This Thursday July 15th 5-8pm Bicycle: The Art of Cycling!

Bicycle Rack at Penn Station

Join the One Less Car Baltimore Bicycle Alliance for a mid-summer social at the opening reception of Mark Cottman's new gallery exhibition Bicycle: the Art of Cycling!  This is a unique opportunity to view art from an outstanding artist with a passion for bicycling and smart green commuting! Mark's bicycle work has been seen all over the country and commissioned for cycling events and the movie, Ride Across America. This series is a collection of original paintings and watercolors depicting the bicycle theme, presented through a multitude of vivid images from racing to the urban commuter. 15% of purchase proceeds support OLC.

Please join us at this exciting and unique event! Mark Cottman Gallery 1014 S. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21230. You can take the free Circulator Purple Route. For more information visit click HERE.

Zero Emission Commuter

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Tour du Port - October 3rd, 2010 - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Baltimore’s Premier Bicycle Event is a Super Cool Ride for a Terrific Cause!

Join thousands of riders at Baltimore’s Canton Waterfront Park to kick off the 17th Annual Tour du Port! Routes to ride: 12, 26, 40, 50 (half century route) and 62 mile option. The Tour routes travel through many historic neighborhoods, waterfront areas and scenic parks. This fully supported Tour includes lunch, refreshments at rest stops, map, SAG support and a post-ride celebration at the Tour’s end with lunch and live music. The Tour is One Less Car’s annual fundraiser – all fees go directly to advancing the programs and advocacy efforts of One Less Car, a non-profit organization dedicated to walking, bicycling and mass transit alternatives. You and your friends and family will have an unforgettable time!

Check out One Less Car's Event Calendar to learn more about activities in your area!

Tuesday June 22nd - OLC Baltimore Bicycle Alliance Development Committee Meeting

The Bicycle Alliance Development Committee will meet from 6:30-8:00pm at the Knott Foundation located at 3904 Hickory Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21211. This meeting is specifically for folks who want join the Alliance Development Committee and volunteer approximately 3-4 hours a month to passionately promote bicycling in Baltimore City and County. Learn more here or contact Rachel Myrowitz.

Two weeks ago a successful initial Alliance Development Committee meeting took place and the following ideas/goals were discussed:

• Advocating for adequate funding for a complete non-motorized transportation infrastructure.
• Working to increase percentage of all types of bicycle ridership which decreases automobile usage.
• Ensuring that bicycles are recognized as a reasonable and mainstream transportation option.
• Educating communities in Baltimore to become bicycle-friendly and embrace a Share the Road philosophy.
• Recruiting and training Bike Ambassadors to host workshops on how to ride a bike (some folks have never learned), how to commute and on rules of the road instruction.

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Thursday June 24th - HAPPY HOUR - OLC Baltimore Bicycle Alliance Social

Come socialize with other like minded bicycle enthusiasts at Shuckers of Fells Point from 6 to 8 p.m.  Located at 1629 Thames Street, Baltimore. 60 people attended the first Happy Hour which was a blast!

$5 donation to One Less Car. Shuckers specials include $2 domestic draft, $3 Bud Lite Lime, $3 Sam Adams Summer Ale, half price house wine and delicious bison, black bean and regular burgers for $5.95! Raffle prizes from Shuckers and more. Let's get together and have a blast - come and see your friends and meet new ones too!
 

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A full listing of many additional workshops, meetings and fun events can be found HERE.  The OLC calendar is updated regularly. Tour du Port registration will open in two weeks!

New Baltimore Bicycle Alliance HAPPY HOUR THIS THURSDAY MAY 20th! Join One Less Car to kick-off the new Alliance with a celebration from 5:30-8PM at Kooper's Tavern located at 1702 Thames Street on the waterfront in historic Fell's Point.

Thursday morning Governor O'Malley will sign into law five important bike bills and we will celebrate this victory at Kooper's Tavern!

With a $5 donation to One Less Car, Kooper's will offer $1 off drafts, $2.50 rail drinks and $4.50 Guinness.  Raffle prizes from Kooper’s Tavern, Slainte Irish Pub and Restaurant, Woody's Rum Bar, Island Grill and Joe’s Bike Shop. This Happy Hour also kicks-off Bike to Work Day - which is the following morning!  Free t-shirts for Bike to Work Day participants! Kooper's menu has something for everyone!
 
Let's get together and have a blast - come and see your friends and meet new ones too!

