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A Regional Bike and Pedestrian Newsflash
Happy New Year.
The following newsflash, on behalf of, the Baltimore Regional Transportation
Board details upcoming news and events in regards to biking and walking both in
and around the Baltimore region.
The information found in the newsflash
is informative; it could inspire some to become more involved in the process of
improving conditions for biking and walking.
You may peruse the newsletter highlights below but be careful not
to miss anything.
Thank you and Enjoy!
Stephanie Yanovitz
BikePed Beacon
Editor | |
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OLC'S ANNUAL BICYCLE
SYMPOSIUM
One Less Car's 13th Annual "Smart Transportation
& Bicycling Symposium"
Wednesday February 3, 2010 from 8:30 am to 4 pm
Location: 11 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 which is the East-Miller
Office Building in the President's Conference Center.
The Symposium will be a little different this year! It will be
more inclusive covering 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 and climate change issues, public health concerns, land
use planning, alternative transportation opportunities, and livable communities.
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Meet and share information with advocates,
planners, community leaders and state and local officials.
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Inform Delegates and Senators
that Maryland communities need smart commuting opportunities and safe bicycle/pedestrian
access to be fully sustainable and livable.
A continental
breakfast and pizza lunch will be provided. This free event includes educational exhibits and presentations
throughout the day!
To Exhibit at the Symposium
or for Sponsorship opportunities contact Carol Silldorff at carol@onelesscar.org.
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BIKE TO WORK DAY IS MAY 21, 2010
Last year over 390 bicyclists responded to our
request for feedback for Bike to Work Day. By providing us with an amazing 39%
return rate on the survey your input helps us prepare for Bike to Work Day
2010.
Out of the survey respondents we were surprised
to find that almost half had participated in the Baltimore region's Bike to Work
Day for the very first time and many others had bicycle facilities when they got
to work. Almost all of our cyclists received the notification of the upcoming
Bike to Work Day through e-mail and pre-registered before the event. Since
there were so many new riders, it means that our outreach e-mails were well
circulated.
It was encouraging to hear from folks that they
enjoyed listening to speakers and meeting sponsors at the rally sites. However,
there is still work to be done for those who can't ride with a convoy or stay at
a rally site long enough before having to get to work.
Rest assured planning for Bike to
Work Day 2010 has begun. Since many folks want support for riding their
bicycles to work more than one day a year please look for more events for
bicycling during the Clean Commute months of April through June 2010, with Bike
to Work Day as the focal point.
Join the Bike to Work Central Maryland facebook page for updates! Click
below to sign up.
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BIKE & BENEFIT REWARDS CARD
"Bike to Benefits" a reward and incentive program
and card.
 To get ready for May 21st, 2010 staff have been busy preparing for a Bike
to Benefits rewards and incentive program and card that will be available for
use April through June 2010, the regions clean commute months. Bike to Work Day
will be the focal point.
Expect rewards for Pedaling to Produce, Pedaling to Petals, Pedaling to
Pizza, Pedaling for Pets, Pedal to Pilates, Bike to Beauty, Bike to Bakeries,
Bike to Beans, Bike to Banks, Pedal to Parks, Pedal for People, Pedal for Peace,
and Ride to Reduce.
So get ready to register for Bike to Work Day and get ready to Bike and
Benefit.
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BICYCLE COMMUTER RESOURCE GUIDE
  The Bicycle Commuter Resource Guide has been widely
distributed. If you have not received a guide there are a few free print
copies still available at the Baltimore Metropolitan Council offices, as well as
at local planning offices, community organizations, and bicycle shops.
You can also download your free copy now!
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BIKE MENTORS IN EVERY JURISDICTION
Need to talk to someone who can help you get
started no matter what your level of cycling is. Reach out to one of the
region's bike mentors who can provide customized information and support about
your bicycle commuting options. Every jurisdiction now has a bike
mentor.
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 REGION'S SAFETY CAMPAIGNSCampaigns seek to reduce injuries and
deaths in the region
In the Spring of 2010 the Baltimore Metropolitan Council will be tackling
more of the Maryland Strategic Highway Safety Plan emphasis areas that focus on
saving lives. During Fall 2009 BMC, in conjunction with the Maryland State
Highway Administration's Highway Safety Office (MHSO), launched the Street
Smart Pedestrian Safety Campaign. In Spring 2010 the Street Smart campaign will return, as
well as an additional safety campaign to target distracted driving.
New state laws that ban texting while driving and allow speed cameras in
school zones went into effect October 1st, 2009.
Link to red light and speed camera locations across the region:
Baltimore City (51 locations where red light cameras are)
State Highway Administration's (3 locations where speed cameras are):
I-95 @ Section 100, I-695 @ Charles Street, I-95 @ the ICC:
Why safety is important to the Baltimore region? In
2008:
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231 lives were lost
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23,574 people were injured
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50,096 crashes were reported
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75 impaired fatalities
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39 motorcycle fatalities
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25 aggressive fatalities
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44 pedestrians lost their lives
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4 bicyclists died
>>> Find out more
about Safety at
www.drivesafebaltimore.com |
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WALK TO SCHOOL DAY
 Walk to School Day celebrates healthier habits and promotes
safe walking and bicycling.
Programs are sprouting up across the region that encourage us to think
green and get involved. Communities are using the walk or bike to school as the
first step to change community culture and create environments that are more
inviting for everyone.
There were over 50 Walk to School Day events in Maryland last fall.
Approximately 10 events were in the Baltimore region. Use the link below
to share the resources needed to be involved in your own Walk to School
Day!
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In The News, Events, and Other Useful
Links |
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EVENTS
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| Baltimore Metropolitan Council | 2700 Lighthouse Point
East, Suite 310 | Baltimore | MD |
21224 | | |
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