• Home
  • Bike Maryland updates

Happy Holidays from Bike Maryland!

Save the Date - February 27, 2013
16th Annual Bike Maryland Bicycle Symposium

Once a year, Bike Maryland hosts Maryland's only Annual Bicycle Symposium. Please join us, government, community and industry leaders, elected officials, advocates, and on and off-road recreational bicyclists and commuters from throughout MD, DE, PA, D.C. and beyond to learn about key bicycle issues and how you can make your community or workplace more bike-able.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. Senate Building
President's Conference Center
11 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
RSVP here by writing your name and organization in the subject line.
View directions here.
Interested in exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities? Contact Chanda Causer here.
   

Thank You For Your Support!

Please consider a donation to Bike Maryland this Holiday Season!  Due to a generous donor your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar!  Become a member of Bike Maryland here and your membership amount will be matched or give a donation here and your donation amount will be matched. As Bike Maryland is a 501c3 non-profit organization, your contribution is tax deductible.
Thank you for your support in making Maryland a great place to live, play and bicycle!

Merchandise

Purchase a holiday gift - A limited number of custom jerseys and blue wicking T-shirts are still available for purchase and larger image click here.
          
                  custom jersey
 
              custom wicking t-shirt

Anne Arundel County Bicycle Advocacy

A group of Anne Arundel County residents are discussing the formation of bicycle advocacy organization for Annapolis and Anne Arundel county. They envision a forum for bringing together a wide range of groups, including government, bicycle enthusiasts, schools, bicycle clubs, businesses and more, to promote safe cycling. Anyone interested should contact Jon Korin.

Bicycle Master Plans

Allegany County Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan

The focus of Allegany County’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan is connecting communities. The connections between the trails and towns will offer more than recreational activities, but also provide for transportation and bring economic benefits. Among the projects described in the plan is connecting the town of Mount Savage to Frostburg and the Great Allegheny Passage, while creating a small loop trail that supports the Great Allegheny Passage. The new connection would primarily make use of an abandoned rail bed to connect the two towns. Another project would rehabilitate the tunnel under Frostburg’s Main Street to restore a connection between the GAP and Frostburg, according to the plan. The proposed trail heads south from the tunnel to become the Georges Creek Rail Trail ending in Westernport. The trail will provide a “backbone” to link all the parks in Frostburg, according to the plan. Another project would connect Dan’s Mountain State Park to the Dan’s Rock Overlook Park by a hiking and biking trail. View the plan here.

Howard County Bicycle Transportation Master Plan

Howard County is developing its first Bicycle Transportation Master Plan. The Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) is the lead agency administering the planning process. To ensure a comprehensive look at bicycling, DPZ has secured the involvement of a number of other county agencies including the Office of the County Executive, the County Council and Department of Public Works.

The master plan will address bicycling for both transportation and recreation; and will look at on-road and off-road bicycling facilities. A variety of methods will be used to gather public input, including a series of public workshops, in the Fall of 2012, an online survey, and availability of an interactive online map. The master planning process is expected to last a year from June 2012 – June 2013. Learn more here.

Montgomery County Trails Master Plan

Montgomery County Department of Parks is updating the Countywide Park Trails Plan. This plan serves as the guide for park trails of countywide significance, both hard and natural surface. Since last fall, they have been meeting monthly with a “Trails Working Group” (TWG), which consists of representatives from the major trail user groups, to discuss various plan objectives and policy issues. The TWG is helping to advise and guide our planning process for the amendment.

City of Rockville Bike Master Plan

Rockville has recently completed a draft of the master plan recommendations.  For more information please contact Rebecca Torma.

Cecil County Bicycle Master Plan

The Wilmington Area Planning Council has completed a draft master plan. For more information please contact David Gula. 

Annapolis Bicycle Master Plan

The Plan update will thus provide the County with an effective tool to identify and act on opportunities as they arise (including development, redevelopment, grant funding, coordination with other capital projects, etc.) and to work incrementally toward a more complete and consistent network of pedestrian and bicycle facilities and amenities. At the same time, the presence of these improvements will serve as an incentive for citizens to walk and cycle as greater opportunities become available and to satisfy mobility requirements by other means than motorized vehicle use. The Annapolis Bicycle Master Plan recommendations include:
  • Bicycle network maps
  • Early action priorities
  • Programs & Policies.
The recommended bicycle network is available on the City website www.annapolis.gov.
Questions or comments- contact:
Iain Banks, City of Annapolis 410-263-7964
Lucas Cruse, Toole Design Group 301-927-1900
William Small, Public Liaison, Transportation Board

Department of Natural Resources Maryland Trails

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has created the Maryland’s Trails Clearinghouse and Directory, a central place for collecting and sharing materials and information about Trails in Maryland.  The website is updated on a bi-monthly basis.

