Commute Voices: Jason Dearling, My Bike Commute into Watertown

In a tight-knit community like Watertown, the daily commute is more than just getting from one place to another. It is part of the daily rhythm of the town: people heading to work, kids getting to school, neighbors crossing paths, and everyone trying to get where they need to go without losing too much patience along the way. 

For me, biking into Watertown from Lexington has become a reliable and rewarding routine. With the Minuteman Bikeway and the Watertown Greenway, I can follow a route that is predictable, affordable, healthy, and closely connected to the community around me. Best of all, traffic can do whatever traffic wants, and I mostly get to ignore it. 

A Ride That Feels Reliable

My commute is refreshingly consistent because I’m able to avoid many major roads, which means my bike ride takes about the same amount of time each day, regardless of traffic. That predictability is one of the biggest benefits of biking, especially in an area where traffic can turn a simple trip into a full emotional journey. 

Along the way, I often see a dedicated group of bike commuters using the area’s cycling infrastructure. In warmer weather, even more riders come out to enjoy the fresh air, making the paths feel like their own small commuting community. 

The Watertown Greenway as a Community Resource

One of the resources I rely on most is the Watertown Greenway, which is excellent and very well maintained. I especially appreciated the snow clearing during the winter because it helped make biking feel supported beyond just the warmer months. 

In a community like Watertown, that kind of care matters. Well-maintained paths help connect residents, workers, families, students, and visitors safely and comfortably. When a bike route is cared for in the middle of winter, it sends a clear message: biking is not just a nice idea here. It is part of how people move around. 

Watertown’s Commitment to Biking

I also appreciate Watertown’s broader commitment to biking and active transportation. From its active Bike and Pedestrian Committee, Watertown continues to show that safer, more accessible travel options are part of the town’s larger vision for community life. 

That commitment extends beyond Watertown itself. Lexington continues to build on its reputation for supporting biking by adding infrastructure like new paths connecting the Minuteman Bikeway to local schools, mapping bike parking across the town, and improving the user experience on the Bikeway itself. Together, these investments help create a more connected regional network that makes bike commuting a practical option for more people. 

That commitment can also be seen in efforts like safe routes to schools, local bike planning, and community-focused bike activities, such as historical bike tours. It is very Watertown in the best way: practical, community-minded, and probably involving at least one person who knows the history of every street corner. 

Why I Choose to Bike

For me, the benefits are simple but meaningful: very little traffic, a practically free commute, and built-in exercise before the day is done. That is a strong combination, especially on days when finding extra time to work out feels ambitious at best. 

Bike commuting gives me a way to reduce stress, stay active, save money, and feel more connected to the places I travel through each day. Plus, there is something satisfying about getting home and realizing the workout is already done. 

My Advice for Others 

For anyone who works in Watertown and is thinking about trying a different way to commute, my advice is simple: consider biking, even if it is only one or two days a week. You do not need to bike every day or travel a long distance to feel the benefits. 

Even cycling a mile or two can support your health, reduce your environmental impact, and make your commute more enjoyable. A few essentials also help, lights for visibility, a water bottle in the warmer months, and sunscreen. Basically: be seen, stay hydrated, and do not let your first bike commute turn into a lesson about UV rays. 

A Commute That Reflects the Community

My commute is a reminder that strong biking infrastructure is not just about roads, paths, or bike lanes. It is about people and the everyday choices that help make a community healthier, more connected, and easier to navigate. 

In a close community like Watertown, every improvement to biking, walking, and shared transportation strengthens the connection between people and places. For me, biking into Watertown shows what is possible when a community invests in transportation options that support real daily life, especially when that includes less traffic, fresh air, and built-in exercise.