• Key Bridge Commuting Resources
• How are You Commuting on Earth Day?
• April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
• Celebrate Bike Month this May
• Employer Partner Spotlight: Downtown Columbia Partnership
• Resources and Upcoming Events

In the days that followed the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695) and the painful loss of six construction crew members who were working on the bridge, Maryland residents, employees and employers have experienced disruptions to traffic and commuting patterns. The effects are being felt regionally as traffic patterns shift. MDOT is working to help everyone get where they need to go, and identifying services that may be needed now to help Marylanders during this difficult time.

Visit our dedicated webpage for free resources for employees and employers including program information, incentives and support with your commuting options from Commuter Choice Maryland.

April 22 is Earth Day! This year, consider incorporating some of these ideas to “green up” your commute:

• Take a trip on transit or bike, walk or carpool instead of driving alone and earn rewards with incenTrip.
• Find your carpool or vanpool match and register for the free Guaranteed Ride Home program at Commuter Connections.
• Plan your Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) trip, store your fares and connect to your commuter benefits with CharmPass.

Hosting a sustainability event at your workplace? We’ll be there! Just send us an invitation at commuterchoice@mdot.maryland.gov. 

MDOT's Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office (MHSO) is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in partnering with state and local law enforcement to encourage motorists to Be the Focused Driver and only focus on the task at hand – driving. Each year, distracted driving contributes to an average of more than 24,000 injuries and 200 fatalities on Maryland roads.

While phone use is a leading cause of distracted driving, there are other interruptions that can be just as harmful, such as eating, applying makeup, changing the radio station or tending to other passengers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. When driving 55 mph, those five seconds equate to traveling the length of a football field with your eyes closed.  

Learn more about MDOT's commitment to zero deaths on Maryland roadways here.

Get ready to join in the festivities of Bike Month this May! We are lucky to have two regional events to help you celebrate Bike Month this year:

• Central Maryland’s Bike to Work Week will be celebrated May 13-19. Register for your free t-shirt, enter prize giveaways and find local events during the week at new and favorite pit stop locations. Learn more here.
• Bike to Work Day in the DC Metro area will be celebrated on National Bike Day, Friday, May 17. Even if you telework, Bike to Work Day is for you! Find local free events throughout the region and register for a pit stop to secure your free t-shirt. Learn more here.

If your workplace or community is hosting an event this Bike Month and would like to invite Commuter Choice Maryland, reach out to us at commuterchoice@mdot.maryland.gov. Don’t forget to tag us in your events on social media – we’re on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn @commuterchoicemd. 

Need inspiration to get your neighborhood or organization on the move? Our newest Employer Partner, Downtown Columbia (DTC) Partnership, has been busy helping Columbia residents, employees and visitors explore a range of transportation options to get them to and around DTC. Learn more about their range of programs and partnerships in our spotlight article by clicking the button below.