The DNR trails vision for the state of Maryland is to “Connect all of our public lands – federal, state, county and municipal – to the places where people live work, shop and play.” The website has been created to link people to resources, facilitate coalitions and support collaborations to grow Maryland’s trail resources. The goal is to provide a vehicle for trail enthusiasts to connect in positive ways to the land, the water and to each other.

The development of a statewide trails system contributes to Smart Growth, sustainable communities and an enhanced quality of life for all of Maryland’s citizens and visitors. 
The DNR is responsible for maintaining over 1,000 miles of trails throughout the state. These trails are located in our parks, forests, wildlife management areas, and natural resource areas. Trails come in many different varieties – on-road, off-road, hybrid bike trails, mountain bike trails, ORV trails, hiking trails, horse trails and water trails. Trail users come in all shapes and sizes, and each has a place at the DNR table as we strive to provide recreational opportunities for all while protecting our fragile natural resources.

The DNR mission is to design, build and maintain a sustainable trail system. In order to accomplish our mission we are creating partnerships between our land managers and volunteers who help keep our trails in good shape. At the 2010 Trails Summit, Governor Martin O’Malley and DNR Secretary John Griffin promised the trails community that the state would create a new Trails Division and hire a Land Trails Coordinator. That promise has been fulfilled and we are working with our many partners to create a state-wide trail network that meets the recreational and transportation needs of the citizens of Maryland.

To obtain more information, ask a question, or share a concern, contact: 
Steve Carr  410-260-8478
Land Trails Planner, Land Acquisition & Planning
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
  • Currently 0.00/5
Rating: 0.00/5 (0 votes cast)

16th Annual Bicycle Symposium seeking sponsors and/or exhibitors

Bike Maryland (on Facebook)

Maryland's 16th Annual Bicycle Symposium hosted by Bike Maryland will be held in February (official date to be announced in the coming weeks). In preparation for this amazing event, we are seeking sponsors and/or exhibitors. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Chanda@bikemd.org! Bike Clubs, Bike advocacy groups, nonprofits and retail sellers are all invited! Re-post and tell your friends!
  • Currently 0.00/5
Rating: 0.00/5 (0 votes cast)

Tour du Port 2012: Sunday September 30, 2012

[B' Spokes: Please help, great cause, great ride, great people.]
**********************************************************************

Tour Du Port 2012 will take place on Sunday September 30, 2012 at Baltimore's Canton Waterfront Park at the Korean War Memorial. View directions and parking information.

The FORT (Fort McHenry) is Back! After three long years, FORT MCHENRY IS BACK AND IS INCLUDED IN ALL FIVE ROUTES! You will enter the grounds of Fort McHenry (free) and dismount and have the option of a walking tour of the grounds and visitor center. The National Park Service may charge you $7 to enter the actual Fort. All routes stop at the favorite Aquarium rest stop. Furthermore, all five routes are new as Baltimore City's bike guru, Nate Evans has helped us develop all new routes!

Register Now

<a href="http://bikemd.org/page.php?id=495">http://bikemd.org/page.php?id=495</a>;
  • Currently 0.00/5
Rating: 0.00/5 (0 votes cast)

78 Degrees and Sunny Skies!


Bike Maryland
 Table of Contents

Larry's Ride and Run - September 22, 2012.
Forecast is 78 Degrees and Sunny Skies!

Pre-event registration CLOSES THIS Thursday at noon.
Get the discounted rate of $35; day of event rate $45.

Location: Spring Meadow Farm in North West Baltimore County

Enjoy the scenic and challenging terrain of Baltimore’s farm crested hills when you participate in the 3rd Annual Larry's Ride and Run event at Spring Meadow Farm. Choose from three different bicycle routes or join in the run! Afterward, come back to the farm for barbeque, kid's events, music, a farmer's market and so much more.

Click here to register and to learn more about Larry's Ride and Run!

Tour du Port - Register TODAY for the September 30th Event!

Location: Baltimore City's Canton Waterfront Park

The 19th Annual Tour du Port has 5 completely NEW routes ranging from 12 to 65 miles! Experience Baltimore's premier bicycle tour, Tour du Port! Routes travel through historic neighborhoods, charming port areas and beautiful city and state parks throughout Baltimore City, Anne Arundel and Baltimore Counties. After the ride, enjoy a celebration including live music, exhibitors, lunch, and more!

Click here to register and to learn more about Tour du Port!

Receive $10 off when you register for BOTH Larry's Ride and the Tour du Port. Click here to register and receive your discount.

