|
The following newsflash from the Baltimore Regional Transportation
Board details current news, events, etc. 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.
Or it could
inspire a bike ride or a walk...
Amber
Blake
BikePed ED
|
|
Successful Bike to Work Day |
 |
Way to go bike commuters! Despite the rain and cool weather Bike to Work Day
was a smashing success.
Over 800 people registered for Bike to Work Day 2008
in the Baltimore region! Thank you to all participants, sponsors and
volunteers!
2008 was the first year all six jurisdictions hosted a commuter rally. The
locations included Annapolis, Bel Air, Baltimore City, Towson, two new rallies
were held in Columbia and Westminster!
One lucky rider from Towson won
the grand prize: a bicycle tour for 2 on the C&O Canal/Great Allegheny
Passage from our sponsor, Adventure Cycling. Many other prizes including
messenger bags, locks, and tires were given away at each rally.
Recap's from our Rally Leaders:
Anne Arundel County:
40
riders and a dozen volunteers braved the rain for the annual Bike to Work rally
in Anne Arundel County on May 16th. Riders donned their foul weather gear and
pedaled over to the Annapolis City Docks where local business leader Mike
Blonder generously offered warm, dry shelter to the participants. The weather
didn't put a damper on the spirit of the occasion as bikers enjoyed free treats
from Whole Foods, Hard Beans Coffee and Book Seller and bike inspections by
Capital Bicycle. Tons of prizes were given out and all the riders left with
t-shirts and goodies. The Anne Arundel County rally had more than 150
registrants so we expect a huge turn out next year.
City of
Baltimore:
Despite the rain, a festive Bike to Work Day was enjoyed by
all who attended. Participants convened under 3 huge tents to enjoy brownies and
listen to Mayor Dixon as she shared her vision of biking in Baltimore. Dept. of
Transportation Director Al Foxx gave an update of how Baltimore is implementing
the Bicycle Master Plan and becoming more bike-friendly. MTA Administrator Paul
Wiedefeld was also on hand to present the new hybrid-technology buses complete
with bike racks.
Carroll County:
Despite the rain, half of the
people who registered for the first Carroll County Bike to Work Rally turned out
for the event. Among those who came was the author of "Bicycle from Sea to
Shining Sea" Georgia Glashauser of Westminster. County Commissioner Michael
Zimmer took the opportunity to announce that bicycle racks will be installed
soon at the county government complex.
Howard County:
Despite the rain, the turn out was great for Howard
County's first Bike to Work Day event. Approximately 40 individuals
participated. Speakers at the rally included County Executive Ken Ulman, Health
Officer Peter Beilenson, Director of Planning and Zoning Marsha McLaughlin, and
bicycle advocate Robert Anderson. The County is already thinking ahead to next
year's event. Harford County:Harford County had a huge turnout
161 riders pre-registered and an additional 10 registered the day of the event.
There were 3 briefcase challenge winners - APG, SAIC, LMI Consulting. WBAL TV's
Sandra Shaw hosted a segment focusing on Bike to work Day (live broadcast).
|
|
Mayor
Dixon's 2nd Annual Run/Walk |
|
Everyone is invited to Mayor Sheila Dixon's 2nd Annual 1.5 Mile Walk and New
5K Run
When: Saturday, June 28, 2008
Where: M&T Stadium
What: 5k Run (8:00 am), 1.5mile Walk (8:30 am)
Sponsored by St. Agnes
Hospital
Baltimore City is faced with the major health disparities in the
U.S. and we are committed to addressing the well-being of our citizens. Adults
may gain as many as 2 hours of life expectancy for every 2 hours of walking.
In addition to increased life expectancy, regular walking has many
proven benefits for an individual's overall health. Brisk walking for 30 minutes
a day can lower both bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and high blood pressure.
|
|
2010
Campaign for Active Transportation |
|
If Baltimore City had 50 million dollars to spend on bicycle and
pedestrian infrastructure how would you spend it?
What kinds of
programs, bikeways, trails, advertising and development would you like to
see?
How would you help the citizens of Baltimore use their feet and
bikes more and use their cars less?
What programs and infrastructure
currently exist to support Baltimore's commitment to active
transportation?
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's 2010 Campaign for Active Transportation
aims to double the federal investment in active transportation in the next
federal reauthorization of transportation funding and help communities advocate
for investments in bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure and programs.
With increasing gas prices, global warming on the rise and overall declining
health of our population, now is the time to act in helping transform Baltimore
into a cleaner and healthier community.
Don't wait! Contact Nate Evans by
June 13th with your ideas and comments at Nate.Evans@baltimorecity.gov.
|
|
Anacostia EcoTour |
|
 Bike plus or minus 15 miles designed to raise
awareness of projects that enhance the health of the Anacostia Watershed and in
DC Wards 2, 6, 7 & 8 - we will be visiting active Service Projects
throughout the ride, it will also include tour information about successful
environmental projects along the way. Some stops will include National Stadium,
Triangle Park, Kingman Island, US DOT Building, Judy's Solar Home, Marvin Gaye
Park, The Urban Tree House, and many more.
WHEN: Saturday, June 14,
2008 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
WHERE:
Navy Yard Green Line Metro
(Behind us DOT)
200 M Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003
RSVP
by Saturday, June 14, 2008
>>
RSVP
for the Anacostia EcoTour
|
|
Bel Air
trail chugs along |
|
The MA & PA Heritage Trail in Bel Air, which runs along the old
Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad corridor, was built 10 years ago. Bikers,
dog walkers and nature lovers frequent the path, which is now two miles longer,
from Tollgate Road to Edgeley Grove.
>>
Read the full article
|
|
U.S. DOT
Wants Your Take on the Region's Planning Process |
|
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) wants to know how well the
Baltimore region conducts its transportation planning process. If you're
interested in how transportation investment decisions are made in the Baltimore
region, you should plan to attend a public hearing with the U.S. DOT on
Tuesday, June 24th.
The meeting, which is part of the quadrennial
federal certification process of the Baltimore region's metropolitan planning
organization (MPO), will take place from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at 2700 Lighthouse
Point East, Suite 310, in the Canton area of southeast Baltimore City.
As the local MPO, the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) is
responsible for several key products as part of a continuing, comprehensive and
coordinated (3-C) process. These products include a long-range transportation
plan, a short-range program or implementation plan, an annual work program, air
quality assessments, and a congestion management process. The BRTB undertakes
this work in coordination with state agencies and other partners. An important
part of the planning process is providing for public participation.
If
you cannot attend the meeting, you may submit written comments by mail, fax,
e-mail, or online using the public comment form.
|
|
Free
Wheelin' Annapolis Starts June 16th |
|
Free Wheelin' Annapolis - a bike loan program that offers free daily bike
"rentals" - will begin June 16th.
Bicycles will be available at
the Visitors Center Kiosk at the Annapolis City Dock, seven days a week from 9
a.m. to 5 p.m. through August 24th. A credit card and license must be presented
to sign out any bikes.
|
Quick
Clicks |
|
|