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Please Take Action Today (Monday deadline) - Ask University of Maryland Leaders to Support the Purple Line

University of Maryland leadership is resisting Purple Line service on Campus Drive, where it would best serve the campus. A proposal to “temporarily” stop current transit service on Campus Drive could set the stage for the University to divert the Purple Line away from main destinations on Campus Drive. The University needs more transit, not less. In an era of high energy prices and the need to fight climate change, the most sustainable solution is high quality public transportation connecting our communities, including our universities.

Conveniently located transit will encourage more people to use public transportation to reach campus and provide better connections between the University of Maryland and destinations east and west of campus. By preventing transit from servicing this area, ridership to and from the campus will decrease dramatically. This is a bad policy that discourages sustainable growth.

Express your support for Purple Line service on Campus Drive. Urge Chancellor Kirwan to retain and improve transit service and to support the Purple Line on Campus Drive -- not stop it. Email Chancellor Kirwan Here.

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Bike to Work Day Friday May 21, 2010!

Bike to Work Day 2010, sponsored by the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, will be celebrated in the Baltimore region and across the nation on Friday May 21, 2010. This year will mark the 13th annual event in the Baltimore region and will feature morning rallies at locations around the region, including: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard County and at area universities and corporations.

Registration is now open! Register here. All participants receive an on-the-go snack and drink, and the chance to win prizes at the individual rally sites. You must be registered and attend a rally to win. The first Baltimore bike map is complete and will be supplied to Baltimore Bike to Work Day participants! Furthermore, the City of Annapolis will release its new bicycle map, helping cyclists navigate Annapolis. The map includes information on local attractions, scenic routes, Maryland bike laws, how to take your bike on Annapolis buses, local bicycle tours and much, much more. The Annapolis map can be downloaded here. May is National Bike Month and Clean Air Month. With our region's major traffic congestion and air pollution problems, one way to relieve these problems is to turn car commuters into bike commuters, especially for short commutes of five miles or less. The Bike 2 Work Day rally is a great way to promote the benefits of bicycling and we need your support! .

Bike and Benefits Card - We all know that biking has many benefits to your health, the environment, and more. But now in the Baltimore region, you can start biking for some exciting new benefits! To participate, simply download your copy of your Bike & Benefit Rewards Card here. Then, bike to these bike friendly establishments and receive your B2W benefit. Offers include gifts, discounts, chances to win prizes, and more! 

What is Bike To Work Day? Bike to Work Day promotes a “clean commute”.  Late Spring is the start of the ground-level ozone season, when we hear about Code Red and Orange Ozone Action Days. On those days, the air is dangerous to breathe – especially for the young and for the elderly. Single occupancy vehicles produce 20% of the dangerous ozone-emission pollution in the Baltimore area. Bike commuting can improve the air we breathe and much much more! 

Five Smart Transportation Bills Passed. It is Time to Celebrate!

It is time to celebrate - FIVE significant smart transportation/commuting bills were passed during the 2010 Maryland General Assembly!
These bills are now on the way to the Governor's office for his signature:
• SB 624 - Shoulder Rule bill - Sponsors Delegate Carr and Senator Frosh
• SB 51 - Three Foot Rule bill - Sponsors Delegate Cardin and Senators Raskin and Forehand
• HB 1155 - Transportation Transparency bill - Sponsors Delegate Lafferty and Senators Pugh and Harrington
• HB 282 - Funding for Bike/Pedestrian Access bill- Sponsor Delegate Peña-Melnyk
• SB 229/HB 710 - The General Assembly passed legislation (SB 229/HB 710) to appoint a Blue Ribbon Commission on Maryland Transportation Funding to study the state’s short- and long-term transportation funding needs.

Learn more here.

Three years ago, Delegate Jon Cardin took the initiative to promote the important Three Foot Rule bill. His dedication to the bicycling community, as the sponsor of the Three Foot Rule, has been outstanding! This year, OLC will continue to develop and strengthen bicycle safety bills with assistance from fellow bicyclists and with support and the sponsorship of leaders like Delegate Bronrott, Delegate Cardin, Delegate Carr, Senator DeGrange, Senator Frosh, Delegate Gaines, Senator Haines, Senator Harrington, Delegate Lafferty, Delegate Malone, Delegate McIntosh, Delegate Peña-Melnyk, Senator Pugh, Senator Raskin, Delegate Simmons and Delegate Stein who are passionate and committed to bicycle safety. Please contact these legislators and thank them for their support! To email a thank you go HERE.

A call or email from a constituent is a big deal to to our representatives. A few minutes of your time can make a big difference in how these folks view bicyclists.
 
One Less Car is greatly appreciative of everyone who contributed testimony, contacted a representative, advocated for this cause and helped to make this happen.

Over the next few months, a One Less Car Legislative Agenda for the 2011 General Assembly session will be developed.

