You may have seen signs indicating a bike route in the system without even knowing what it was. | Graphics via USBRS
Did you know that an extensive system of bicycle routes exists in the US, including one segment here in Boston?
The US Bicycle Route System (USBRS) is a network of numbered, developing bike trails that are officially approved by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Currently, the network features 19,000+ miles of bike routes, but it’s not pumping the brakes there; USBRS’s goal is to eventually establish a 50,000-mile bike route network that connects all of America.
While some of these routes span hundreds of miles, you don’t need years of training to take advantage of them — check out trails local to us and explore how you might use them.
Know before you go
While the routes are open to all, most are designed for cyclists 16 or older who have at least a few years of bicycling experience. In other words, this isn’t where you should teach little Sally to ride a bike. Stick to local parks for that.
Not all routes are marked with signs, and route conditions can vary.
A red line on an individual route map indicates a shared roadway, while a green line indicates an off-road path.
Loops: Starts and ends at the Museum of Science, following the Charles River.
Where it can take you: This USBR loop starts and ends in Boston + does not connect to other routes.
Short ride: Start at the museum, cross the Harvard Bridge, and loop back to the museum for a quick, 4.5-mile ride. From spring through late fall, you can make a pit stop ~1 mile in at the riverfront Night Shift Brewing location, Night Shift Esplanade.
Long ride: Take the full, 17.8-mile USBR 1 loop, starting at the Museum of Science and passing Back Bay, Fenway Park, Boston University, Harvard, and MIT. Make it a staycation and end your trip at the Royal Sonesta Boston, or just check out other ways to explore the Charles River.
A. < 5 miles; I’ll stick to the park. B. 5-20 miles; I love a slightly longer ride around the city. C. 20-74 miles; I’d enjoy riding to a nearby town. D. 75-150 miles; I’ll head to my weekend getaway via bike.
GISB Minis: Bilingual Playgroup | Monday, April 29 | 9-10:30 a.m. | German International School Boston, 57 Holton St., Boston | A free playgroup for parents, guardians, and children from ages 0-3 to expose them to the German language.
Glass Flowers | Monday, April 29-Thursday, May 9 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St., Cambridge | $0-$15 |This new exhibit showcases educational models of plants.
Tuesday, April 30
Meet Boston Regional Career Fair | Tuesday, April 30 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1 Ave. de Lafayette, Boston | Free | Job seekers can connect with employers in hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, and more.
Sum 41: “Tour of the Setting Sum” | Tuesday, April 30 | 7 p.m. | MGM Music Hall at Fenway, 2 Lansdowne St., Boston | $55-$118 | The band brings their “Tour of the Setting Sum” to Boston.
Wednesday, May 1
Bike Seaport | Wednesday, May 1 | 7:30-11:30 a.m. | Seaport Common, 85 Northern Ave., Boston | Free | Join Landry’s Bicycles for complimentary bike check-ups on the Seaport Common — registration is required.
Thursday, May 2
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater | Thursday, May 2-Sunday, May 5 | Times vary | Boch Center, 270 Tremont St., Boston | $29-$95 | The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to Boston.
Friday, May 3
Inspired by the Sea: Works by Deidre Tao | Friday, May 3-Tuesday, May 7 | Times vary | StoveFactory Gallery, 523 Medford St., Charlestown | Free | An art exhibition featuring the work of Deidre Tao that is inspired by the New England coastline.
Unwind after a day of exploring Martha’s Vineyard and roaming Herring Cove Beach with a memorable stay at AutoCamp Cape Cod, right by the scenic Atlantic shore. | Photo provided by AutoCamp
Looking for an outdoor escape without the hassle of traditional camping? Enter: AutoCamp Cape Cod — an elevated outdoor lodging experience that offers the perfect blend of nature and comfort.
Cozy up in a wide range of accommodation options, like:
Custom-designed Airstream suites
Premium cabins with outdoor spaces + fire pits
Luxury tents with access to spa-inspired bathrooms
Guests enjoy access to the clubhouse for games, happy hours, live music, and wellness classes.
Pro tip: Use code PROS23 for up to 25% off all dates in April and May.
Looks like H Mart could be heading to Somerville. The Asian supermarket is slated to bring its latest outpost to Davis Square at 240 Elm St., per employees at the Burlington and Cambridge locations. Though it is not yet official, the grocer may open as soon as this summer. (The Tufts Daily)
Sports
In Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs on Saturday, the Celtics beat the Miami Heat with a score of 104-84. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown scored 22 points each, along with 10 rebounds and six assists from Tatum. The Celtics lead the series 2-1, with Game 4 this evening in Miami at 7:00 p.m. (7 News)
Open
Legal Sea Foods Harborside‘s rooftop deck and bar is once again open. Featuring retractable floor-to-ceiling windows for 180-degree views of Boston Harbor, the Seaport District location boasts redesigned decor in silver and ocean blue with brass accents. The menu added more sushi options and a raw bar, as well as specialty cocktails.
Sports
The Bruins triumphed over the Maple Leafs 3-1 on Saturday in Game 4 of the NHL Playoffs. Putting the Bruins ahead in the series with a 3-1 lead, it’s the second postseason that they return to town with the same advantage. Game 5 takes place tomorrow at TD Garden at 7:00 p.m. (Boston.com)
Biz
Danish toy manufacturer LEGO is relocating its American offices to Boston from Enfield, CT. According to LEGO Group chief executive Niels B. Christiansen, the company has hired 100 new employees in Boston, and is planning to hire for additional roles beginning next spring. The full transition is expected to be completed by 2026. (The Boston Globe)
Transit
Multiple MBTA Red Line stops will be closed for track work from May 2 to May 10. Shuttle buses will be available for riders between the Park Street and JFK/UMass stops. Shuttles will also be extended to the Ashmont stop after 8:30 p.m. Commuter Rail usage is encouraged and several stops will be free.
Anyone who has played with LEGOs (Fun fact: LEGO calls them LEGO bricks ) knows that building a structure or scene with these blocks is not only fun but educational.
So many sets have been released over the years for building practically anything you could ever imagine — from a Medieval town square to an orchid or the Taj Mahal.
Along with monuments and pop culture staples, LEGO has locations within its Postcard collection. As LEGO’s American head offices are expected to come to Boston by 2026, we noticed that our city hasn’t been included — yet.
We have some ideas for you, LEGO, as to Boston sets we’d love to see:
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