News & Updates

Ringing in Spring

By Jay Diengott April 4th, 2025 in Bicycling, General

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 30^th
• Harry Agganis Way Bike Cage, Rich Hall Racks, Nickerson Field Racks: May 10^th
• 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.

…..Still winter?!

By Jay Diengott March 11th, 2025 in Bicycling, General

While we got our first glimpses of above-freezing temps over the weekend, and everyone is counting down the days until Spring Break, somehow, I can still see my breath this morning. And yet, despite the long, cold, dark weeks, and snow and ice turning bike lanes treacherous, you've all been out in force! This is the coldest winter New England has seen in seven years, and yet the BUCK has seen a nearly 50% increase in visits during February 2024 compared to February 2025! You all are doing a great job of sharing the good word of the BUCK, and more specifically, of keeping chains clean and oiled, and tires pumped. We even held a group ride in late February with 25+ riders!

Fortunately though, there are warmer brighter days ahead. If you put your bike away the past few months, it's time to lubricate your chain and air up your tires before the first nice days of spring so you can beat the crowds. BUCK will be open by advance appointment only during Spring Break, that's a great time to plan ahead! Our hours are also changing for the warmer months! We know things are ramping up in the semester, and we're happy to give you a chance to escape for a little while and let you work with your hands. Please note that as it gets busier, we may need to limit scope of work to best serve you.

So: Spring Break? Make an appointment.

After Spring Break?:

Want to make an appointment for a Thursday?
Email us in advance, or ask for an assessment during our open hours!

While the word about the BUCK is getting out there, we're still largely dependent on our best advertisers- you! Have an event you need a space to host (for about 25 people)? Want to partner with the BUCK for a class, movie night, group ride? Let's chat, and speaking of events...

The Events:

3/12        Wednesday           Meet at BUCK at noon
Spring Break Ride
Stuck on campus during Spring Break? Let's go to the beach anyway!

3/18        Tuesday     5:00-7:00PM
Flat Fixin'
Don't let flats get you down. This workshop will leave you with tips to prevent flats, and fix them quick, too.

3/26      Wednesday 5:00-7:00PM
Make your own Fenders:
Mark yourself safe from the dreaded skunk stripe. Bring old plastic bottles or use ours, and keep your pants and shoes dry.

March is a short month, but we've got plenty more programming left for the rest of the school year.

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.

Errata:

We're working on a series of videos with Bean! We're thrilled she's helping us get the word out.

The city of Boston is auditing recent street projects. If you value protected bike lanes, bus only slip lanes, speed humps, and other infrastructure that make the city safer for vulnerable road users. For a quick and easy way to speak up, use this form created by the Boston Cyclists' Union.

Bluebikes wants your feedback! Where should they add more stations (maybe here on campus)? Let them know about other neighborhoods. They're hosting a virtual open house on March 6th that you can attend, too.

Winter Bikers, Rejoice

By Jay Diengott January 22nd, 2025 in Bicycling, General

It's COLD out there, but that doesn't mean one can't still ride around town. The BUCK is back to business now that students are back, open standard hours. We're here to support you to choose bikes, no matter the time of year. Come by especially to get some heavy winter weight chain lubricant to keep your chain rust free and moving smoothly, and check your tire pressure after break/cold. And be sure to come check out our winter programming, specifically designed to help keep you warm!

The Usual:

• Tuesday Nights            5:00-7:00PM
  LIGHT BRIGADE: help distribute bike lights on Comm Ave.
• Thursday Morning        8:00-10:00AM
  COMMUTER COFFEE: drink free coffee, make friends

The Unusual:

Winter Bike Bingo!

Prizes for riding your bike in sub-freezing temps!

The Events:

1/22        Wednesday           6:00PM-9:00PM
Grrreasetime X Femmechanics X BU LGBTQIA Faculty and Staff
Open shop time by and for folks of marginalized genders to learn and connect about bicycles

1/29        Wednesday     5:00-7:00PM
Movie Night: Kiki's Delivery Service
Cartoons! Couriers! Cats!

2/5      Wednesday 5:00-7:00PM
Inclement Weather Workshop
Trade tips and tricks with other winter riders

2/14      Friday 2:00-7:00PM
Velotine's Day
Bring a friend and show your bikes some love. Also, holiday themed crafts!

