The Sunset Pedal
There's a reason cyclists line up on the Mass Ave Bridge at golden hour. Grab a Bluebike, ride from Central Square across the river to the Esplanade, and park yourself on a bench facing west.
Bring a snack. It's an easy, slow ride made for watching the sun go down.
- Length
- 1.6 mi
- Time
- 10 min
- by bike
- Stops
- 2 stops
Starts at Central Square, ends at The Esplanade · Directions
Unlock the Golden Hour badge
The route, stop by stop
On this route:Charles River paths· 0.4 mi
Numbered pins are the stops.
Ride it with Shift, free
A map of the route, directions to each stop in your maps app, and automatic check-in when you arrive. Finish to unlock the Golden Hour badge.
Stop 1: Central Square
Start
The ride starts in Central Square, Cambridge's downtown on Mass Ave, a short ride down River Street to the Charles.
Bluebikes: Central Square at Mass Ave / Essex St, 11 bikes there now, 1 min walk.
About this stopNext: Bike to The Esplanade
1.6 mi · 10 min
1.7 mi separated path0.2 mi bike lane
Stop 2: The Esplanade
Finish
Crossing tip: Stay on the right side of Mass Ave as you enter Boston, then continue to Beacon St (next stoplight). Cross at the crosswalk, reverse direction back toward Cambridge, and take the pull-off over Storrow Drive. It drops you onto the protected Charles River path.
Getting there
- Bluebikes near the start, right now
- Central Square at Mass Ave / Essex St1 min walk · 11 bikes · 8 docks
- Western Ave at Franklin St3 min walk · 2 bikes · 13 docks
Keep going
The The Sunset Pedal is one piece of a bigger network. From either end you can keep riding on paths and protected bike lanes. Pick a direction to see it on the map.
This roam Where you can keep going Other bike paths
How it works
A roam is a self-guided route you follow at your own pace in the free Shift app.
Follow the route
Open this roam in the Shift app and follow it at your own pace.
Check in at each stop
The app checks you in when you arrive. No scanning, no codes. Visit both stops and the roam is complete.
Unlock the Golden Hour badge
Finish the roam and the Golden Hour badge is yours.