Explore Columbia inspires and motivates people of all ages to explore the Columbia paths and Howard County trails by bike and on foot.

We are two social recreational clubs: a biking club for families and a walking club for adults. Anyone who enjoys the outdoors and would like to explore the extensive network of paths within our community is welcome to join us. We are a diverse group for all paces and ability levels.

All walks and bike rides are guided. Our emphasis is on fun, camaraderie and friendship!

About the Kids Bike Club.
Biking with your family is fun! Family bike rides are of different lengths to accommodate families with different age kids. Typically rides are for these age groups: 5 - 6, 7 -9, 10-12 and 13 - 15. All rides will be on the paths and side streets of Columbia. One parent must attend with kids. HELMETS are REQUIRED. We’ll visit streams, lakes, and local points of interest. Younger age groups will visit playgrounds and older age groups will do longer routes that go through tunnels and use pedestrian bridges. Safe cycling and your child's enjoyment of bicycling is our top priority! Parents please read the PAGES section for more on what to expect.

About the Adult Walking Club and adult bike rides.
Walking with friends is fun! Now you can explore different Columbia neighborhoods and even visit the neighborhood bakery. Walks will be on different days and times and of different lengths. Find a group of walkers convenient to your schedule. We will have groups of seniors, stroller moms (and dads), adults and even singles. Some groups may go for coffee or food and drink afterwards.   Please read the PAGES section for more info.  If there is interest we may also do casual paced adult bike rides occasionally.

For more info: http://www.meetup.com/ExploreColumbia-org/

RecRide (recreational bicycle ride) will take place on May 19, 2013 at the Boat Lake in the center of Patterson Park. On site registration and checkin begins at 7:15am.

Two great RecRide bicycle tours give you a close-up view of beautiful Charm City

Register Now

Bike Maryland

Some info about Baltimore's Park.

http://southslopenews.com/blog/history/10-things-you-did-not-know-about-prospect-park

By NIGEL MORRIS, The Independent

The speed limit in towns should be cut to 20mph and more dangerous drivers jailed in an effort to persuade millions more people to take up cycling, MPs of all parties say in a report today.

They are also calling for a ban on heavy lorries using city centre streets at the busiest times, along with more bike parking at stations and the construction of cycling lanes with their own traffic lights.

Politicians are urged to take immediate action – including a vast increase in spending on cycling – with the aim of achieving a 10-fold increase in bicycle journeys.
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http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/cut-speed-limits-to-get-millions-more-cyclists-on-the-road-urge-mps-8585277.html

Ha, this is great. You know, now that I think about it maybe it's not a good idea to push for cyclists to behave in an ideal fashion. ;)

http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post/18671/the-ideal-cyclist/

Good advice from Riding with the GPS.

http://blog.ridewithgps.com/blog/2013/03/12/Getting-Ready-For-A-Century/

[B' Spokes: A great run down of this year's legislative action and I'll highlight one bit:]

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By Jim Titus, WABA

Contributory negligence
The Maryland Court of Appeals is considering a case that could, if successful, repeal the doctrine of contributory negligence. Maryland is one of only five states that retains this legal doctrine, under which a plaintiff who is even minimally at fault cannot successfully sue to recover damages caused by someone else’s negligence. This doctrine is very unfair to cyclists, who may lose the ability to pay for significant medical bills or the loss of earnings after a severe accident.

Last fall, the Maryland Court of Appeals heard oral arguments on whether to replace the doctrine of contributory negligence with comparative fault in the case of Coleman v. Soccer Association of Columbia. The case involves a volunteer soccer coach who smoked pot before practice, tried to swing on a portable goal, and fell on his face. He sued for damages from the soccer league for failing to warn him about this hazard, but the jury found that he was contributorily negligent, so he could not recover damages.

If any such bill has a significant chance of passing, we will work to include an exception for bicyclists who collide with motor-vehicle drivers.

http://www.waba.org/blog/2013/04/successes-for-cycling-in-the-2013-maryland-general-assembly/

Great post from our friends at Bmore Bikes.

http://www.bmorebikes.com/how-to-bike-to-work-baltimore-style/

[B' Spokes: I thought this was a cute angle.]
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Via Lifehacker

If you're used to driving everywhere, taking the subway or the bus might seem overwhelming. Even so, if you live in an urban area where it makes more sense, or you're just tired of car payments, gas prices, and vehicle maintenance, it's a good option. Here's how to learn the ropes of your public transit system quickly and painlessly.
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http://lifehacker.com/a-drivers-guide-to-mastering-public-transit-480119176

[B' Spokes: Just look how much gas has increased!]

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Via Upworthy