best advice for a new club member?

Best advice, get active, say hello to your fellow riders, volunteer to lead or otherwise to participate. We are an all-volunteer group; there is something for everyone to do to help the Club, and that’s one of its great benefits.

In what capacities have you volunteered for the club?

I was on several “committees” for lack of a better word, that set up some standards for Wednesday Wheeler rides, including the helmet rules. While VP for legal affairs, in addition to garden variety legal matters, I participated in some decision making regarding cyclists’ inappropriate behavior on rides. I was also involved in our insurance program. I participated in the distribution of charitable gifts to other cycling organizations. That was, and is, one of the truly gratifying parts of my time with the Club.

I started as VP when Eli Post was president, several years ago, and was fortunate to stay through each succeeding presidential term.

What rides did you lead?

I liked several WW rides, had a terrific time scouting and leading and sweeping from time to time.

Anything else you want to share about yourself or cycling journey?

One great thing about the Club is that the folks you meet become friends, on and off the bike, both while you are actively riding and when riding becomes less likely.

Sunday, October 12 | Myles Standish State Forest at College Pond, Plymouth, MA

Registration is now open for the Cranberry Harvest Century (CHC), a fall classic in Plymouth, MA! Multiple pace groups are offered; see the ride listing for more information.

About the Event

The CHC features beautiful routes passing cranberry bogs to Mattapoisett and back. Join us for another fully-supported event with 4 beautiful routes: 100, 62, 53, and 35 miles. The CHC captures some of the most charming roads in New England. It is also relatively flat and very manageable for riders of all abilities.

Route Details

All rides start at Myles Standish State Forest in Plymouth and travel through the cranberry bogs in Rochester, Wareham, Carver and Acushnet. Rides include rest stops at Eastover, Tamarak Park, and on the beautiful wharf in Mattapoisett.

You will enjoy food and drink at rest stops along the route and after party from Lalos Catering Tacos at College Pond at the finish.

Parking Information

• CARPOOLING IS ENCOURAGED!

• The lot at College Pond will be closed to parking when it hits capacity, but drivers will be allowed to drop off bikes and riders in the lower section before heading to overflow.

• Post event, DCR will allow drivers to enter the lot when there are spots open. This should help riders to get picked up and allow for attendance to the after party without having to ride back to cars in overflow.

Register Now

Don't miss out on this unforgettable fall cycling experience!

Volunteers Needed

Contact century@crw.org if you can help out:

Water Stops

• • Tamarak Park - volunteers needed

  • Mattapoisett - one additional volunteer needed

Ride Leaders/Sweeps

Don't miss the Riders and Volunteers Shop Discount from Contes!

By John Allen

This month’s Safety Corner is a follow-up on last month’s, in which I showed how I ride eastbound through the Winter Street Oval and across the bridge over Route 128 in Waltham. CRW has used that challenging route, and I wanted to show how to do it safely.

And as it turned out, Waltham’s local community riding group, Bike Together Waltham, was going to use the same route. I was a bit surprised, as this is a motley crew of riders, but I saw an opportunity.  A group ride can show how it is not only possible, but reasonably safe, to take on challenges.

So I reached out to Saul Blumenthal, a leader in Bike Together Waltham, and invited him to ride with me so he could later coach the group. He took up my invitation.

Here is video which Saul and I recorded of our ride.  

Three days after the demo ride, the group rode Winter Street as part of an evening ride at dusk.  Saul gave appropriate instructions at the start and during the ride. The group understood my unusual lane choice, was well-equipped with lights, rode double file when controlling the travel lane, and mostly held together. All in all, I think that the ride went well.

It can’t be expected that an informal community group ride will display the order and discipline of a French randonneuring ride or CyclingSavvy urban riding practice. But it is in the nature of the learning experience that not everything is perfect. I am suitably impressed with how this random group of riders handled the challenge of Winter Street.

Saul shot video of the group ride. As you watch it, I’d like you to note what you think went well and what might have gone better. I have some debriefing comments following the video, which you may compare with your observations.

OK, A few things might have worked better. I shared the following notes on the group’s chat after the ride and got a positive reception:

• One boy (yellow shirt, gray helmet) who appeared to be about 10 years old had good bike handling skills and endurance, but no lights. "Frog lights" which are powered by button batteries and attach with rubber straps cost only a couple of dollars each. 
  
  
  I rode for decades in Boston-area traffic with small battery and generator lights with incandescent bulbs, no brighter than these. My lights, aimed level, worked fine to alert other road users when riding under streetlights and urban light pollution. The frog lights are at least as bright. My friend Pam Murray rents these lights before evening rides which she organizes, and refunds the rental if the lights are returned at the end of the ride. I suggested that Bike Together Waltham adopt the same strategy for riders who arrive without lights and donated a few of them to the group.
  

• On the other hand, too bright: one rider had very bright headlight in flash mode and aimed upward, a glare hazard. You can see it in Saul’s rear view in the video and then see the headlight’s beam reflecting off the back of a rider ahead.
  