Don't Miss the Opportunity to Own a Custom Bike Maryland Jersey! Please place your order now to guarantee your ownership of this special item.

You can still order merchandise here or on the Tour du Port or Larry's Ride event registration forms. Click here if you want to purchase merchandise but will not be able to attend an event.
Sleek custom bicycle jersey!

Custom wicking t-shirt!
View larger images on the event registration forms.
 
 
  • Currently 0.00/5
Rating: 0.00/5 (0 votes cast)

Save the Date - Upcoming Bike Maryland Events


Bike Maryland

Bike Show! September 13, 2012

Maryland Art Place (MAP) is pleased to announce its kick -off exhibition of the fall, Bike Show. Co-hosted by Bike Maryland, the exhibition’s intention is centered on the relationship between people and their bicycles and will include an opening reception Thursday, September 13 at 6pm. As Baltimore’s ever-growing cycling community evolves and develops, MAP would like to showcase those artists and individuals who’ve embraced the bike culture. Bike Show is curated by Dawn Gavin, MAP's Program Advisory Chair & Associate Professor in Drawing and Foundations at the University of Maryland College Park. The exhibit will include a variety of artists presenting everything from bike-based installations to more traditional portraiture photography of people with their bikes.
MAP is located at 8 Market Place suite 100 within the Power Plant Live! complex – a central location for all modes of transportation, including bicycles. For more information please click here. 

Don't Miss the Early-Bird Registration Rate - Register Now!
Registration rate to increase on August 7th.

TOUR DU PORT - September 30, 2012
Location: Baltimore City's Canton Waterfront Park

5 completely NEW Tour du Port routes have been developed. All routes include the Aquarium rest stop and enter Fort McHenry for an option of a walking tour! Experience Baltimore's premier bicycle tour, Tour du Port! Routes range from 12 to 65 miles and travel through historic neighborhoods, charming port areas and beautiful city and state parks throughout Baltimore City, Anne Arundel and Baltimore Counties. After the ride, enjoy a celebration including live music, exhibitors, lunch, and more!

Click here to register and to learn more about Tour du Port!
  • Currently 0.00/5
Rating: 0.00/5 (0 votes cast)

Governor O'Malley Announces 28 New Bikeways Grant Winners


Bike Maryland

$3.13 Million in Projects Will Provide Key Bike Network Connections

Maryland Department of Transportation, July 24, 2012

HANOVER, MD – As part of the O’Malley Administration’s Cycle Maryland Initiative, Governor Martin O’Malley today announces 28 winners of the Bikeways Program Grants.  The Maryland Bikeways Program, administered by the Maryland Department of Transportation, was established in November 2011 as a program to support planning, design and construction of projects that create and improve bicycle connections in Maryland to key destinations, like work, school and shopping.  Governor O’Malley’s program is providing $3.13 million for this round of grants to seven counties, Baltimore City and 12 other municipalities for a variety of projects in different stages of development from feasibility assessment and design to construction.  These grant recipients are the second set of awardees announced this year bringing the total to 48 bikeways grant recipients and $5.63 million for 2012.
“I am pleased to see such a great interest in working together to build a more comprehensive bike network statewide that will benefit our citizens,” said Governor O’Malley.  “These grants will help local jurisdictions build key connections that make bicycling a true transportation option.  Bicycling is a win-win for all of us by helping us learn to enjoy more of Maryland’s natural treasures, reducing the impact on the land, improving our fitness and well-being, and enhancing our quality of life.”
The grant winning projects include:  on and off-road bicycle route connections, bike route signage, bike racks and safety improvements.  A complete list of projects is available here. 
Some of the winning projects are:
  • City of Brunswick’s bike route, connecting the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal Trail, the MARC train station and Main Street
  • Baltimore  County’s Towson Bike Beltway, installing bike lanes and bike route improvements
  • Baltimore City’s downtown bike network, supporting design and construction of a cycle-track and bike lanes
  • Laurel’s bike connection project, installing a bike lane on Lafayette Avenue and connecting it to the Laurel MARC station
  • Anne Arundel County and Prince George’s County’s Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis Trail (WB&A Trail), providing feasibility assessment and preliminary design of a trail bridge over the Patuxent River
  • Salisbury’s on-road bikeways, connecting Salisbury University and local businesses
  • Shore Transit on the Eastern Shore, providing bike racks on buses and at key stations
The Maryland Bikeways Program grant applications are reviewed with the goal of awarding grants to support plans and projects that:  maximize the use of Maryland’s existing bicycle facilities, make needed connections and support Maryland’s bike sharing efforts. The Bikeways Program will address key funding gaps for bicycle projects. Program flexibility ensures that the best possible bicycle routes can be developed, by utilizing local and state roads, off-road trails, parks and other available pathways. Through strategic investment in the bicycle network, Maryland and our partners hope both to stimulate the economy and to achieve cost savings for households and government agencies.
Governor O’Malley kicked off his Cycle Maryland Initiative to consolidate and coordinate bicycle programs in Maryland in an effort to make bicycling a true transportation alternative and to encourage more Marylanders to get out and ride. The goal is to support Maryland’s economy, to provide a cleaner environment and to encourage a healthier lifestyle and a better quality of life for all Marylanders.
For more information on Cycle Maryland efforts and great bicycling resources, please visit www.cycle.maryland.gov or contact MDOT, Jack Cahalan or Erin Henson at 410-865-1028.

