About a month ago, after quite a long time of not owning a bicycle, I ended up purchasing a folding commuter bike - the Gotham 24/7 Model from Citizen Bike to be more precise.  The price wasn't bad (as far as bikes go) and the wheels were "normal sized" which means that I can use the bike in more versatile ways (instead of just shorter commuting distances).

In the month since I've had the bike, I've probably only travelled my intended distance 3-4 times (ha!).  A mix of laziness when there is good weather, bad weather when I am motivated, and a few weeks of lots of work in the office (meaning that I can't be as laissez-faire about being a few minutes "late") means that I haven't biked that often.  Well.  Maybe this coming week I can change this pattern.  I've noticed a few things in my biking adventures thus far:

1. Boston has many bike paths - at least from North Station to UMass Boston, I am on a bike path most of the time.  Now, many drivers seem to be perfectly content to have half of their car in the bike path, but I am perfectly fine weaving and bobbing when they do.

2. Boston has a lot of potholes and a lot of road construction.  This makes the bike ride a little less pleasant since it's very bumpy at times.

3.  Morning drivers seem to be a little more "caring" and allow bikers to cut in, and give them the right of way.  Afternoon drivers tend to be assholes (there are always exceptions to the rule).  Atlantic avenue is pretty packed in the afternoon, so leaving work early (and catching up on any remaining work at home) is better for commuting purposes.

4. Biking takes about the same amount of time as going on the Orange line, then taking the Red line, then taking the campus shuttle. Personally I prefer biking those 5.5 miles to work if it takes me the same amount of time.  Now, to get the motivation to do it :p