Watertown Residents Get Free Bluebike Rides

WATERTOWN, MA — Bluebikes in Watertown will be free on Saturday in honor of World Mental Health Day. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is sponsoring the free bike rides.

Watertown is one of eight communities participating in the free biking event. There are Bluebike stations at Watertown square, North Beacon Street at North Beacon Court, Arsenal Yards and Coolidge Square.

Riders can download and open the Bluebikes app on a mobile device and then choose “Adventure Pass” to take advantage of free two-hour Bluebikes trips at any time during World Mental Health Day, which is observed annually to raise awareness of global mental health issues. Exercise is known to improve mental health, including reducing anxiety, depression and negative mood.

“As the pandemic continues to significantly impact our daily lives, we’re looking to increase awareness of activities that can improve mental health, such as outdoor exercise,” said Kathy Klingler, chief consumer experience and marketing officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. “We’re thrilled to leverage our sponsorship of Bluebikes to increase access to a healthy transportation option while raising awareness of mental health issues, and we hope riders across Metro Boston enjoy some time outside with free rides on us this Saturday.”

Blue Cross is in the third year of a six-year Bluebikes title sponsorship, which launched in May 2018. Through its partnership with the municipal owners of Bluebikes, Blue Cross is supporting continued expansion, including system upgrades, additional bikes, and station expansions to increase access.