Program lets Boston Commuters Drive Some, Cycle the Rest

BOSTON (AP) — Commuters who want to avoid Boston’s rush-hour traffic jams now have the option of driving part of the way to work and cycling the rest.

The recently expanded Park & Pedal program offers motorists a chance to park for free at nearly 20 locations near major employment centers, then bike the rest of the way to work. One lot offers access to a bike path along the Charles River to Cambridge and downtown Boston.

Dave Montague, who owns a bicycle manufacturing firm, first approached officials with the idea. He says the program has attracted attention from urban transportation planners as far away as Denmark and New Zealand.

While Boston has strived of late to become more bicycle friendly, suburban residents often live too far away to commute entirely by bike.