I love this bike path. So scenic, you go through so many towns, it's flat, it's quiet, it's never overly crowded, and yet there seems to always be just enough people where you don't feel completely alone either. I use this bike path for my long runs and I love it. There's also great signage posted along the route. It goes from Alewife train station to Bedford, MA. I should bring my bike and/or lace up my roller skates in the warmer months! read more

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Today I ran minuteman bikeway 7 miles. The name is bikeway but you can walk, run or bike! Nice to have such a long distance multi purpose path. Arlington section is much quieter than Somerville community path. Wish there were more blue bike stations beyond Arlington. read more

Love the Minuteman Bikeway! No matter what level you are in terms of cycling, this is a great, well-maintained, safe biking path near Boston. Plus, it's super convenient to access - we were coming from Newton and it was a pretty seamless link from the Watertown-Cambridge Greenway. It's about 14 miles from the Alewife T to the Bedford Depot, with plenty of on/off points (I particularly appreciated the 0.5 mile markers). The path hits a number of cool parks and historical landmarks, including Spy Pond, Arlington Great Meadows, Lexington Center, Parker Meadow - you can certainly make a day of biking and checking out each of the stops. Plus, there are a number of places along the route to stop, take a break, and grab a bite to eat, including Kickstand, Wicked Bagels, Craft food hall, etc. That said, I would come as early as possible, especially when the weather's nice. The pathway gets congested and whether you're a cyclist or pedestrian, you need to be generally aware of your surroundings. I almost careened into someone when I was trying to pass him on the left and he veered right in front of me. Plus, you definitely have some cyclists who, let's say, seem to be trying out for the Tour de France. The path is generally smooth with some bumpy, rocky parts, as well as a few points where we had to cross a road and wait for a car to stop and let us pass. read more

This bikeway is easily accessible at Alewife T. There are several Bluebikes docks nearby, all the way up to the spy pond area. It is a mix of up and downhill so you get to rest and peddle hard. The views are great in the fall. Recommend going early as it can get really crowded. Good for walking or biking. read more

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Reading the reviews, it seems a common theme is the folks with decked out gear who look like they're training for the Tour de France. I had no issue with these guys. I was on a bicycle myself, but nowhere near as decked out. The bike path is far enough from the city so your not dodging traffic, but not completely away from civilization. There're no port-a-potties, but there is a small handful places to stop, rest, eat, etc. along the way. Bike path was of an appropriate width, clean, and well maintained (other than some missing mile markers). It also had some benches along the way, and a bike maintenance stand near Alewife and a bike shop somewhere along the middle. These are at the crossings with roads, but this is my main critique: lack of signage. Most of the core songs were just straight across, others required a little zig-zag, and one massive intersection where some signs would have helped. Look to the CCRT (Cape Cod Rail Trail); at their crossing, signs pointing the way are present and conspicuous. read more

Minuteman Bikeway - The end in Bedford - Parks Near Me - Bedford, Massachusetts

Great bikepath from city to suburbs. Heavily utilized. Paved well, and good landmarks on the way.

Hey, hey - I just got a bike. So yesterday, I took it on the Minuteman Bike Trail I've walked so many times. The trail is totally rad, with two discernable lanes along most of the stretch. It's quiet with welcome interruptions from the occasional pond, park or athletic field. Need air or tips on chain maintenance? Check the Bike Stop in Arlington. Ok, wait. Why am I reviewing a bike trail? I'm new to the sport and have nothing to compare it to. It's probably hard to screw up a unitasker like a path anyway. Point A, point B - connect them. What next, a PortaPotty? Alas, I like the way this nature calls and the rustic comfort of a non-motorized run is just plain awesome. Five star awesome. Fast fact: In one span of the trail, I counted 21 cyclists sans helmet, while 26 protected the dome. read more

I can't think of a better place to go on a sunny (warm!) spring day like today. The Minuteman Trail runs right in front of my house and I had to just stare at it all winter long while it was covered in snow. (It's never plowed or treated in the winter, though cross-country skiiers would enjoy it then.) Now that it's getting nice again, the trail is getting busy with pedestrians, bicyclists and runners, as well as the occasional teenagers who like to stroll around and get in everyone else's way. If you're a runner or a walker, be sure to stay to the right and always be aware of the bikers. I've seen some pretty near crashes because people pass without looking. That said, it really is a great trail with lots of outlets to get to nearby shopping areas and sights. I use it to walk to the local CVS rather than walk along the street, just so I can enjoy the trees, stream and generally nicer scenery along the way. read more

