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In this issue:

 

In the three-year period between 2006 and 2008, there were 7,135 crashes involving bicycles and pedestrians in the Baltimore region, resulting in 157 deaths.  That represents 39% percent of all bike/pedestrian crashes and fatalities in the entire state of Maryland.

• Pedestrians:  Cross at corners or designated cross walks and obey traffic signals.
• Cyclists: Remember you are operating vehicles and are subject to stop signs, traffic signals and one-way streets, just as drivers are.
• Drivers: Pedestrians have the right of way at stop signs; when passing a bicycle, you are required to allow a three-foot buffer.
• Everyone: Exercise common sense and common courtesy.

The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), in cooperation with the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), are requesting public input to determine "gaps" in transit services for people with disabilities, low or limited incomes, and senior citizens in the Baltimore region. 

 

Your input is important and will be used to update the 2007 Coordinated Public Transit - Human Services Transportation Plan. Please provide input by Thursday, August 5.

The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board would like to thank the hundreds of people who completed the online survey or attended a Workshop or Open House earlier this year.  Results of these events are now available online.

Imagine 2060 is an initiative sponsored by the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council. Through imagine 2060, residents and organizations throughout the Baltimore region have shared their ideas on the future of transportation in the region. A key focus of imagine 2060 is to improve accessibility for all and promote livable and sustainable communities throughout the metropolitan area.

>> Download the public input report

Imagine the Region Photo Contest

The BRTB would like to encourage area residents to pull out their cameras and capture images of what they value about our region. Photo entries will be accepted during the months of August and September 2010 in the following categories:

• Transportation (pedestrians, bikes, bus, cars, boats, trains, planes, etc.)

• Community (walkable & vibrant places; neighborhoods, town centers, rural/small towns, people, places, art, culture, food)

• Natural Environment (Bay, lakes, rivers, preserves, parks, sky, wildlife)

• Prosperity (plazas, port, buildings, retail, employment centers, small businesses, neighborhoods, boulevards, agriculture)

In addition to prizes (to be determined), submissions to the imagine 2060 photo contest may be showcased on the imagine 2060 web site and in BRTB publications.

>> Find out how to submit a photo

Earlier this week, Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith announced the schedule for adopting the County's guiding document that directs future development over the next ten years and beyond. The goals of the Master Plan are protecting the environment, preserving agriculture, and ensuring safe and attractive places to live and work.  It includes analysis of transportation facilities, infrastructure, growth areas, housing, community design, economic development and resource conservation.

Baltimore County Office of Planning

105 W. Chesapeake Ave., Suite 101, Towson, MD 21286

Attn:  Bruce Seeley, Master Plan Coordinator

410-887-3480  |  masterplan@baltimorecountymd.gov

>> Get more details at about Master Plan 2020

Applications will be accepted until September 10, 2010.

>> Download an application or get more info about the CAC

Nominations are now being accepted for Harford County's 24th Annual Most Beautiful People volunteer awards.  These "unsung heroes" selflessly assist those around them. These "beautiful people" volunteer above and beyond their paid jobs, donating their time and talent to make a difference in Harford County. If you know someone who continuously contributes their time and talent to enhance the quality of life and community spirit in Harford County, send in a nomination form so they can be honored at the Harford's Most Beautiful People awards presentation. Nomination forms are available online using the link below, at all Harford County Libraries and Senior Centers, or by calling Jen Davis of the Department of Community Services' at 410-638-3389.

www.harfordcountymd.gov/awards/harfordsmostbeautiful

 

Volunteers Needed: Emergency Preparedness - August 11
Volunteer to help with an emergency operations exercise for Hurricane Season on Wednesday, August 11.  There is a 1/2 day commitment required (approximately 5 hours).  Water and snacks will be provided. 

For more details please contact: Angela Bernstein, Governor's Office of Community Initiatives, 410-926-8956 or abernstein@goci.state.md.us.

The Great Maryland Lawn Mower Exchange Event - Saturday, August 14

Help improve our region's air quality and take advantage of deep discounts off the purchase of a new cordless electric mower!

MTA Station Area Advisory Committees - Nominations Due August 25

The MD Transit Administration (MTA) is seeking members to serve on its new Station Area Advisory Committees, or SAACs. These committees will decide station locations, choose designs that reflect each station's unique character, ensure that stations support community plans and visions, address new traffic patterns, and name station stops.

SAAC members will also work to make sure that people can easily bike and walk to stations and feel safe at night.  Committees will begin Fall 2010 and will meet every 4 to 6 weeks for approximately 15 months. Nominations will be accepted until August 25.

http://www.baltimoreredline.com/station-area-advisory-committees

Activate Your Inner Citizen University - Saturday, September 11

Hold the date for Citizens Planning and Housing Association's next Activate Your Inner Citizen event!  Workshops will include: Effective Outreach, Grant Writing, Youth Leadership and more!  The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Morgan State University.  Registration is free; breakfast and lunch will be provided for registrants.  More details to come. For more information, call 410.539.1369 ext. 102 or e-mail info@cphabaltimore.org.