Some topics of interest are:



• Strengthening the new three foot rule

• Strong focus on the manslaughter by vehicle bill

• Bills that promote teleworking

• Introducing a bill to increase tax credits for bicyclists

• Support bills that promote safe and effective alternate means of transportation
• Reintroduce the accident vs. crash bill
• Support bills that promote funding for public transit

There will be more to add to this list and your legislative assistance is appreciatively accepted.  Please read below to learn how you can take action!
 

The One Less Car (OLC) Baltimore Bicycle Alliance!

Please join the One Less Car Baltimore Bicycle Alliance to help OLC strengthen the Three Foot Rule, promote bicycle safety legislation are help make bicycle lanes, safety and facilities a priority in Baltimore.

OLC is asking individuals, bike clubs, bike shops and other stakeholders to join the OLC Baltimore Bicycle Alliance. The goal is for local bicyclists to play an active role in shaping state, city and county legislative decisions which affect cycling in our area. During the 2010 legislative session, a small group of bicyclists from the community met with Delegates, worked on bill language, testified at the hearings and helped to gain support from representatives. This effort helped immensely. If a few concerned citizens can help pass legislation, with more involvement from the community, we can help create a new transportation culture and infrastructure!  More involvement is needed.

On April 12th the bicycling community took action! About 80 bicyclists, many who took a day off of work, biked to Annapolis on the last day of the 2010 legislative session to honor Lawrence Bensky, 43, of Owings Mills, who died on April 6 while riding his bicycle on Butler Road in Baltimore County. 
       
This is a rural road that many of the attendees and I bike on frequently. The bicyclists also rode to Annapolis in respect to the hospitalized bicyclist that was hit along with Lawrence. Supportive Delegates and bicyclists joined me in addressing the crowd. A huge thank you goes to the bicyclists who attended, the brave wife and family members of Lawrence Bensky and the organizers of this successful event! It was truly an inspirational day. This kind of support is needed prior to and during the legislative session. A significant difference will be made if everyone interested in bike safety would contact their state or county representative and ask them to support bike/pedestrian legislation prior to, during, and after the General Assembly session. Baltimore Magazine ranks Baltimore 48 out of 50 for bike-friendliness - here.  A strong active bicycle alliance will help create the change we need to be safe on the road.

One more bike is one less car! We all seek solace from the daily automobile commute that includes congestion. This congestion results in employees arriving late to work, less time with family and friends, health related diseases such as obesity and asthma, environmental damage including air pollution and degradation of our Chesapeake Bay which is both an economic and natural resource, and an increased reliance on foreign sources of fuel.

Over time, bike safety legislation and other initiatives will increase the viability of smart commuting! OLC is the only non-profit in Maryland with an active presence in Annapolis working on state bike safety legislation. The Three Foot Rule bill is only one of six bike/pedestrian/alternative transportation bills OLC promoted this session. There is much more to do to promote smart commuting and a safe environment for bicyclists in Maryland. I hope folks will join in support of this effort during the 2011 session. To join the One Less Car Baltimore Bicycle Alliance click HERE and check bicycling/walking and under message write "alliance". In the next few weeks we will schedule a meeting date.

Of current interest is the following Baltimore City Bicycle Legislation – which will be heard at Baltimore City Hall on Thursday, May 6th at 4 pm.
• 09-0429 - Required Parking for Bicycles
• 09-0430 - Transit and Traffic - Bike Lanes
• 09-0431 - City Streets - Bike-Safe Grates
• 09-0433 - Street and Transportation Projects - Complete Streets

Please attend to show support - learn more here.

Today was the final day of the 2010 Maryland legislative session. Over 85 bicyclists rode to Annapolis today in memory and honor of Lawrence Bensky, 43, of Owings Mills, who died on April 6 while riding his bicycle on Butler Road in Baltimore County. This is a rural road that I and many of the attendees bike on frequently. Many supportive Delegates joined me in addressing the crowd of cyclists.

On a different note - it is time to celebrate! I returned from Annapolis a few hours ago where FOUR significant Bike/Ped/Transportation bills passed! The following bills are on the way to the Governor's Office for his signature:

· SB624 - Shoulder Rule bill
· SB51 - 3 Foot bill
· HB 1155 - Transportation Transparency bill
· HB 282 - Funding for Bike/Ped Access bill

I will produce a list of those Delegates and Senators (Cardin, Carr, Lafferty, Raskin, McIntosh, Malone, Pena-Melnyk and more) we will want to thank for their support of these important bike safety and bike/ped funding bills. A call or email from a constituent is a BIG deal to them – a few minutes of your time can make a big difference. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed testimony, contacted a Delegate, advocated for this cause and helped to make this happen.