Minuteman Bikeway - Parks Near Me - Bedford, Massachusetts

I love Minuteman Bikeway. It helps me keep my reflexes in check, make sure that my legs aren't going lame. For example, when I see the bikers drawing near I take a swift leap into the shrubbery in order to preserve my life. Often I give up trying to battle the bikers, at which point my nocturnal instincts kick in and I burrow myself into a hole I have found to be quite comfortable. read more

If you've cycled or walked this path and are now reading this, you likely have the patience and restraint of Ghandi, because you (a) didn't take someone's life (unless of course you got away with it--then by all means kudos to you) (b) weren't at all phased by the lycra-wearing arrogant cyclists on their $4K Carbon Fiber Trek blasting down the path at 20+ MPH and shouting at anyone who dares to creep towards the center of the lane (c) didn't need to be fitted for a straight-jacket after narrowly escaping death as dogs, small children, moms with double-wide strollers and clueless plugged-into-their-iPhones wearing pedestrians casually and carelessly leap or creep out in front of you as you narrowly escape a crash and are tossed over your handlebars. Aside from that, it's a nice, yet crowded, path that has two bike shops along it's trail (one in Bedford and one in Arlington), multiple spots where you can get off the trail for a bite to eat, a rest or beverage. It's a clean, safe path (aside from the routine offenders mentioned in previous paragraph), and it beats risking your life on the streets of the Boston 'burbs where the distracted drivers are too busy texting and driving to notice the bicycle they are about to trample. read more

I brought an expensive bicycle recently for the sole purpose of using it at the Minuteman Bikeway. That's how much I liked it. I used to inline skate here but the hills exhausted me. read more

This is one of the most dangerous places to be a pedestrian or a family. Bikers behave as if they own the path and pass in two foot gaps at full speed. There should be speed limits posted and enforced to encourage thoughtful bikers to use the path. There is no decorum and bikers ride upwards of 30 mph regardless of how heavily trafficked the path is at a given time. Last night, while walking very much in the correct lane, I was accosted and harassed by a middle aged man who turned his bike and rode in front of me, stopping me from walking around him and reaching for my headphone cord so he could impress upon me how wrong I was for walking that far left. He continued to follow me despite me explicitly saying that I was scared and preparing to mace him or call the cops. He followed me for a distance before a female jogger ran up beside me and stayed next to me. Dozens of others simply carried on. This happened in broad daylight. Not a biker problem per se, it was definitely specific to this particular man, but highly indicative of the sort of culture the bikers foster on the path: entitlement and disregard for the safety of anyone other than themselves. Bikers wishing to go faster than 15 mph should use the parallelbike lane on Mass Ave in Arlington, and more enforcement should be a priority for the town. Bikers should also consider that the terror they feel when a car ignores them to blow by is the same as what I feel when they nearly run down my dog or me. Unfortunately, it is the only way for pedestrians in Arlington to reach the t; bikers have safe alternatives. I would like to also add that there was a major accident recently, in which a tourist ended up with a broken limb because a biker who inaccurately thinks the path is just for him was taking a blind curve in the actual wrong lane. This is horrific and bikers should be ashamed read more

Since the reviews so far are fairly complete on the wonders of this place, I will only add a safety tip: you can never over-communicate here. I took a 16 mile bike ride with my boyfriend on Sunday, and we noticed there were some instances where it was helpful for us to talk to the people around us. Especially over bridges or through narrow sections of the path, yelling over a friendly, "approaching on your left" is a courteous gesture. People will admire you from afar even if you get no 'thank you' back. Something that worked for me happened when I noticed I was going to share the road through an approaching bridge with a running couple. As a safety precaution, I slowed down a little and noted to them that I was passing on the left. I got a wave and thank you back, which not only made my day, but let me know that acknowledging the presence of the people around you is an important part of making this experience pleasant for everyone. Something I saw that didn't work involved a near run-in of two walkers and a line of bikers. A man and his young son on a bicycle-built-for-two were attempting to pass walkers who were two abreast. I noticed the biker provided a foot of space between himself and the walkers, and didn't give the women any signal that he was about to pass. So when the man swerved and nearly hit the pedestrian, he swore in front of his kid. I'm sure it didn't even register with the tike, but seriously, it wasn't a great example of parenting. It was possible that the guy didn't think he needed to make people aware of his presence and then just panicked at the last minute. read more

