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!