Ringing in Spring
Just like that, it’s bike riding weather! If you haven’t yet, swing by the BUCK to clean and lubricate your chain, pump up your tires, and just generally look at your bike if it’s been parked all winter. Expect April to be on the rainy side, so come see us for help installing fenders or tightening up brakes so stopping feels easy instead of scary. Speaking of which… If you haven’t been to the BUCK all winter, things have changed a little.
- The BUCK is now open 2-7 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and 2-5 on Saturday
- Thursday morning hours have coffee and walk in service from 8-11, and appointment only from 11-2
- Want to guarantee a stand at the BUCK instead of waiting in line? You can book a 45 minute appointment (or two if you need a lot of time)
- Still want to walk in? That’s okay, but you might be asked to wait.
To improve service at the BUCK, we’re limiting the number of visitors we can work with at any given time. If only one staff member is present, we can accept no more than two guests at a time. That increases to three if we have a second employee. If you’re not sure what service or parts you need, come in for an assessment and someone will help you make a shopping list. Anyone can walk in for registration, air, lube, lights, and helmets any time. Feel free to check out our library while you wait. Thank you for your patience as we streamline our service.
The Events:
4/8 Tuesday 5:00-7:00PM
Intro to Route Planning
Kilo3, route planner for Critical Mass, shows us how to get from point a to point b. Deep dives into route planning software, considerations, and navigation tools. Handout provided!
4/19 Saturday Noon-2:00PM
Bringing in Spring
April group ride with BCU. Starting at the Grove in Lower Allston, and ending at the BU Cycle Kitchen, this route will tour some local community gardens!
Route available here!
4/22 Tuesday 5:00-7:00PM
Intro to Bikepacking
Andrew from Queers on Wheels teaches us how to outfit + pack a bike and plan a trip!
4/23 Wednesday 6:30-7:30PM
Transit Letter Writing w/ BUrbanists
The Boston University Urbanists will host a letter writing event to our elected officials to show them how much safe streets and transit matter to students.
4/26 Saturday 10:00AM-2:00PM
Babes Bike Books
The BUCK and Femmechanics join forces again for independent bookstore day. All folks of marginalized genders are welcome to ride in this scavenger hunt to celebrate the written word, and keep information in the hands of the people.
Pre-register for Babes. Books. Boston!
Thursdays:
now with two reasons to visit.
Coffee: 8-11 am
Appointments: available 11-2
For those longer, more in depth repairs that need individual attention, or group workshops. Schedule in advance by email, or come for an assessment during other open hours.
Bike Room Closings
Spring just started, but it’s not too early to start thinking about the summer! The BUCK is offering our summer storage service once again, as our bike rooms will close for the summer on the following dates:
- Howard Thurman Bike Room: April 30th
- Harry Agganis Way Bike Cage, Rich Hall Racks, Nickerson Field Racks: May 10th
- All remaining Bike Facilities: 5/31
Bikes: Reminder: do not leave bicycles or scooters in BU bike rooms over the summer. Unauthorized bikes left in bike rooms will be impounded.
Any bikes or scooters left in these spaces after the above dates will have their locks cut and they will be impounded. Summer bike room use is only for those living or working on campus over the summer (email bikes@bu.edu for details).
Surrender and Storage Service (SaSS):
For those who wish to leave their bike or scooter at BU over the summer, the BU Cycle Kitchen offers a Storage and Surrender Service (“BUCK SaSS”).
- Bring your bike or scooter to Booth Theater Plaza (820 Comm Ave) on one of the following dates:
- Friday, May 2, from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday, May 3, from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Friday, May 9, from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday, May 10, from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Pay $50 via credit card
- Pick your bike/scooter up September 5, 6, 12, 13 and receive $25 back
If you’re not returning to campus, surrender your bike at the same days and times and the BUCK will make sure it gets put to good use. Visit the BUCK SaSS page for more details.