Minuteman Bikeway - behind Alewife - Parks Near Me - Bedford, Massachusetts

We're lucky to have a gem like the Minuteman Bikeway in our 'hood. Sure, it could be longer. Sure, it could be wider. Sure, we could ban the rollerbladers and their enormous strides. But honestly, it's pretty damn awesome. Especially in the summer, the trail is a haven for runners, walkers, families, rollerbladers, and cyclists, all trying to co-exist. Though people are generally fairly amicable, tensions do rise, and fists are occasionally shaken. You've been warned. As a runner, I love the path for its gradual inclines, pleasant scenery, and predictability. As a wanderer, I appreciate that it connects me to many friends' houses and keeps me off the roads. As a cyclist, it really depends: In the summer time, though always gorgeous, it can be stressful and road-rage-inducing (it's hard not to get annoyed when you're on a bike trying to pass a row of women with strollers walking 3 across). But in the winter, it's paradise. No one else is there, and you're free to ride slow, ride fast, race, sprint, jump, or take a wacky new bike out for a spin without the fear that if you fall, it will be into someone's baby. (Eek!!!) There's talk of extending the Minuteman into Boston (the plans are made, they just need to get on it), and frankly, I can't wait! There is nothing more frustrating than coming to that point, just past Porter Square, when suddenly the path just ends and you're left scratching your head. Even so, the fact that it runs all the way from Cambridge/ Somerville, through Arlington and Lexington, and into Bedford is a real treat... I'll take what I can get! read more

Wow. I really hate this path. Okay, not the path itself, which is a pretty, if standard, rails-to-trails type path. I dislike the riders. Every damn one of them. They take themselves WAY too seriously: the elaborate biking outfits, the expensive (and thus, very quiet) bicycles, the I'm-in-training pace. The pathological inability to call out a clear, polite, "On your left." It's like they are all pretending they are the only person who had the bright idea to bicycle in the western suburbs of Boston. Then there are the folks who stop in the middle of the path to do repairs. Or chat. Or drink water. Or chase their kids. And that's just people who are out on the weekends. At weekday rush hour the whole path is infused with a special, cyclist-commuter version of road rage. And half the people using this path (for any form of locomotion, at any given time) are wearing headphones. Real safe, people. No wonder no one hails. I've used trails like this to ride substantial distances up and down the Eastern Seaboard and this is the only one I've ever lost interest in. I don't recommend this path for any form of recreation: walking, jogging, bicycling. Oh, except Mass-hole bingo. Buy a lemonade/hot cocoa, park yourself at a bench on the sidelines and you can play lightning rounds. read more

Adrenaline coursed through my veins. The overhanging greenery flowed past at tremendous speed. Ahead, the man on the pink bike descended over a hill and out of view. I had trailed him for what seemed like a lifetime. Actually it had been around 45 minutes, beginning on the winding streets of Cambridge and continuing onto the Minuteman Bikeway. Twice I thought I would overtake him, but failed. The second time I was almost caught in a disastrous collision with a mother and her twin babies. I narrowly avoided her double-wide jogging stroller, throwing myself wildly into the shrubbery and gashing my shins. Now I was closing on him again... I could hear the mechanical rhythm of his legs, compressed in expensive spandex shorts, as they turned the pedals with seemingly inexhaustible power. His twin taillights flashed in an annoying discordant rhythm, taunting me. "On Your Left" I growled as I passed an elderly couple riding a tandem bike. Could he hear me approaching? Did he realize I had come back from almost certain tragedy, and was now just a few meters behind him? The rushing of the wind was my only answer. Suddenly the man on the pink bike sat upright and for the first time I realized he was exceptionally tall. His bike slowed to a stop and he extended his long legs to the ground. He looked like Larry Bird. I glided effortlessly to his left and passed into the open expanse of the bikeway. Joy flooded my heart. Finally, I had won!! I pedaled hard for another minute or two, soaking in the sense of freedom and relief. My Nemesis had been vanquished. All my hard work finally paid off! And then I was alone. An emptiness overwhelmed me. I stopped my bike and looked over my shoulder. The bikeway was enveloped in a dark green mass. Victory had left me defeated, still searching. I turned around and headed back in the direction I had come, looking to see if the man with the pink bike was still on the trail... read more

