Blue Cross To Fund Free Bluebikes Rides For World Mental Health Day

BROOKLINE, MA — In recognition of World Mental Health Day, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is sponsoring a Bluebikes system-wide free ride day on Monday, Oct. 10.

During this entire day, an unlimited number of two-hour Adventure Passes will be available across the Bluebikes system’s 11 municipalities.

Research continues to show the positive impact of exercise on mental health. According to The Mayo Clinic, regular exercise, including cycling, can ease stress levels and improve sleep, which is often disrupted by stress, depression, and anxiety. Thirty minutes or more of exercise three to five days a week may significantly improve an individual’s mental health and reduce depression and anxiety.

Riders interested in a World Mental Health day ride can download the Bluebikes App on a mobile device and selecting “Adventure Pass.”

To recognize the importance of supporting friends and family on their mental health, the initiative also includes a “Take a ride, Give a ride” offer, which provides all Bluebikes riders on World Mental Health Day with a unique code for one free single trip pass to share with a friend or family member.

This is the third consecutive year Blue Cross has sponsored this free ride day.

“As the title sponsor of Bluebikes, we're committed to supporting the mental health of everyone in our communities and calling attention to the profoundly positive impact of exercise on both physical and mental wellbeing,” Jeff Bellows, vice president of corporate citizenship and public affairs at Blue Cross, said in a statement. “World Mental Health Day marks Blue Cross’ fourth mental-health focused initiative this year, with more than 4,300 Bluebikes trips sponsored so far, and we hope Metro Boston residents will take advantage of this opportunity to get outside and take a ride.”

Blue Cross has been the title sponsor of Bluebikes since 2018. By partnering with the municipal owners of Bluebikes, Blue Cross continues to support system growth and accessibility, including station expansions, upgrades and additional bikes.

Bluebikes are currently available in Arlington, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Newton, Revere, Salem, Somerville, and Watertown. A map of all Bluebike stations can be accessed here.