there was an interesting article in this morning's globe about mayor menino's newfound love of bicycling, and his intention to make boston less hostile towards bikes. this would, hypothetically, include bike lanes, more bike racks with security cameras to watch over them, and public showers to cleanse the road grime off before heading into the office.
i'm somewhat torn about this, since my reason to ride into the city is usually for fun, and as a result, i rather like the combative nature of it. i'd miss that if it were easy. on the other hand, bicycling is absolutely the best and fastest way to get around town, and more people would do it if it seemed a little less perilous. people in boston are already used to the idea that a car isn't always going to get them where they need to go the best, and already open to the idea of walking. a middle-ground solution on two wheels might really have a chance to catch on.