So, which shall it be? Bike? Car? T? The challenge has been issued as the Third Annual Rush Hour Race takes to the streets this week to put them all to the test.

By Tom Bannister

What is the fastest way to get from a job in Downtown Boston to home in one of the many residential neighborhoods of Boston, Brookline, Cambridge and Somerville? The Boston Cyclists Union and the Somerville Bicycle Committee seek to answer this question with a race between a motorist, a cyclist, an MBTA rider, and a Hubway rider from Downtown Boston to Union Square in Somerville with the Third Annual Rush Hour Race next Tuesday, May 12.

The race will occur during the evening rush hour and can serve as a study for how transportation is changing in the city. Bicycling as a transportation option has doubled in Boston since 2008, and Somerville has one of the highest levels of bike commuting in the country. The results of this race could also change one day when a new Green Line Station and bike path are installed in Union Square in 2017.

All racers are required to follow all the rules of the road.

“The Somerville Bike Committee’s Rush Hour Race is a lot like that old fable about the tortoise and the hare,” said Pete Stidman, executive director of the Boston Cyclists Union. “It’s a great way to remind people that it’s not always the fastest vehicle that wins the race. And don’t forget about the spectators! Just like any other great spectator sport, it’s a great reason to hang out with friends and drink a beer—responsibly of course.”

If you want to ride along with a contestant then let the race organizers know (contact info below).

The race itinerary is as follows:

• 5:30 p.m. Spectators assemble at Brass Union Bar, 70 Union Square in Union Square, Somerville
• 5:30 p.m. Racers Assemble at One Beacon St. Plaza (corner of Beacon and Somerset Streets), Boston
• 6:00 p.m. Race begins
• 6:20-7:00 p.m. Racers cross finish line at Brass Union in Union Square
• 7 p.m.-ish Award ceremony by Pete Stidman, Executive Director Boston Cyclists Union, Ken Carlson, Secretary Somerville Bicycle Committee.

An associated festival will concurrently take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. celebrating alternative transportation in Union Square with multiple bicycle and transportation associations, vendors, food, music, and fun activities.

Sponsors of the event include Bike Safe Boston, Brass Union, Howard Stern Hudson, Hubway, Hub Bicycles, Montague, Pretty Things, Whole Foods, and Zipcar.

For more information: www.bostoncyclistsunion.org, www.somervillebikes.org, #RushHourRace, https://www.facebook.com/events/885921878113669.