Our Mission: Linking Communities to the Northern Strand Trail
Bike to the Sea is dedicated to forging strong connections between communities and the scenic Northern Strand Trail. We believe in the power of shared pathways to unite neighborhoods, enhance outdoor experiences, and promote healthy, active lifestyles.
Our Vision: Fostering a Culture of Respect and Care
We envision a thriving community that cherishes and respects the Northern Strand Trail. This includes the surrounding cities, towns, and neighborhoods it weaves through, and most importantly, the diverse individuals of all ages and abilities who utilize it. Our goal is to cultivate an environment where everyone can enjoy the trail for transportation, recreation, and the simple joy of being outdoors.
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History: From Community Trail Advocacy to Reality
The spirit of Bike to the Sea echoes back to the 1890s, when the Malden Bicycle Club embarked on cycling trips to Revere Beach. A century later, Bike to the Sea was founded in 1993, carrying on this tradition while broadening its mission. Bike to the Sea, Inc. (B2C) emerged as a charitable, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a focus on promoting bicycling and bicycle safety throughout communities north of Boston. These include Melrose, Medford, Everett, Malden, Revere, Saugus, and Lynn, all linked by the vision of accessible trails.
Our primary focus has been the development and advocacy for the Northern Strand Trail. This remarkable trail follows the route of the former Saugus Branch Railroad, a passenger line active from 1853 to 1958. Stretching 11.5 miles, the trail currently starts behind the Encore casino in Everett, with future plans to extend it to Assembly Row in Somerville and onward to Boston, creating even greater connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians alike. Heading north and east, the Northern Strand Trail passes historical landmarks like the old Maplewood and Linden rail stations, eventually revealing breathtaking views of Rumney Marsh in Revere and Saugus, before culminating at the Lynn waterfront – a true “Bike Sea” experience. Future expansions aim to connect the trail even further to Nahant Beach via a dedicated cycle track, enhancing access to coastal destinations.
Bike to the Sea thrives as a community organization with over 200 members. We regularly organize social and recreational rides to popular destinations like Revere Beach and Nahant Beach, embodying the “bike sea” concept in our activities. Our annual highlight is the “Bike to the Sea” event, held each June. This family-friendly ride, often escorted by local bicycle police, sees over 100 participants cycling towards the coast. Funds raised during B2C Day are crucial, supporting the preliminary design and cost estimation for community trail development, aerial surveys, ongoing trail maintenance, and continued advocacy efforts. B2C volunteers are actively involved in local bicycle safety fairs hosted by schools, Junior Police programs, and the Kiwanis, further promoting bicycle awareness and safety within our communities. Our advocacy extends to safer streets for cyclists, improved bicycle parking at MBTA stations, and encouraging bicycle commuting to Boston, furthering the reach of cycling as a viable transportation option. Bike to the Sea proudly collaborates with organizations like MassBike, Rails to Trails, and the East Coast Greenway, amplifying our impact and working towards a broader network of trails and cycling infrastructure.
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The B2C Bike Kitchen: Your Community Bike Repair Hub
Opening in Spring 2024, The B2C Bike Kitchen will serve as a vital community resource. We will host weekly “shop hours,” providing access to bike stands, a comprehensive range of tools, and affordable or even free spare parts to empower individuals to maintain and repair their bicycles. Knowledgeable volunteers will be present during shop hours to assist with tool and equipment management and to offer guidance and helpful tips for bike maintenance. Additionally, as available, we offer refurbished bicycles for both adults and children, further promoting cycling accessibility within our community. Find us at 158 Canal St. in Malden, and get ready to roll!
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