BikeMORE Opens Email List

A few weeks ago, a band of merry bike advocates plotted the future of cycling in Baltimore. This summit  produced the name of this group: BikeMORE !

Now the outreach is beginning!  If you want in on what this group is up to, just sign up for their emails here or check out the signup to the right –>

2012 B’more Bike Plan Survey Now Open

The Department of Transportation is updating the 2006 Bicycle Master Plan!  The original bike plan laid out a vision of what a bikeable Baltimore should look like and how to get there.  In these five, almost six, short years, Baltimore has

• developed 3 area bike networks,
• built its 1st bike boulevard
• passed 9 ordinances and resolutions aimed at promoting cycling
• increased bike commuting by 40%

The 2012 Bicycle Master Plan will build on the city’s successes, but not without input from the community.  Let DOT know how you feel about biking in Baltimore:  what’s good, what’s not, what could be better, where you’d like to see more bike facility improvements.

Take this quick online survey and have a say in how Baltimore’s bicycle network & programs develop!

Baltimore Applies To Green Lane Project

Along with many other hopeful cities, Baltimore submitted its application to the Green Lane Project.  The Green Lane Project is a new effort by Bikes Belong that will work closely with six U.S. cities to help them build world-class cycling networks on city streets. These will be cities that are poised to make significant progress over the next two years in installing cycle tracks and related improvements.  If selected, Baltimore will be one of six cities having a plan that is supported by elected officials, leading staff, and the community. The work of the focus cities will be shared through events and on-line communications to support the many other cities across the country that are also making room for people on bikes.

The campaign will set clear and achievable goals:

• Track and publicize the installation of new facilities
• Understand their impacts
• Identify and address obstacles to implementation
• Expand the knowledge base through research and best practices

The Green Lane Project will focus on promoting advanced bicycle infrastructures in emerging cities.   With 80 miles plus of bike routes constructed in Baltimore over the past 6 years, Baltimore can be considered an emerging city.   Within the past year, the Department of Transportation has been exploring the possibilities of cycletracks with the Downtown Bicycle Network, filling the “donut hole” in the city’s bike network.

The next two years will see some incredible developments in Baltimore’s bike network. Bikemore Baltimore is rolling.  The Bicycle Master Plan is being updated.  NACTO’s Urban Bikeway Design Guide has been endorsed. Federal grants have been awarded to construct a loop trail and bike boulevards in West Baltimore.  Charm City Bikeshare is scheduled to launch in September.  Maryland’s Department of Transportation awarded 2 bikeway connections to be developed this week.  Guilford Avenue bike boulevard is nearing completion and the Jones Falls Trail is being constructed ahead of schedule.    The assistance of the Green Lane Project will advance Baltimore’s bicycle network even further!

First Maryland Bikeways Grant Awards Announced; B’more Scores

Baltimore City and County were awarded some of the first state bikeways grants.  As part of Governor O’Malley’s Cycle Maryland program, 2o grant winners were announced which will be use funds to support planning, design and construction of new bikeway connections across the state. Governor O’Malley’s new program will provide $2.5 million this year to 10 counties, Baltimore City and various municipalities for a variety of projects in different stages of development from feasibility assessment and design to construction.  The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) also has just opened up the application process for the 2013 Bikeways Grants.

“These grants are a great way to help local jurisdictions make key connections to build a more comprehensive bike network that will benefit our citizens,” said Governor O’Malley.  “By getting out and taking a bike ride, we can learn to enjoy more of Maryland’s natural treasures, help reduce the impact on the land, improve our fitness and well-being, and enhance our quality of life.”

Baltimore area residents will see improvements within the coming year including:

• On-road bicycle route connecting the Gwynns Falls Trail at Winans Way to the Catonsville Trails via Edmondson Avenue
• On-road bicycle route connecting established bike routes from Mt. Washington and Roland Avenue to Belvedere Square
• High density covered bike racks at Penn and Camden Stations

The largest award of $1 million was announced by Governor O’Malley in November for the missing trail link connecting Maryland’s Anacostia Tributary Trail to Washington, D.C.’s Riverwalk Trail.  The current plan is to break ground in 2012 on this final missing link that when complete will offer nearly 60 miles of contiguous trails along the Anacostia River Tributary System, including 39 miles in Maryland and 20 miles of completed and planned trails in the District of Columbia.

The next round of bikeway grants are due May 4th!  Congratulations to all winners of the inaugural bikeways grants!

For more information, click here

Bishop Bikes Wins Big at NAHBS!

Congratulations to local bike builder Chris Bishop for wining 3 awards at the North American Handmade Bike Show in Sacremento.  Chris’ awards include:

• Best Lugged Bike
• Best Fillet Brazed Bike
• Best Steel Bike

Check out the details & photos at Bike Portland here and here

Advocacy Founders’ Summit Recap

The Alliance for Biking and Walking visited Baltimore to lead the Founders’ Summit last Saturday.  The summit was organized by the steering committee of a new bicycle advocacy group that aims to support more bicycle infrastructure, encourage more and safer community biking and work with local governments to promote biking.  The day long event was a sacrifice of a Saturday, but time well spent.

Over 50 people attended the event and came for different reasons.  While most in the room were cyclists, some were not, but wanted to create a safer environment so that they would bike.   The morning was spent with groups sharing ideas about what were the biggest challenges to cyclists and what they want this new organization to promote.

Jeremy Grandstaff (l) leads an animated conversation at the Founders' Summit

By the end of the day, enough input was gathered to produce a mission statement and a vision.  While the official name is still being worked out, the steering committee continues to meet to determine a board of directors and file paperwork to become a fully recognized 501(c)3.

Stay tuned…