Myth: the Minuteman Trail is flat. Fact: okay, it's not Mt. Washington, but it offers a gradual climb towards Bedford. Myth: the Minuteman Trail is packed with bikers, in-line skaters, children, dogs, strollers and loiterers. Fact: okay, it's mobbed; maybe go on a weekday. The paved trail follows the old Boston & Maine Railroad line from Davis Square through Arlington and Lexington to Bedford, and is about 20 miles out and back. Perfect for marathon training. read more

Was supposed to have the Red Line under it all the way to 128, but Arlington didn't want "those people" coming in on the subway and taking their TVs (because you know what kind of people ride subways!). Can't ride it without thinking of the missed opportunity that will not likely present itself again in our lifetimes. As a bike path, though, it's a nice route, flat and grade-separated most of the way, which means you can generally pick up good speed. People generally keep to the right, and signs periodically remind susers of this (those who don't often find out the hard way anyway). I'd like a few more signs and maps along the way -- Iget tired of the same old route and want to come back a different way at times, but it's sometimes hard to figure out where you are. When you get to the end in Bedford, ask around for directions to the unpaved extension that goes 4 miles to Concord -- you really need to know where to look. But it's much more woodsy and idyllic, with a national wildlife refuge complete with birdwatching tower along the way. read more

Other cities are all like, "hey, let's take this unused train track and turn it into a multi-use path!" and the Boston area is like, "hey, we did that years ago, losers!" Enter: the Minuteman BIkeway, which uses the former right-of-way for Bedford/Lexington rail service as a biking and walking path for the public. In terms of bike paths, it really doesn't get much nicer than the Minuteman. It's a wide, flat, paved path has a few deceptively downhill/uphill portions (notice how tired your legs get during the Arlington section, or coming back from Bedford!) but is generally a great place for an easy ride or to build your skills. Beware: on not-sweltering, sunny weekends in the summer, this path is PACKED! There are lots of families and pedestrians, especially in the Cambridge/Arlington sections, so be prepared to pass or slow down a lot. If you want to do a speed run on your road bike, you're better off during a weekday or even after work. The path connects Alewife station at the end of the red line in North Cambridge to the old Bedford Depot in Bedford. It's about ten miles end-to-end, and twenty round trip. But the real beauty in this path are the connections: it connects to the Alewife Linear Park/Somerville Community Path at its Cambridge end (be aware that you will need to cut through Davis Square to get to the Community Path), though the connection means you can, in theory, ride continuously from Lowell Street in Spring Hill all the way to Bedford. And once the (mystical?) GLX Community Path comes to fruition, you'll be able to ride from the West End of Boston/Lechmere all the way to Bedford! On the Bedford end, there are a bunch of trail/road options. The Bedford-Billerica narrow gauge rail trail is particularly devoid of any other humans and unbelievably beautiful, though it's mostly unpaved and calls for thicker tires than road bike tires. Get off the trail in Lexington and ride roads to Walden Pond in Concord, or ride the unpaved trails at the Minuteman Historical Park. There are also trails off of the path itself in Arlington that explore Arlington's Great Meadow. There are a handful of bike and provisions shops near or on the trail itself. Perhaps more importantly, the trail passes through the heart of Arlington and abuts Mass Ave in Lexington, so if an ice cream break is calling your name, you've got choices. And at the end of the trail in Bedford, there's a small shop inside the Depot where you can stock up on bike maps, cold water, post cards, snacks, etc. and there's also a public restroom. read more

