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!

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