News & Updates
Do you bike to work?
BU Employees who bike to work are encouraged to join us next Thursday evening (Feb. 1st) for our Employee Bike Commuter Meetup (event info).
NEW Micromobility Device Guidelines
Safety is important when riding your bike or scooter. It's also important when storing them. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with BU’s new Micromobility Guidelines.
Here are the basics:
– bikes and scooters should never be ridden or stored in common areas, hallways, dining halls, or classrooms
– only registered bikes and scooters can be stored in dorm rooms, offices, and secure bike rooms
– electric-powered devices must bear the mark of UL-certification in order to be registered
– violation of these guidelines may result in impound of your bike or scooter
BUCK will be closed from 12/21 until 1/2
The BU Cycle Kitchen's last day before break will be Wednesday 12/20. We will reopen on Tuesday, 1/2.
But we've got one more event before winter break! Join us tomorrow (Tuesday) at 5pm for a screening of Klunkerz, a fun 2006 documentary about the early days of what we now call "mountain biking" in Marin County, California. C'mon by for a study break. We'll have popcorn.
Femmechanics Pop-up at the BUCK
Next Wednesday, the BUCK is hosting our friends from Commonwheels and Femmechanics from 6-9pm. Commonwheels typically holds open shops outdoors in the Allston/Brighton area during warmer months, as well as group rides and other events. Look for more crossovers with them in the future! In fact, our very first time hosting people in this space was during Commonwheels' Rat Race back in August.
Femmechanics hosts pop-up open shop nights (and other events) in various spaces around Boston to provide a space by and for FTW folks to service their bikes and build community together! Come check it out, prep your bike for winter, and make some new friends.
December at the BUCK!
Can you believe the semester is almost over? Me either. As you wind down to go home for winter break, swing by the BUCK and make sure your bike or scooter is registered so you can park inside while you're away and protect yourself from rust and salt. The bike room on Buick St has lots of space for this purpose!
December brings us not one, but two regular Tuesday night events! We're handing out lights on the corner of Babcock and Comm from 5-7p for the rest of the semester. We need your help to make it a success! Sign up to volunteer HERE and bring your friends. Cocoa or tea is provided in exchange for your time.
Secondly, this month we're piloting a pop up collaboration with the folks at Boston Pro Scooter. Scootie Tuesdays will happen 4-6p throughout the month of December. While the BUCK is equipped to handle most mechanical needs, our experience with scooters is limited. Let the experts cure what ails ya and keep your scooter rolling all year round.
On campus Thursday mornings? BUCK opens at 7am to provide you with fresh hot coffee, tea or cocoa and to help you attend to all your upkeep tasks before the weekend.
Our regular event offerings are limited this month, but if you're sick of studying and exams, let us break up your time. On Saturday the 16th from 11-1, don your best ugly sweater and come for a ride! 5-8 miles, party pace. Then, Tuesday the 19th, there'll be popcorn and a movie from 5-7. Your ugly sweater is welcome then, too.
Don't forget, the winter months are the best time to catch up on overdue maintenance. If there's something that's been bothering you all term, come on in and we will help you sort it out! Happy Winter!
Scootie Tuesdays
In addition to our regularly scheduled service hours, the folks from Boston Pro Scooter will be on hand Tuesday afternoons from 4-6 through the month of December. Roll on over to them for diagnosis and service of whatever ails your scooter. While scooters are always welcome at the BUCK, our experience with them is limited, and we can't handle electronics. These folks are experts, and they're happy to help. Bring your cups, we'll have festive beverages on hand, too!
Thanksgiving Hours
This week, please note the following changes to our hours:
| Transportation Services | Cycle Kitchen | ||
| Monday | 11/20 | 9am-5pm | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 11/21 | 9am-5pm | 1pm-7pm |
| Wednesday | 11/23 | 9am-3pm | CLOSED |
| Thursday | 11/24 | CLOSED | CLOSED |
| Friday | 11/25 | CLOSED | CLOSED |
| Saturday | 11/26 | CLOSED | CLOSED |
Regular hours resume next week.
Update your Bluebike app before 11/27
Follow these instructions to update your Bluebike app. Your bike key and app will not work after 11/27 unless this update is completed.
November Happenings
The leaves have mostly fallen, and so too has the pressure in your tires! Be sure to come by the BUCK to check and make sure you have enough air to combat flats.
Speaking of road conditions, the street surfaces are getting slipperier between the rain and all the fallen leaves. Stop in Saturday 11/4 for an all day brake check clinic, and we'll keep you stopping safely.
If you do happen to catch a flat, or want to be prepared in case of the worst, we'll be offering a flat fixing clinic, sending everyone home with a set of tire levers and a patch kit, plus plenty of practice. Tuesday 11/14 5:30-6:30
Despite the weather's best efforts, there will be a November group ride! Transit Matters has an exhibit at the Boston Public Library, so we'll explore a round trip route so you can check it out at your convenience. Saturday 11/18 11-1
If you're planning to ride year round, come meet other winter commuters! Trade tips and tricks about layering, equipment, maintenance, and what to practice before the road surface starts to freeze. Hot beverages will be available Tuesday 11/28 5:30-6:30
Ongoing events:
As the sun drops lower, we're reminded that a new state law passed in April requiring both front and rear lights 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise. If you find yourself caught after dark, our lights brigade will be out Tuesday nights 5-7pm to lead you home safely. They'll also have a pump and lubrication to ease your commute. We would love additional hands giving them out if you've got time!
And for those dark mornings, come by Thursdays from 7-9am, because coffee, tea, or cocoa can jump start your day. The shop is open during those hours for drop in fixes, too.
Finally, the BUCK will be closed Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of Thanksgiving week. If you need anything before break, be sure to come by Tuesday, or we'll see you on the other side.
Dude, where’s my bike/scooter?
As the fall semester is in full swing, we're seeing more and more bicycles and scooters all over campus. When you lock up for meals, class, or social time, please remember to park your transportation locked ONLY to bicycle racks, parking meters, or sign posts. When you leave, tuck your wheels out of the way so they're not blocking access to sidewalks or bicycle lanes for the safety of others and your own items. Bikes and scooters found locked to trees, benches, or otherwise obstructing the right of way may be subject to removal.
We're working diligently to identify locations for new bike racks. In the meantime, if you're looking for secure covered parking, especially as we move into the winter season, come by the BUCK to register your device and access our secure parking rooms!