This is a great path in a lot of ways. I live right near the Somerville extension path and in a few short minutes I can be on my way towards Bedford. It's a pretty well maintained mixed-use path, and it's pretty flat. It's nice for days when you're looking for a leisurely ride, or to really pick up some speed. You do have to cross over some streets (and at one point you should dismount your bike to get across Mass Ave), but it's mostly straight with nice of nature surrounding the path. I've used this path for biking and running alike and mostly enjoy it. Along the way there's a Starbucks, Trader Joes, a couple of bike shops, and easy exit from the path in case you need a bathroom or anything like that. It's always been great for long runs because I know that I have places to fill up my water bottle if need be. I don't think I have seen any water fountains, though that doesn't mean that they aren't there. Could just be that I haven't noticed them. The problem is that it gets REALLY crowded. Understanding that it's a mixed use path, I try to have some patience with runners when I'm biking and cyclists when I'm running. Most people know to stay to the right and will nudge over if you say "on your left," but not always. Last weekend I pretty much played chicken with a five year old who couldn't keep a straight line. I had nowhere to go - as turning right would put me into a ditch and left into other riders. My suggestion is to go on off times of the day, or maybe when the weather isn't picture perfect. You'll probably have a nicer (and faster) ride or run! read more

While I may have written a review of my love of the Boston Sports Club in my neighborhood, I don't love it enough to work out indoors when it's beautiful out. This Sunday was the perfect day to skip the usual Sunday morning spinning class and strap the bikes to the car and head out for a ride. There are total pros and cons to this bike path, the biggest con being the people traffic that you can hit in certain areas, like around Arlington and Lexington center. With those cons definitely comes pros though, such as palces to stop for drinks, lunch, restrooms etc. This week was a start near Arlington center, a stop in Lexington (where there are bikes rakc to lock up your bike) for iced tea, and then back on the bikes until the end of the trail. On the way back my stomach started grumbling, which was the perfect excuse to stop for lunch. A quick slice of pizza and a small salad at Uppercrust and my stomach was happy again. Next time I think I'll plan better though, pack a lunch and splurge on ice cream! So about 17 miles of biking, a great lunch, perfect weather, a relaxing afternoon and no spinning instructor yelling at me to go faster. That's what I call a wonderful Sunday. read more

This 11 mile historic trail starts/ends at Bedford, runs through Lexington near Lexington Center, and starts/ends at Arlington near Alewife T station. It is a relatively flat, shaded, well maintained trail that is a rare find. A great place to walk alone in peace during the less busy winter times or a crowded trail packed with runners, bikers, mommies with strollers, walkers, dogs, and skaters who all elbow for space but that is the charm: this is a share communal space that anyone can enjoy. read more

This is a beautiful path, I have walked along it a bunch of times with the baby I watch. We take strolls along it and it's just awesome. It goes so long too it's like it just keeps going in both directions! Crazy, it's an easy path and every one is kind enough on sharing the road. The only part I HAAAATE as a driver, not a walker is the Lake Street cross over, bikers f'n FLY through it, yes I slow down, as the person driving in front of me is but damn just because you ride a bike does not give you God's walk on water ability, slow the F down. read more

The Minuteman Bikeway is definitely more of a way to get somewhere rather than a destination, but its flatness and accessibility makes it a good place to run or take the pup. We usually park in Lexington and hop on the trail either going towards Alewife or Concord. Definitely busy during summer months, nice to come in the evening. read more

While much of my life I have only lived minutes from the Minuteman Bikeway it was just this past Saturday that I was blessed to experience it for the first time. We started in Lexington center and walked towards Cambridge for about an hour. The bikeway was busy as it was Saturday on a holiday weekend but was still very enjoyable. Such a great spot to walk, bike or Rollerblade. Tip, bring your own water as I did not see one fountain the whole walk. read more

Bike path + Boston? Minuteman Trail is probably the first thing that comes to mind. Apparently the most used bike path in the US! It's an 11 mile ride from Arlington to Bedford and people commute year round on here. It's super convenient, starting at the Alewife train station. If you're driving, there's plenty of free parking along the street of the bike path, as well as parking lots. There's not much in terms of scenery unless you like peeping into people's backyards. It's mostly cyclists, but you'll see a handful of bladers and runners. It's also a flat trail. It's pretty well maintained, with minor cracks in the pavement here and there but they're not marked so watch out! I like how you can take a break in Lexington Square, grab some snacks or treat yourself to some froyo. Lots of intersections you have to cross and a HUGE one at Arlington Center. This is definitely THE bike path for those living in Boston. p.s. If this is too short, there's actually more trail at the Bedford end, check out the map once you reach the end. We did some offroading on the Reformatory Branch Trail and that was a nice change to the normal paved rides. read more