2/22      Saturday   Meet at BUCK at 10:00am
Hot Cocoa Ride
A tasty, 10 mi, party pace, new infrastructure and beverage group ride with our friends Commonwheels. Be prepared for cold weather.

Winter Bike Commuter Bingo

By Jay Diengott January 7th, 2025 in Bicycling, General

Do you bike commute year round? If so, the BUCK wants to know about it. But we want it to be fun, too. So, from now until March 31, (when employee and BUGWU bike benefits reciepts are due), we'd love you to join us for a round of winter commuter BINGO! Please take photos and  then email the checked off squares or post them to your instagram and tag us @bucyclekitchen. You may fill as many squares as you like, but standard bingo rules apply, that you must have filled at least 5 adjacent horizontal, vertical, or diagonal spaces.

Please get consent if you're capturing photos of others, and try to use a single square per image. At the end of the challenge? Prizes!

This challenge is open to any and all BUCK users. See you soon, and don't forget to check your tire pressure.

pq

Not sure what some of these things are? Here are some of the lesser-known items:

• lobster mitts - gloves that group fingers together (but aren't quite mittens)
• multi-use path - a shared-use path (sometimes just called a bike path)
• desire path - the route folks want to take as evidenced, in the winter, by paths in the snow
• bar mitts - they're like gloves for your handlebars? some folks call them pogies
• winter commuter social - our annual party for bike commuters (at which the bingo game was launched).
• B-icicles - icicles on bicycles (get it?)

Let us know if you need explanation for any of the other items!

Sign up for the 2024 Bike Benefit

By Carl November 27th, 2024 in Bicycling, General

Sign up for the 2024 Bicycle Commuter Reimbursement Benefit before January 12th, 2025.

BU employees and eligible graduate students can receive $25/month (up to $300/year!) reimbursement for bike-related expenses.

Find out more about the benefit here.

December Delight

By Jay Diengott November 27th, 2024 in Bicycling, General

How did we get here, with 2024 nearly through?! As the first full year of BUCK draws to a close, some stats from our sign in sheet!
total visits to BUCK, not including coffee: 2922
number of flats fixed: over 300
chains serviced: over 250
brakes adjusted: over 200
bikes registered: 987
unique visitors: 1200
Next year, we'll be getting another staff person, as well as having this newsletter show up direct to your inbox. We're hoping that helps you know about events sooner.

In the meantime, it's about to be December at the BUCK!

We're starting the month off with a movie night! This month, trains, murder, snow! No Polar Express here, come much popcorn, drink hot beverages and travel across Europe with Murder on the Orient Express.
Friday 12/6 5:00-7:00PM

Continuing our partnership with Femmemechnics, we bring you Babes Bike Bakeries. This 15 mi, party pace ride will take us to all 9 Flour locations across Boston, starting at the BUCK and ending in Harvard Square. We'll be stopping to take photos at each location to fulfill their winter photo challenge. Participants may pick up a box of pastries in January upon completing the challenge. Riders should be part of the Femmechanics Femme/Trans/Women demographic. Please bring appropriate layers, feel free to peel off any time. Note that we will NOT be going inside every location, so please plan accordingly. Bluebikes passes are available upon request
Saturday 12/7             10:00am Start at BUCK, end in Harvard sq

We have a couple of breaks to offer you from studying, so you can return to your notes with fresh eyes. First, a craft night partnership with Zen Club! Help us use up old chains, valves, and other assorted bike parts by making them over into crafts, jewelry, or decor. Use our supplies or bring some of your own.
Tuesday 12/10        4:00PM-6:00PM

We'll also take a quick mid-day, mid-week bike ride to stretch and get you some caffeine. Start an end a little bike loop at the BUCK and we'll come back and enjoy hot cocoa! Put some air in your tires, too, before you go home for Winter Break.
Thursday 12/12        11:00AM-12:15PM

Mid-month, we're welcoming BU employees for a bike commuter social. There will be food, camaraderie, probably festive libations. Meet other bike commuters and compare tips. Also we'll be debuting a winter commuting challenge, that you can enter for prizes!
Wednesday 12/18          4:00-6:00PM

Finally, keep your eyes peeled for Winter SaSS! Going home or graduating for the Holidays, and leaving your bike behind? We'll be staffing the Buick St bike room to help you keep your bike toasty warm inside while you're gone. Winter SaSS is free of charge, and we will be registering bikes onsite if you haven't done so yet. Best of all, you won't need us to let your bike out when you're ready to ride again. You might want to bring a friend to help with the doors though.