We must remember Larry and work together during the 2011 General Assembly session to make Maryland a safer place to live, work and play.

In the next few months I will develop the One Less Car legislative agenda for the 2011 General Assembly session. A few items of interest are:

• Strengthening the new 3 foot rule
• Strong focus on the manslaughter by vehicle bill
• Introducing a bill to increase tax credits for bicyclists
• Reintroduce the accident vs. crash bill
• There will be more to add to this list and your legislative assistance is appreciatively accepted.

To learn more about One Less Car events, volunteer opportunities and our legislative agenda please visit www.onelesscar.org and go to the contact header.

Thank you all and please spread the word!

Carol Silldorff
Executive Director
One Less Car

Hello all,

Thanks so much to the organizers and participants of tomorrow’s bike ride from Annapolis to Baltimore in support of the bicycle safety bills!

HB461/SB51, the 3 foot rule, has already passed both the House and Senate floors! One Less Car is pleased that Maryland has finally moved in the direction of promoting bicycle safety. We hope it will be easier to strengthen the 3 foot law next session than it was to get this important bill passed.

Additionally, HB282 - Delegate Pena-Melnyk and Bobo’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Access, Funding and Reporting bill passed both floors!

Tomorrow, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the shoulder rule, HB1193, will be voted upon favorably by the House. This important law already exists in 46 states. I will be in the gallery tomorrow watching the vote. I hope you will join me!

Please take special care as you bicycle tomorrow to follow all laws (stop at stop signs etc.). One of the biggest arguments I heard from Delegates was that bicyclists don’t follow the law. I know the tragic death of Larry Bensky is on our minds and our emotions are strong. Please be as courteous and professional to all Delegates – we won’t be able to pass additional bicycle safety legislation without courtesy and professionalism on our side.

To learn more about bicycle safety initiatives please visit www.onelesscar.org. One Less Car is the only non-profit in Maryland with an active presence in Annapolis promoting bicycle safety legislation. We would greatly appreciate your support now and next session to make Maryland a better place to live, work and bike.

Thank you,
Carol

Carol Silldorff
Executive Director
One Less Car

By Kirsten Frattini - Bike Radar

Cycling advocates, urban planners and state officials united this month to brainstorm about alternative transportation at the annual One Less Car Smart Transportation and Bicycling Symposium held in Maryland.

Sustainable and safe bicycle access rose to the top of their list.

“The Symposium is the perfect setting to inform our state delegates and senators that Maryland communities need smarter commuting opportunities,” said Carol Silldroff, executive director of One Less Car. “Those who attend want more bike lanes, better sidewalks, more trails, a statewide Complete Streets policy and access to a variety of modes of efficient transportation for everyone.”

One Less Car works throughout Maryland to reduce automobile congestion and pollution by decreasing car usage.

“We work to increase biking, walking, carpooling, public transit, telecommuting, and flex scheduling opportunities,” Silldroff added. “These smart transit choices promote physical activity, emotional and physical well-being, social interaction, livable communities, equity and environmental stewardship.”

The organization depends on its volunteer board of directors to promote these alternatives through education, lobbying, and facilitation between communities, governments, and state and local representatives.

“We meet with various environmental, sustainability, hospital groups and many more organizations to promote smart commuting,” Silldroff said. “We are developing and holding bike instructional series. Additionally, we are promoting a program called ciclovia/BMore Streets to open streets for all to ride, walk and play on without the fear of vehicle distractions. Each additional bike is one less car.”

One Less Car is supporting ten legislative bills. House Bill 461 ‘the 3-foot rule’, which is an important bicycle safety bill set in place in over 20 other states. Senate Bill 870 and House Bill 388 ‘Manslaughter by Vehicle’ bill that is currently legislated across muchof the United States but not in Maryland.

Others include Senate Bill 624 and House Bill 1193 covers bike safety legislation. They are designed to protect cyclists by enforcing the rules of the road and recognize cyclists as legitimate road users. Senate Bill 760 and House Bill 1155 requires the Maryland Department of Transportation to evaluate state-funded transportation projects and create less costly modes of transportation for the public and the environment.

“Some of the bills were voted upon favorably by either the House or Senate but none have yet been voted upon favorably by both which is necessary to make a bill a state law,” Silldroff said. “The session ends in April so until then we keep working to obtain support for the bills.”

“We believe that Maryland can be an example of the economic and social good that comes from a society where everyone, regardless of age, physical condition or economic background has the opportunity to bike, walk or use mass transit to get where they need to go.”

