|
BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, July 28, 2025) – The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office has granted $30,800 to the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) to support the Bicycle Helmet Project as part of BMC's safety efforts. The grant will fund the procurement of bicycle helmets for distribution during public outreach. The project is part of a greater traffic safety effort from the BMC’s metropolitan planning organization, the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), which has seen an increase in bicycle-related crashes year over year in the Baltimore region. According to available data from 2019-2023, the Baltimore region accounts for more than 50 percent of statewide bicycle-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities. In 2023, nine out of Maryland’s 15 bicyclist fatalities occurred in the region. These statistics show that the rate of bicycle crashes and fatalities are disproportionate to the regional population. Additionally, studies showed that fatalities decreased by 73 percent when the cyclist was wearing a helmet, along with reductions across the board with regards to head, brain, and facial injuries. The BRTB considers pedestrians and cyclists to be a top priority in the region’s traffic safety initiatives, as they are the most vulnerable to serious and fatal injuries. This funding will help the BRTB reach its regional safety targets outlined in its Long-Range Transportation Plan, Resilience2050, which identified goals and strategies to develop infrastructure and safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists. The BRTB will seek out local partners within each local jurisdiction to distribute helmets and include instruction on proper wear during safety outreach events. The BRTB will also be procuring bicycle lights to promote visibility to drivers while riding. The Bicycle Helmet Project reinforces the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Serious About Safety initiative – an enhanced, department-wide initiative to drive safety goals and save lives. Combined with other outreach campaigns, such as Look Alive with Signal Woman, the BRTB hopes these resources will help eliminate bicycle-related traffic fatalities and injuries.
### The Baltimore Metropolitan Council provides a regional forum for our members and state and local partners to identify mutual interests and collaborate on strategies, plans and programs that help improve economic vitality and quality of life for all. BMC operates its programs and services without regard to race, color or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable laws. Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410- 732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500. |