Baltimore Bike Traffic Continues Upward Trend

From May 10th through May12th, 34 volunteers took to the streets of Baltimore to verify the city’s bicycle traffic.  This season’s bike counts took place at the usual locations of Falls & Maryland, Guilford & Mt. Royal, Aliceanna & Boston and Frederick & Gwynns Falls Trail.  DOT expanded the count locations to include new and proposed bike facilities such as St. Paul & Centre, Fleet & President, Keswick & Wyman Park and Frederick & Athol.  Bike parked at Penn Station were also counted.

Overall, bike traffic increased at these locations by 0.5-2% compared to September 2010.  That’s a significant increase in just 8 months considering bike traffic nationwide is typically higher in September compared to May.  The biggest increase was at Guilford & Mt. Royal which saw a 9% increase!  This intersection is due for major bicycle improvements over the coming year with the Guilford Ave Bicycle Boulevard project and the Jones Falls Trail (Phase II) construction.

These recent bike counts provided DOT with vital information to help improve bike access.

• The counts at Penn Station revealed overcrowding at the racks directly in front of the main entrance, while little space remained at the bike racks at the garage entrance. 
• Special thanks to Marcel Haas who observed that 75% of cyclists travelling on St. Paul St (southbound) turned left onto Centre St.
• Non-use of helmets use averaged out at 36%

Thanks again to our many VOLUNTEERS for taking time out of their schedule to count bikes!   Tracking the city’s progress through traffic counts can not be done without you!   The next round of bike counts will happen July 5th – 7th.