  
• A couple riders stayed close to the right-side lane line when we were in the leftmost lane. Being a bit farther into the lane would have placed them farther from high-speed motor traffic. The lane was plenty wide to allow riding double-file without crowding the right edge. I am wondering whether the ingrained habit of edge riding had gotten to these riders to the extent that they didn’t realize that the edge in this case was on the left!
  
  
• The group merged from the front rather than using the "got your back" technique for lane changes, where the sweep starts to change lanes first. Making this work requires more preparation so everyone knows to do this. It wasn’t a problem in this case, but a more compact and orderly lane change looks better.
  
  
• It could have worked better to split the group into two in advance of the climb in this segment, given the number of riders and that a group of three (including me) was slower than others and formed a second group.

No bike ride is completely without risk, or goes perfectly as planned. Taking on challenges is the way to expand horizons.  I have seen a significant uptick in the challenges which Bike Together Waltham will take on, and in meeting them.  My ride with Bike Together Waltham was a learning experience, for the group, and for me.

The club's Annual Meeting took place on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 4:00 PM on Google Meet. There were 13 CRW members present.

Randolph Williams presented information on the club that included Financial Information, Rides, Membership, Volunteering, etc. See the Slides from the presentation HERE.

Board members in attendance responded to the following comments/questions from members:

• Recurring Rides - how are they determined?

39 unique named rides have been done more than once this season. This includes rides with the same title in the past year, and this includes “tags” associated with rides. 

More clarification about recurring rides was requested by a member: ideally anything that happens weekly or monthly should be included as a recurring ride.

• Whatever happened to the weekly rides from Cutler Park?

The Needham, Dover and Beyond with 3 routes now goes once a year. It would be great to do again, but it needs someone to take the lead.

• Are there plans for a special edition jersey for the CRW 60th anniversary?  

Yes! That is in the plan!

• Regarding Board and Grants activity - in the past, standards were developed for grants to be made; is that information available to the current Board?

That information will be relayed to the current Grants Committee by the member.

• What general grants were distributed in FY 2024? 

- Mass Bike
- The Bike Connector
- Worcester Earn A Bike

• Century grants

Grants are provided to non-profit organizations who provide volunteers/support to the Century rides. In 2024 these included:

- National MS Society
- Bikes Not Bombs
- New England Classic Charity Bike Tour
- Friends of Mattapoisset Bikeway
- Eastover Reservation Trustees
- Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality
- Stow Bike for the Woods

• Where can financial information be found for the club?

It is filed with the State. The Board will provide links and information.

• Members expressed appreciation for all the work that is done including newsletters, rides, etc.

• It has been nice to see that “no-drop” rides are increasing the number of participants.

• It would be helpful to expand locations where weekend rides are held.

By Nina Siegel and Harold Hatch

This ride series is meant to highlight some of the “best of the best” routes that have been created by CRW Route Developers/Ride Leaders over the club’s nearly 60-year history. Familiar to long-time club members, some routes have been running annually since 2010 while others haven’t been offered recently. This season we focused on rides that featured 3 or more routes. With beautiful roads, multiple speed and distance options, including a welcoming 10-12 mph pace, these routes offer something for everyone in CRW, new and long-time members alike.

We have featured in WheelPeople articles the Route Developer and/or Ride Leader and what it is about their ride that makes it special to the club. You’ll find notifications in Chain Link and club social media channels when the rides are posted on the Events Calendar. Please join us as we celebrate what our Club has to offer in its long history of riding.

AND NOW – OUR FOURTH CLASSIC FEATURE!

Meet Melinda Lyon

Melinda Lyon is leading Bagel and a Witch Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 10 AM out of Boxford, MA.

Could you tell us a little about yourself?

I am a local, grew up in Acton, attended Acton-Boxborough Regional High School then onto BU for a physiology degree. Robye Lahlum is from Valley City, North Dakota and we met at an AMC Pinkham Notch bike repair workshop. We eventually found our way to Boxford , where we have lived for nearly 40 years. We both commute to work, though in opposite directions.

Cycling right out our front door is our favorite way to start a ride. Long rides and lunch with friends is my fun way to ride. I found I always got stronger the longer the ride, so I realized that was my calling. I have been involved with Randonneuring since 1990 which was perfect training for Paris-Brest-Paris and I rode in six PBP’s and was Premier Randonneuse in two. I spent years with very long training days in the saddle and have been in other rides as well.

I ride differently now. I no longer do brevets or ride more than 4 or 5 hours at a time as I’ve had my share of repaired parts in recent years: ankle, knee, humerus – the usual jumble of an athletes’ life. I lead a number of rides annually both road and gravel. My weekends are typically split with 1 day as my long ride 4-5 hours on my own and the other in my garden. Our garden has expanded in the past few years and we now grow enough produce to feed ourselves for about 6 months of the year. Occasionally a friend will ask if they can scoop some bounty. My usual response is along the line of “if they didn’t work the land no bounty”. I probably couldn’t go back to all that time spent on the bike now…

How long have you been riding with CRW?

