I'm riding into Dorchester tomorrow from Worcester, and I'm wondering about what route I should take.
Rte 9 is pretty much a straight shot in, only 40 miles. It kind of has a reputation for not being very bicycle friendly. I know they've made improvements to it recently, however.
Do you think I'm better off riding 9 or trying to find a longer, safer route? Any other route seems like it would be very roundabout and tiring. Any suggestions?

There's 20, but it runs pretty far out of the way and to the wrong side of Boston...

Possible alts might be rt 135 or rt 109??

wpt

If it was me, I wouldn't ride either Rt9 or 20. They are both dangerous rodes to say the least (I was hit on rt20 last year). I'd do some more research and find a better route.

Map my ride or a similar site will allow you to map a route using mainly back roads, I haven't done from Worcester to Boston, but I'm sure there are secondary roads that would work. Also google has bike route generator that's not to bad. Good luck.

I've been bike commuting through Boston/Cambridge/Somerville for 4 years, and I wouldn't ride on Rt9 if I were you...

I don't have specific routes to suggest, but if I were you I would look at some of the local group websites (Like the Charles River Wheelmen) and cobble together a route from some of their rides...

I think the best way for you to approach would be from the Hopkinton, Sherborn, Dover axis.

I rode from Boston to Springfield last year using the Charles River paths towards Walthham. From there RT 117 almost all the way into Worcester. Find a route to get you to Rt 117 East. I found 117 to be good for riding.
As you enter Waltham there is a good pizza place and a bike shop next door. Also get the Rubels bike maps.
If I can find my cues, I'll forward.

ed

Thanks, guys.

I wish we had better biking infrastructure around here. Well, maybe some day...

this is what Google Maps says: https://goo.gl/maps/gtpg

Yeah, I'm thinking of sticking to 135 most of the way. I hate having to turn every half mile.
Have to find a map of routes rated by bike suitability.