Don't Miss the Early-Bird Registration Rate - Register Now!

Larry's Ride and Run - September 22, 2012
Location: Spring Meadow Farm in North West Baltimore County

Enjoy the scenic and challenging terrain of Baltimore’s farm crested hills when you participate in the 3rd Annual Larry's Ride and Run event at Spring Meadow Farm. Choose from three different bicycle routes or join in the run! Afterward, come back to the farm for barbeque, kid's events, music, a farmer's market and so much more.

Click here to register and to learn more about Larry's Ride and Run!

TOUR DU PORT - September 30, 2012
Location: Baltimore City's Canton Waterfront Park

5 completely NEW Tour du Port routes have been developed. All routes include the Aquarium rest stop and enter Fort McHenry for an option of a walking tour! Experience Baltimore's premier bicycle tour, Tour du Port! Routes range from 12 to 65 miles and travel through historic neighborhoods, charming port areas and beautiful city and state parks throughout Baltimore City, Anne Arundel and Baltimore Counties. After the ride, enjoy a celebration including live music, exhibitors, lunch, and more!

Click here to register and to learn more about Tour du Port!

Receive $10 off when you register for BOTH Larry's Ride and the Tour du Port. Click here to register and receive your discount.

Calling All Volunteers! 

Bike Maryland needs your help spreading the word about Tour du Port and Larry's Bike Ride events. All funds raised from both Larry's Ride and the Tour du Port directly support bicycle advocacy, safety awareness, infrastructure, and your right to bike!
Would you help us:
  • Canvas postcards & posters (ASAP- need to get them around town now - until September 15th) to: Baltimore Neighborhoods (Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Greektown, Midtown, etc….) bars & restaurants, sports stores, health clubs (spinning classes), coffee shops, local markets, etc….
  • To neighborhood bars, restaurants etc. within a 2 hour radius from Baltimore
  • Along Maryland state trails and walkways (NCR, C&O, B&A, etc….)
  • Posting the events on online calendars, websites, and social media
  • Sending out alerts to local media
Please contact Christina Nutile (click on name for email) or call 410-952-0334 for postcard/poster pick-up location or to have them delivered to you. Thank you.

Check out our new custom merchandise available for purchase on the event registration forms.

Can't attend the Tour Du Port or Larry's Ride? You can still order merchandise here.
Sleek custom bicycle jersey!

Custom wicking t-shirt!
View larger images on the event registration forms.
  • Currently 0.00/5
Rating: 0.00/5 (0 votes cast)

The Bike Maryland RecRide Bicycle Tour Sunday, May 20th!

Bike Maryland

The May 20th Bike Maryland RecRide will start and finish at the incredibly exciting BikeJam event in Patterson Park, Baltimore!

                

REGISTER HERE - registration is limited to 500 cyclists - First 200 registrants receive a free t-shirt!

Two scenic RecRide bicycle tours give you a close-up view of beautiful Charm City on May 20th.

The Lolly Pop Ride: 12 Miles
Flat with a few rollers! Travels past the community gardens, farmer's market, on the Fallsway and the new Guilford Avenue bike lanes, continues along the Jones Falls into the Clipper Mill neighborhood and then into Druid Hill Park (rest stop with refreshments), along the zoo periphery, around the lake and back to Patterson Park for the celebration!
The Parks Ride: 30 miles
Rolling with hills! This route takes you on a lovely tour of Baltimore's beautiful parks before returning to BikeJam at Patterson Park. Includes Druid Hill Park rest stop for refreshments.
Join the celebration at the end of the RecRide - stay in Patterson Park and celebrate as BikeJam 2012 plays host to Pro Bicycle Championships. International caliber pro-racers and local racers compete for cash and prizes all day. Enjoy food vendors, beer, kid's activities, live music and the super-fast BikeJam 2012 pro bicycle races! Enjoy the fun at the Bike and Health Expo.
Proceeds support Bike Maryland!