We first read about a CRW ride in The Boston Globe being run out of Winchester in 1984. Jacek Rudowski asked about our cycling credentials when we showed up! And from then on it was all about riding as many weekend rides, weekend tours, and the Tour of New England and being out all day with friends, having lunch and sometimes dinner. You called 325-BIKE to get the upcoming weekend rides outside of the newsletter back then. I created the North to New Hampshire ride which has since transformed into the current Spring Century.

What kind of rides do you enjoy the most?

I like long rides with friends, a solid pace out to enjoy lunch, a PB&J in my pannier on Littleton Common or beer and crabs at Woodman’s in Essex, have fun and then a nice ride back. Sharing interests about ‘NHF’ Not Having Fun? Stop. Get rest. Ride tomorrow. What keeps the blood pressure down better than that?

Back when I started this route – when everyone was riding from their homes and sharing their rides with everyone – it was “I have this ride and I love it. I’ll set it up”. And yes, I do like lunch so we stop for bagels on the ride usually at Abrahams in downtown Newburyport. Zumi’s in Topsfield for the short route  is the cycling hangout. The route is basically the same as it was from the beginning. Some people show up in costume and its fun. The long route can be windy as it goes out onto Plum Island but it is beautiful. I ride these roads all the time so I have altered the routes as necessary to accommodate how the area has grown and some roads have changed over the years. 

What makes it special so that you want to continue to lead the Bagel and a Witch?

It’s a beautiful area in my neighborhood. I love that all three distances give riders an opportunity to experience such charm and it just never gets old. 

Nina adds: I found a quote of Melinda’s from an article on the Seven Cycles website, undated, which strikes me as a true picture of Melinda: “First and foremost, randonneurs are always polite; you can ride hard, but your speed remains secondary to consideration for everyone, whether it’s another rider, a course volunteer, a motorist, a citizen with no affiliation with the event, or your own safety. In races, other riders try to drop you; in randonnees, your company is a welcome part of the journey. The course itself is the daunting competitor.”

REGISTER FOR BAGEL AND A WITCH

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We hope you  have enjoyed CRW's Classics Ride series in meeting and riding along again or anew with some superb CRW ride developers and ride leaders. 

2025's Classics were:

• April 19: Hills Are Your Friends
• June 1: Brake for Beavers
  
• July 6: Blue Moon
• Oct 26: Bagel and a Witch

It was wonderful fun. Keep seeking out your own Classic. 

Let’s Ride!

Looking ahead to next season: If you would like to have one of your routes featured as a CRW Classic in the future, please reach out to Nina (ninasiegel7@gmail.com) or Harold (haroldhatch@yahoo.com).

Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 9:00 AM  | Lincoln, MA

The Northeast Bicycle Club is happy to provide instruction on paceline riding for CRW members.  This is a CRW members only event. Those who have always wanted to ride a paceline will be shown how to do this safely and effectively within small groups of about 5 each.  Speed is NOT the objective for this instruction session, rather we want to get people feeling comfortable riding more closely together, get everyone to ride safely and predictably, and how to exchange the lead rider for each paceline.

Hone Your Skills Before the Century!

The very next day is the Cranberry Harvest Century. Groups of riders will be riding pacelines. Have the confidence to join a well-organized, efficient paceline!

Why Cyclists Ride in Pacelines

The reason is, as any cyclist knows, riding into a headwind is harder than riding in no wind.  Riding in a draft (e.g., behind a truck or school bus or another rider) makes riding easy.  So, if five riders wanted to ride faster and more efficiently, they should share the load of breaking the wind for the group.  Each rider should take turns riding at the front doing most of the work, then drop back and spend the rest of the time in the draft taking it easy.  Once you experience this, you'll have an "Aha!" moment.  (By the way, we're not advocating drafting trucks or school busses.)

Session Description

It is assumed that participants have little or no previous experience riding in a paceline.  We will break into small groups and assign an NEBC instructor for each group.  In the parking lot, we will start with a lecture on the responsibility of the lead rider, expectations for rider predictably, the importance of group communication, and how the group should behave on trafficked roads.  We will demonstrate how (and when) the lead rider exchange is to be performed.  Then each group will ride to a mile-long stretch of road nearby to practice this technique, including the exchange of lead riders.  The instructor will accompany the group, providing tips, critiques, etc.  At each end of the road we'll stop to turn around and discuss how to improve the group's performance.

Note that the road session will not be fast, so you may not feel the full advantage of pacelining.  But with practice, as you and your fellow riders gain more experience and speed, you'll have your "Aha!" moment.

Limited Attendance!

Only 10 riders are allowed to be part of this clinic. Sign up today!

REGISTER HERE

***SHARE YOUR RIDE PHOTOS WITH CRW!***
Email them to: media-share@crw.org

Tour of Martha's Vineyard, September 20.