Bike Maryland - November 2010
Bike Lane Petition
As Baltimore City moves forward with bringing the 25th Street Station development to Remington, it is also important that the city moves forward with the development of new bike lanes in this area. However, throughout the public process, the needs of cyclist have been marginalized by several community groups. While traffic concerns and traffic calming are important issues that should not be ignored, Baltimore needs to acknowledge that not all traffic is car traffic. Car traffic will decrease if distinct bike lanes are created to offer a safer commuting corridor for cyclists. Furthermore, plans have been developed that will not impede automobile traffic.
Please sign this important petition and encourage the Department of Transportation to create bike lanes on Huntingdon Avenue and 25th Street. 25th Street is a vital link in the city’s bicycle network being the only east-west bike amenable street between North Avenue and 33rd Street. This route will not only connect Hampden and Remington neighborhoods to the Guilford Avenue bicycle boulevard and points downtown, but also provide a safer route for Johns Hopkins students from the university to the medical campus.
Dollar for Dollar Match!
Please consider a donation to Bike Maryland. Every dollar you donate will be completely matched dollar for dollar until December 31st! This opportunity doubles your donation power. This is our end of year fundraising campaign and your support is greatly appreciated as Bike Maryland moves towards the start of the 2011 General Assembly Session. Last year we promoted six bills which passed into law - including enhancing your right to bike and bike safely, promoting transparency in transportation funding and increasing alternative transportation opportunities. All donations substantially contribute to Bike Maryland's ability to encourage and promote bicycling, increase safety, improve conditions, and provide a voice for all bicyclists throughout Maryland. Please click here to make a donation.
Single Track Trail Usage in Maryland Reservoirs
Approximately 200 people met last week to discuss reservoir single track trail restrictions. The goal was to raise awareness about access and recreation issues and convince lawmakers that we need their support to keep single track trails accessible to ALL user groups. The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Reservoir Natural Resources Section Police officers have begun enforcing an old and restrictive 1998 Mountain Biking Plan. Restrictions to single track access have been made by DPW without the public’s knowledge, input or the opportunity for real collaborative problem solving.
A review of the meeting can be viewed here.
Please sign this petition to tell Baltimore City's Mayor, the City Council and the Department of Public Works that you want Single Track Trails at Maryland’s Loch Raven, Liberty and Pretty Boy Reservoirs to be legally open to ALL users including mountain bikers, hikers, runners, bird watchers and fishermen. CLICK HERE to sign the petition.
The Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts (over 5,000 members, 950 volunteer hours at Loch Raven this year alone), the International Mountain Biking Association, Bike Maryland (17,000 members), local businesses, local schools, the boy scouts and the citizens who use the trails want and often already work to correct poor trail conditions, remove liter, protect the environment and our municipal water supply. These groups have expertise in building sustainable trails, provide a substantial volunteer base to maintain a world class trail system, and have a history of achieving results. DPW is being asked to partner with organized volunteer groups to help maintain the trails. Baltimore’s watershed areas are among the largest open spaces accessible to Maryland residents. They are a valuable recreational resource we cannot afford to lose!