Harford Keeping Pace Newsletter
Hi Everyone,
Wow, what a great turnout for the ’08 Bike to Work Day on May 16! Despite the torrential rains, nearly 85 of the record number of 171 registrants participated. I am happy to announce that Harford County has kept its “title” as the second largest rally in the Baltimore region. For the past two years we have more than doubled the number of registrants and are confident, with your support, that this trend will continue. In this edition, you will find highlights of the rally and some really great photographs from the soggy morning event.
There are other growing trends in the cycling world as well. Since the price of gas has topped the $4 a gallon mark, many folks are rethinking the use of their bicycles to commute to work. This is a good news/bad news kind of situation. It’s great that more people are taking their bikes out, riding them, getting their exercise, reducing pollution and traffic congestion, and saving the environment. But more bikes mean more accidents. For many it has been a long time since they have ridden a bike and they really could benefit from a “bike mentor” to help them brush up on their safety skills.
If you want to learn more about bike safety, or want to sharpen your cycling skills, check out the Harford County Commuter Assistance Website at www.harfordcountymd.gov/commuter/ to contact a mentor. You might even want to sign up to become a mentor. Contact us. We welcome all the help we can get.
Pat Fielder Harford County Commuter Assistance Program
RALLY HIGHLIGHTS
- 171 Registered Participants- a Record!
- 23 separate companies and agencies participated in the Briefcase Challenge
- Briefcase Challenge winners – last year’s winners unseated in small and mid-size company category
- Winners
- Large: APG
- Mid-size: SAIC regains the title from 2006
- Small: local division of LMI Government Consulting
Other gift certificates to restaurants, golf courses, and the Ironbirds were awarded to many folks.
BIKE HELMET SAFETY PROGRAM A SUCCESS
Throughout the entire month of May, which is nationally recognized as Clean Commute and Bicycle Safety month, a unique community partnership provided a free bike helmet safety clinic to Harford County adults and children. Overall, there were 12 clinics offered at six main libraries. Safety experts from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Commuter Assistance Program, the Harford Velo Club and the Bel Air Town Police were available to fit and to answer questions about the Maryland Bicycle Helmet Law.
This was an unprecedented public-private effort to showcase the importance of bicycle safety. Nearly 200 folks were served at Harford County Libraries.
Bike Mentors Still Wanted
If you are an experienced rider, you can help those “new enthusiasts” get off on the right foot (pedal). By becoming a Bike Mentor you will initiate the novice rider on route strategies, techniques, apparel, and how to handle cycling in traffic, to name a few things. If you’re interested, just give us a call at 410.638.1386 or 1387, or email pwfielder "at" harfordcountymd.gov.
What's Related