I used to ride this at 3 am to the end and back. I was a little crazy, but it's safe day or night, and is a good simple smooth ride. I also like that you can roller skate on it and not tumble over cracked pavement. People are considerate and good about letting you pass them and stay on the right side. Now that I live so close to it, I am a little pissed I have to go so out of my way to get on it. Why are there not more on off points? It would allow more people to experience and explore different parts of different towns. read more

I rode my hybrid Specialized from the Bedford end to Alewife and back yesterday with a friend. We parked at the Bedford Depot which was really easy to get to with plenty of parking available. We really enjoyed this 20 mile round trip paved trail. Trees line the bikeway which was perfect given the heat yesterday. The scenery and trail itself is beautiful even though you are passing through some resident's backyards. I loved that there was a bike shop right on the trail in Arlington. Before that we passed the back entrance of Trader Joes/Starbucks. Once we entered the Arlington downtown area, we stopped for lunch before Alewife and heading back. After finishing the trail, we treated ourselves to Bedford Farms Ice Cream right down the road. Phenomenal. I'll definitely be going back here considering how accessible it is by car and T. It took us 30 minutes to drive to Bedford from East Boston. read more

I recently started biking and I am obsessed with the Minuteman Bike Path. It's straight, fairly flat, and filled with people who are happy to be there. On a beautiful spring day, there is no better place to be in Massachusetts. Yes, it gets crowded, but that is purely because of its awesomeness. The scenery is beautiful, people are friendly, and you can ride for miles without having to deal with traffic. Plus, the train car in Bedford? So cool. read more

Lexington plows its section in the winter. When you're tired of your stationary bike or if you are not a die-hard all-weather road rider the Minuteman is a five star option. Sections west of Mass Ave can be icy due to melting snow but between Hartwell Road and Mass Ave conditions are excellent. During the warmer months I avoid it on weekends due to crowds. There are many commuters and walkers between 7-8 AM, so be prepared to take it easy at times. And I always appreciate it if someone coming from behind says "left," "behind you," or "hi!" read more

Good in principle, but not quite so good in practice. I suppose that this is a good commuter path, but there are much nicer ways to ride to Lexington or Concord. On weekends, it is full of slow riders who don't know what they are doing and are always stopping. Plus, it crosses the road in a bunch of places, and those are ripe for accidents. When I'm biking out there, I take the surface roads. read more

Took another spin on the Bikeway, this time during the afternoon on a 90 degree Thursday. There were far less people and you could really clock. It was pretty fun, honestly. read more

I anticipate taking a spin on the Minuteman Trail tonight, but I dread the thought of dogs running out into the trail, kids on tricycles who can't hold a line, and LOTS and LOTS of people who will likely be out in packs this weekend. Alas (and *sigh*) the full trail (from Alewife to Bedford) is something like 11 miles long, is flat, and paved, so ... relatively safe. For those who have trouble finding where to pick up the path, I admit it can be confusing from Alewife, I recommend this map http://www.minutemanbikeway.org/Media/MinutemanBikewayBrochure2.pdf and the following comments: 1. If heading out toward Bedford, pick up the trail on Mass Ave at Cedar Street. You'll pass Russell Field, but take a right at the end of the field. Trail takes you to the back of Alewife. 2. From the back of Alewife, stay right. You'll come to an access road where you should take a left. I think it goes under Rte 3. You'll have to cross the access road to pick up the trail again. It follows parallel with Cambridgepark West. 3. And you're off! If the trail gets a little cooky, I often opt for Mass Ave. It's wide enough once you're through Arlington and parallels the Bikeway, but tends to have more hills. Hills are good for you. Great for peeps who are looking to chill on a path: anything w/o a motor on wheels, walkers, dogs, squirrels. Avid racer-types, I recommend staying off unless you're just gonna spin. read more

