Group Bike Ride Planned At Oak Grove Station Amid Orange Line Shutdown

MELROSE, MA — Many along the Orange Line route are breaking out their bikes to dodge potentially crowded buses, roadways and Commuter Rail trains during the Orange Line’s looming 30-day shutdown.

At Oak Grove station in Malden, the Melrose Pedestrian and Cyclist Committee is specifically teaming up with the Boston Cyclists Union to plan a demonstration bike ride to help riders get more comfortable biking in urban areas.

“Thinking about trying out bike commuting for some of your orange line replacement trips?” the committee wrote in a message on Twitter on Thursday morning. “Great!”

The Oak Grove ride is set for Sunday morning at 11 a.m. Participants will embark on what organizers describe as a casually-paced ride from Oak Grove into downtown Boston.

The Boston Cyclists Union has been planning a number of similar events along the Orange Line route, separately running a group ride from the Forest Hills station in Jamaica Plain on Sunday at 10 a.m.

Efforts come as state officials continue to share warnings of severe traffic congestion around Boston as riders of the MBTA’s second busiest subway line look for alternate travel options to and from the city.

Sunday’s planned ride will serve as a practice event for anyone looking to commute by bike more regularly in the coming weeks.

Organizers are planning to have marshalls leading the convey. They will follow a route south through Malden and Everett, crossing over the Mystic River and moving into Boston itself. Participants can then enjoy a planned Open Streets event at Newbury Street in Boston, where most of Newbury Street will be closed to motor vehicle traffic.

Learn more about the event here.