Independence From Cars Day: A Car-Free Waterfront and Free Bluebikes Rides
Boston's July 4th celebrations along the Charles River present a rare opportunity for Bostonians to enjoy a car-free waterfront.
3:50 PM EDT on July 3, 2019
Boston’s July 4th celebrations along the Charles River present a rare opportunity for Bostonians to enjoy a car-free waterfront.
- Bluebikes will offer unlimited free rides all day on the 4th (use code “BlueCross4” in the Bluebikes app or sign up for a free code on the website).
- There will be extra Bluebikes valets from 5 to 9 p.m. in Copley Square and at Kendall Street in Cambridge.
- The T will be free after 9:30 p.m.
- Storrow Drive is closed to motor vehicle traffic from 3 p.m. on the 3rd through the 4th, from the Bowker Overpass to Charles Circle.
- The section of the riverside Esplanade path around to the Hatch Shell has been closed in preparation for the fireworks, and the Frances Appleton bridge at Charles Circle and Fiedler bridge at Beacon Street will be closed starting at 7 a.m. on the 4th.
- From 4 p.m. on July 4th, the City of Cambridge will also close Memorial Drive, Longfellow Bridge, the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge, and a number of other local streets to motor vehicle traffic before the fireworks.
Christian has edited StreetsblogMASS since its founding in spring 2019. Before that, he was a data reporter for the Portland Press Herald in Maine.
Got tips? Send them to me via Signal, the encrypted messaging app, at 207-310-0728.
Read More:
Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.
More from Streetsblog Massachusetts
Thursday’s Headlines Shout, Shout, Let It All Out
A public input process that engages all stakeholders early on but doesn't drag out is the key to holding down costs for transit projects, according to the Urban Institute.
April 23, 2026
Mayor Wu’s Latest Budget Plan Eliminates Funding for Over a Dozen Street Safety Projects: See the List
Mayor Wu's recently-published budget proposal appears to eliminate dozens of capital projects from the city's five-year capital plan, according to a comparison of this year's fiscal year 2027 proposal with the current fiscal year 2026 enacted budget.
April 22, 2026
A Small Central Mass. Town Is Tearing Up A Parking Lot to Make Its Downtown Greener and More Walkable
Athol is ripping up an 1960s-era strip mall parking lot to restore stream habitat, reduce flooding, improve pedestrian connections, and beautify its downtown.
April 21, 2026
Green Line’s B Branch Takes a 9-Day Break Starting Wednesday, April 22
The MBTA will suspend light rail service on the B branch of the Green Line along Commonwealth Avenue from Wednesday, April 22 through Thursday, April 30th in order to conduct maintenance work.
April 21, 2026
Tuesday’s Headlines Curb Their Enthusiasm
Curbs: They're not just for parking anymore.
April 21, 2026