Register HERE

 
           

                   

April 25 in Columbia, MD - An event you don't want to miss! The Path Forward - Cycling Innovations from Across the US.

                
A revolution is occurring across the country and it’s a good thing! Cycling is on the rise and more and more communities are making investments to make cycling easier and safer. Join the Columbia Association (CA) and Jennifer Toole, lead consultant for Connecting Columbia and founder of Toole Design Group, who will speak about innovative communities across the US and how they are making way for bicycling. Toole is a nationally-recognized leader in bicycle and pedestrian planning and design. Bike Maryland is a co-host of this important event!
Registration is appreciated, but not required. Please RSVP here. This event is part of CA’s Community Building Speakers’ Series, which hosts thought-provoking speakers that stimulate us to discuss, engage and build our sense of community. If you have any questions, please contact Scott Templin or 410-715-3166. 

Bike Maryland got you 3 feet and we are working to strengthen the existing 3 foot law!

   
In one of the first U.S. studies of its kind, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future at the Bloomberg School of Public Health have found that bike lanes in Baltimore improve cyclist safety, in a paper published in the Journal Accident Analysis and Prevention on March 27, 2012.  Read the full paper here. Bike Maryland thanks Dr. David Love for initiating and completing this important study.
The study looked at drivers’ behavior around cyclists on roads with and without bike lanes, and the good news is that drivers pass significantly wider when cyclists are in bike lanes. The bad news is that on roads without bike lanes, drivers had trouble sharing the road with cyclists, which often violated a state law aimed at making cycling safer.  In 2010, with the support of Bike Maryland, Maryland passed what is known as the “3-foot law,” which requires that drivers must pass cyclists by three feet or more. The study authors found that one in six motor vehicle passes in Baltimore, or about 17 percent, violated the 3-foot law.
Researcher David Love, PhD, says that, “As cyclists, we knew the 3-foot law was not being followed, and we wanted to quantify the problem. Now, for the first time, we have baseline data to inform future transportation and planning efforts.”
Violations to the 3-foot law were virtually non-existent on streets with bike lanes.  Love notes, “we need to find ways to separate car traffic from bike traffic, and bike lanes are one way to do that.”
The study was conducted by a team of six Johns Hopkins University faculty, staff and students who routinely commute to work or school by bicycle. The authors attached video cameras to their bicycles, recording commutes in the Fall of 2011. By translating video footage into data, the study authors documented experiences that others in Baltimore have reported only anecdotally.
Researcher Jared Margulies says, “many cyclists feel safer in bike lanes, and our data indicates that drivers do give cyclists more room when bike lanes are present.”
The study was sponsored in part by Bike Maryland as we support research to assess motorist compliance with the law.  

Please Support Bike Maryland's Advocacy Work

Become a Bike Maryland Member Today.

Click HERE to become a member.
  • Currently 0.00/5
Rating: 0.00/5 (0 votes cast)

Two Wheels, Two Words...True That!

by marla, Bike Maryland

Two wheels will always keep you rolling.  But when they fail to be true, two words can really make up the difference.

During a recent kids bike safety rodeo at Patterson Park Rec Center, things were not rolling perfectly.  We had more than 60 kids show up at our after school bike rodeo, a free event hosted by Bike Maryland.  But the bikes were an hour late, and the kids were restless!

Katie and I did try to entertain the group as much as possible, being the good Bike MINDED coordinators that we are.  But try explaining how to strap on your helmet safely, how to check the A, B, C’s of your bike, and how to ride safely following the rules of the road when the entire audience just want to ride.  That video we presented of the guy wearing his helmet backwards did little to draw a chuckle from the group.

But finally, when the windowless room’s humidity reached indoor swimming pool thickness, we heard the truck and trailer pull up out back.  YES!

The bikes arrived!  Some of the kids rushed outside to help us unload, and it was two-wheeled game on.

Chaos aside, rodeo course cones managed to get set up on the indoor basketball court, including the little stop sign.  Tires pumped, helmets correctly strapped, and selected rides were straddled.

One last-second rush trip to the trailer outside to lock things up, and I noticed the key had broken off inside the padlock.  Geez!
Then I heard the two little words:  “Thank you”. 

I turned around a saw a little boy around 8 years old standing alone on the sidewalk.  He said the two words again, but louder and added, “My mama told me to always say that.”

I just smiled and thought, two wheels may keep you rolling, but when all else fails, those two words really keep you going!

Continue Reading

  • Currently 0.00/5
Rating: 0.00/5 (0 votes cast)