From Carol Silldorff:

The 3 foot rule passed unanimously by the Senate requiring vehicles to give 3' of space when passing a bicyclist. However, without passing the House - this bill will not become law.

Your support matters. As a constituent, you can make a big difference. A one-minute call to your legislator is taken seriously -please take action now.

When you are riding a bike, do you want vehicles to give you a minimum of 3 feet when passing you on the road? Of course you do! If you live in the following Districts, please take a moment and contact your Delegate and ask that they support House Bill 461, the 3 foot rule, which is an important bicycle safety bill already in existence in over 20 other states. To view the bill go here: http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/hb0461.htm

If you live in the following districts then please contact your Delegate:

posted by Bruce Wright Yesterday we hitched a ride with John Brunow of bikes@vienna to attend the 13th Annual Smart Transportation and Bicycling Symposium in Annapolis. The symposium is sponsored by One Less Car: "Every day we advocate for providing safe and effective transportation alternatives for all citizens through education, lobbying, and facilitation between our communities, governments, and state and local representatives."

Due to the heavy snow that fell during the previous night, the symposium got a late start and some speakers were not able to attend. Nevertheless, it was a good chance to network with other advocates and hear about the latest Maryland bike news. Here are some highlights from the day:

Several Maryland state legislators spoke in support of bike facilities: Senator Pugh (Baltimore Co), Delegates Cardin (Baltimore Co, Chair of the MD Legislative Bike Caucus), Carr (Montgomery Co), Bronrott (Montgomery Co). Secretary of Transportation Swaim-Staley spoke about funding for the Great Allegheny Passage trail.

Public Health and Transportation: Exploring the Inextricable Link - Dr. Keshia M. Pollack discussed the health impacts of our transportation choices including the linkage between obesity and driving, and the healthcare costs of obesity, auto crashes, and respiratory problems. A study conducted during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta showed there was a 42% drop in asthma-related emergency visits when traffic was banned from the downtown area. She advocates for more "health people in healthy places".

Transportation FOR Maryland, Jennifer Bevan-Dangel of 1000 friends of Maryland discussed this statewide coalition of approximately 30 groups trying to reform transportation planning in the state. "This means planning our transportation systems–and our development patterns–to ensure that there are convenient and affordable travel options available to everyone, in every community, at every stage of life." A main focus is to expand traffic impact studies for large developments to include regional impacts on all modes of transportation.

Bicycling Advocates of Howard County (BAHC), Chairman Jack Guarneri talked about the great work being done by this coalition of bike groups in Howard County, which includes Columbia, MD. Their goals are similar to FABB's and inlcude:

• Developing a Howard County Bicycling Master Plan
• Supporting physical road improvements (better shoulders turn lanes,etc.) and additional share the road signs
• Fostering driver and bicyclist education and communication initiatives

They helped establish the first Howard County bicycle advisory committee. They have 501(c)4 status, which allows them to be involved in political campaigns, but donations are not tax deductible.

Safe Routes to School in Maryland—Joe Pelaia, the Maryland Safe Routes to School (SRTS) coordinator noted that 270 schools and 112,000 students have been involved in SRTS programs in Maryland since 2007. WABA receives funds from the program for conducting bike ed classes. Patrick McMahon, the new Maryland Safe Routes to School National Partnership state network organizer, said a few words about his plans. He was hired by WABA in January. He also gets the award for longest job title.

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One Less Car Presents the 13^th Annual
Smart Transportation and Bicycle Symposium
February 3rd, 2010 President's Conference Center East, Miller Senate Bldg., Annapolis

The 2010 13th Annual One Less Car Smart Transportation and Bicycling Symposium in Annapolis will be a little different this year! The Symposium will be more inclusive covering many bicycle and pedestrian topics, as well as, presentations on smart commuting/alternative transportation initiatives.

Attendees will learn about the link that exists between our reliance on the automobile, climate change, public health concerns, land use planning, alternative transportation opportunities, livable communities and more.

This Annual Symposium is an outstanding opportunity for people to meet and share information with advocates, planners, state and local officials, and community leaders who want more bike lanes, better sidewalks, more trails, a statewide Complete Streets policy and access to a variety of modes of efficient transportation for everyone. The Symposium is the perfect setting to inform our state Delegates and Senators that Maryland communities need smart commuting opportunities and safe bicycle and pedestrian access to be fully sustainable and livable.

This free event includes educational exhibits and presentations throughout the day! A continental breakfast and pizza lunch will be provided.

* Please RSVP by contacting Carol Silldorff.
* To have an exhibitor table, obtain sponsorship information or to volunteer contact: Carol Silldorff.
http://onelesscar.org/page.php?id=157
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Draft Agenda: