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
Boston Will Begin Construction Next Week On Safety Improvements At Scene of Louisa Gag’s Homicide
The City of Boston plans to begin construction next week on safety improvements to the intersection of Tremont, Parker, and Terrace Streets, where a truck driver struck and killed City Hall employee Louisa Gag earlier this summer.
October 9, 2026
Pittsfield Area Railroad Improvements Will Help Set the Stage For More Amtrak Service to Albany
On Thursday, Governor Healey's administration announced that two track improvement projects in the Pittsfield area will go under construction in the coming months to improve operations for the seasonal Berkshire Flyer service, and set the stage for a planned Boston-Albany route.
October 9, 2026
City of Boston Plans to Install Cameras to Deter Illegal Driving Near Stopped Buses
“Drivers who ignore safety laws and put our kids at risk must be held accountable,” said Mayor Michelle Wu.
October 8, 2026
Friday’s Headlines Pay a Lot for Parking
The average apartment-dweller pays $200 a month for a parking space, included in their rent, whether they use it or not.
October 8, 2026
Closing the Gap on New Bedford’s Waterfront: New Path Would Link Route 6 Bridge to Downtown Sidewalks
A critical area highway junction in downtown New Bedford that currently lacks accessible bike and pedestrian connection finally has a project in the works to fix it.
October 7, 2026