Weekly:

Light Brigade  Help us distribute free bike lights on Comm Ave.
Every Tuesday                          5:00-7:00PM Sign up: https://bitly.cx/tFizOg

Commuter Coffee Drink free coffee, make friends, talk about bikes
Every Thursday       8:00-10:00AM       Now with coffee from Pavement

NOTES:

• Winter hours: the BUCK will be closed Saturdays 11/16 - 3/17
• Employee bike benefits are live! Check your inbox or apply here!

All events are held at the BUCK - 1019 Commonwealth Ave. unless otherwise noted. More details at bu.edu/transportation/buck

November? No Way!

By Jay Diengott October 29th, 2024 in Bicycling, General

UPDATES

• The BUCK will be closed on Saturdays until Spring Break. Your patience allows PQ to cook up future programing here at the Cycle Kitchen.
• BUCK will ALSO be closed after this Friday the 22nd, through Monday December 2! That means NO OPEN SHOP next week!

The air is crisp, the leaves are falling, and it's getting dark earlier than ever. Just because fall is FINALLY here doesn't mean biking season is over though. Its more important than ever to keep you chain lubricated to protect it from rain, and fill your tires regularly to prevent flat tires. Hazards like wet train tracks and wet leaves can appear as if out of nowhere, try to navigate around them. Here at the BUCK, we've got some fun things planned before you go home for Thanksgiving! But first! Did you know there have been over 900 sign ins at the BUCK since the beginning of semester? That's a lot of Terriers. Thanks for your patience and visits.

What's on deck this month? If you've indicated interest in volunteering, we need your help more than ever. With Daylight Savings in effect, the sun sets at 5 pm! Help other commuters by distributing lights, Tuesday nights from 5-7pm. Sign up here to help us out!

The Unusual:

• PQ is on vacation the 10th-13th. Please be kind to Carl and assorted volunteers who will be assisting at the BUCK
• As of November 16th, we will not be offering weekend service during the winter. We will reopen on Saturdays after Spring break. Thanks for understanding, and giving us time to better serve you.
• Thursday morning limited hours will terminate at Thanksgiving break

The Usual:

• Tuesday Nights            5:00-7:00PM
  LIGHT BRIGADE: help distribute bike lights on Comm Ave.
• Thursday Morning        8:00-10:00AM
  COMMUTER COFFEE: drink free coffee, make friends

The Events:

11/6        Wednesday           4:00PM-7:00PM
GLOW UP NIGHT 
Bring your bike, scooter, mobility aid, or helmet! We're going to decorate them with retro reflective decals. We will also have beads and chain available to make more bike dangles.

11/8        Friday     3:00-3:30PM
BEAN AT THE BUCK
Will she like our treats? Find out!

11/14      Thursday 6:00-7:30PM
BU BRIDGE PUBLIC MEETING
Howard Thurman Center, 808 Comm Ave, Room 205.
Are you concerned about your safety when crossing the BU Bridge by any mode? Come to a public meeting on on the BU campus hosted by the BU Bridge Safety Alliance (hybrid zoom also available).  At this meeting you'll hear an outline of the Alliance's original safety recommendations, you'll learn the issues of key stakeholders, and you'll hear directly from DCR, MassDOT and Boston Transportation officials on their current and future plans to improve safety on the BU Bridge Corridor.

11/20      Wednesday   6:00-8:00PM
MOVIE NIGHT
We'll make the popcorn, you show up and relax. Join us this month for a rad Iranian skateboarding film, A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night. This movie comes both PQ and Carl recommended.

11/23/4 Saturday   Meet at BUCK at 10:30am
WESTERN AVE BIKE LANE RIDE
The Allston-Brighton Health Collaborative, one of our community partners, leads the way on this month's group ride. Let them show you new local bike lane additions at the end of the month