Photo via Boston Globe Photos of the Week.

Denise Simmons, mayor of Cambridge, Massachusetts received a “chauffeured ride” on the back of a tandem bicycle, courtesy of Green Streets Initiative founder Janie Katz-Christy. But it was Simmons' aid, Rosaleah Brown, who deserves the true props; she braved the frigid February day in green high heels, color-appropriate for the occasion.

Mayor Simmons and Rosaleah Brown prepare for their ride.

The trio pedaled to the Harvard Square Business Association's annual breakfast and showing their support for the Green Streets Initiative and Walk/Ride Days. The event, held on the last Friday of every month, encourages members of the community to ditch their cars and “go and wear green.” According to the group's website, “Our vision is to create a monthly city-wide party, which celebrates alternative transportation, gives people an opportunity to make community connections, and promotes a festive local atmosphere.”

The Walk/Ride Days event has spread from Cambridge into the surrounding communities of Boston, Somerville, and Medford. Retails sponsors are getting on board by offering discounts and prizes as incentives to participants.

While the US may have a long way to go before our bike culture resembles Amsterdam's or Copenhagen's Girls on Bikes Gone Wild, high-heel-sporting Brown is on the right track. One commuter wearing everyday clothes and treating the bike as the mundane transportation tool that it is will do more to promote cycling in our streets than 20 zippy racers decked out in garishly colored spandex (not that there's anything wrong with that – I fall into the latter category for several hours per day).

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aaron said:

Early morning Critical Mass for everyone. Catch up Boston because your roads are atrocious.

March 26, 2008 | url

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