+ paved roads ( path marked where branches erupt up) + mostly downhill and even the uphill parts aren't bad at all! + nice scenery along the historic route + easy to leave course and explore + can take you almost all the way out to Walden Pond (need to go about 7 miles more after you reach the end of the Minuteman) + tons of shade, minimum sun burning! - Boston and Cambridge area near Mass. Ave. is horrendous for traffic- BE CAREFUL, there is no rhyme and reason to the way people move out here! Get your good shoes on and a sweat-soaking shirt and hope on your bike or strap your blades because the Minuteman will get you places!! I road this with a few people all the way out to Walden Pond and it was about a 45-50 mile round trip journey depending on where you leave from--WORTH IT. The trail for the most part is fairly smooth, there's a ton of people on weekend as everyone's just looking to get out for a bit, but everyone's friendly and watches out for each other. Grab a few snack bars or fruit because there's a lovely historic train station waiting for you at the end and outside are benches for you to park your bike, snap a victorious pic with homies, and munch on something good. Gotta recharge for the way back! ...but just in case you get tired, the path runs along the various commuter rail lines, so you can hop on and live to adventure another day ;) Lost a star for me only because seriously, it can get CROWDED, kids, families, bikers, roller bladers...can kind of get into a traffic jam from time to time. read more

I love this bikepath! It's a beautiful ride and the path is pretty well maintained. There's a lot of shade - which is great on hot days. I live in Somerville and pick up the bithpath in Davis - which connects to this one at Alewife. From Somerville to Bedford is mostly an incline, but that means my ride home is a breeze! I really like it when it starts to get away from Arlington/Lexington Center - because it's much less crowded. My only complaint is that it's a little narrow for how many people end up on it. It's always packed especially closer to the city and people walk or rollerblade 4 across so it's difficult to get around them. People also frequently stop short when walking - apparently unaware anyone else is around them on wheels (or even walking) and may not be able to stop immediately . read more

I'm right there with Jeffrey B. Except the part about rollerblading... which i won't get into now. Annnyway, as part of my first ever 35mile bike ride, the minute man trail was a pure delight. Naturey, not too hilly (a false flat as they call it), a nice pit stop in Lexington Ctr. and just an all around great path. Of course there are the few jerk offs who get in your way or try unintentionally to knock you over and the parents who can't control their kids swerving all over the place while i'm careening down the path... but it's good practice for when I have some REAL obstacles to get around. So all in all... well done minuteman path. Now all the Boston area needs are bike lanes, more bike paths, drivers that respect bikers and don't try to kill you, bike racks on the city buses, bikes permitted on the green line, etc. etc. Well... i guess we just need to make boston NOT the least bike friendly city in america. I guess it could happen... someday... read more

I love this path. For someone who lives in the city and enjoys cycling as a workout, this path offers everything I need. Yes, it's crowded (sometimes) and yes there are some bumps along the way, but for the most part this is an easy, scenic ride that stretches from Alewife all the way to the Bedford Depot. This has been my first year riding the Minuteman Bikeway, but I've gotten my time in on this track. This past summer I rode this path about 2x a week without any issues. read more

I love rail trails, but even though I live really close to this one, I rarely go on it anymore. This is mainly because I value my life; going on this trail in the middle of a hot summer weekend day is sheer suicide, as walkers, runners, bladers, and bikers pack the trail, all going at different speeds so as to make accidents almost mandatory. But even on weekday evenings after work, it can get pretty crazy in spots. When I do go on it, I typically hit it just before sunset when it is fairly quiet. I like this trail a lot as far as convenience, scenery, etc. are concerned, but it's just too crowded. read more

I frequently go jogging on this path and think it's great for a run, bike ride, or just getting around town. Although it can get a little crowded, it's really not too bad considering how congested the area is, and the fact that it goes right to the Alewife T-stop. My favorite thing about it, is that you can cover a lot of distance without having to cross many streets. Hard to get going when you have to stop every 1000 ft! Overall, as long as you stay off it during commuting hours, it's perfect for a nice ride or run! read more

Went on the Minuteman for the first time this past weekend and really enjoyed it. Having grown up in the city, I appreciate the diversity of the areas the trail goes through. The trail passes behind office parks, houses, ballfields and playgrounds in suburban areas to the backyards of schools, condos and ballfields of urban areas. It is 11 miles from Bedford to Alewife station, and another 2 miles if one wishes to continue to Somerville via Davis Square, or one can take the divergant path to Belmont. I counted at least 2 ponds during my leisurely ride, and multiple bridges and underpasses. There are a number of quiet roads to cross over and a couple of busy roads. This is not a trail for diehard bicyclists because it is used by a lot of walkers, joggers, rollerbladers and very young bicyclists. I will try to go on it again before Winter and eat my way through the urban areas with the storefronts, especially as I go through Davis Square. read more