Spring of 2020 has been like no other. With a global quarantine underway to combat COVID-19, many Bike to Work Day and Bike Month events have been canceled or postponed. Many Americans are finding themselves stuck at home, but they’re also walking and biking more, as exercise is one of the approved reasons to leave home. This has been accompanied by a decrease in vehicle traffic. These factors have combined to create safer conditions for biking. For people interested in biking within the provisions of social distancing and other restrictions, and to celebrate Bike Month, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) are providing a series of resources to help you ride. Throughout the month of May, learn how to ride, where to ride, and who is making a difference for bicycling in Maryland. 

 

Traffic gardens are gaining popularity throughout the United States because of the ability for kids to learn about roadways and safety away from traffic. Traffic gardens are designs that mimic small streetscapes. For more information about traffic gardens, visit trafficgardens.com. In 2016, Seattle launched its first traffic garden eight miles south of downtown, complete with crosswalks, multilane roads, a roundabout and more street features. Washington County, Maryland has made great strides in planning for the first Bike Safe Play Court in Maryland. In Baltimore City, the Safety City area is an example of a Traffic and Safety Court in Druid Hill Park that is providing outreach and education to elementary-school-age children. Hannah Person, program coordinator with the Washington County Health Department, shared information with us regarding this exciting new project.

 

To learn more and to read the full interview, click here!

 

As people have been practicing social distancing around the globe, riding a bicycle for transportation and recreation has shown its merit worldwide as people rediscover the convenience and freedom of traveling by bike.  

May 15th is the traditional Bike to Work Day.  Bike to Work Day is a great way to celebrate the joys of bike commuting.  Commuting is also one of the more difficult trips to transition to bicycling.  Bike commuting requires more planning than spontaneous bike trips and Maryland roads are shared with motorists who are also trying to get to work safely.  If you are commuting daily to a place of business, more power to you! If not, that’s ok too.  We hope that over the past few weeks you’ve had a chance to experience the joys of biking while practicing social distancing.  

 

If it took a couple years to take your bike out of the basement and fix it up, don’t put it back just yet. Habit-building works best when you start with very small changes. Only make one change at a time and make each one small and measurable. While a longer ride to reach your favorite destinations or as your sole exercise activity may seem daunting, consider starting with a 10-minute ride around the block, or a shorter weekly ride to pick up carry out or essential items.

The small habit of returning your bike and helmet to a designated spot will make a more regular habit of riding that much easier to develop. Parking your bike in a convenient location will further encourage you to go for a ride at a moment’s notice.  Remember to properly lock your bike when parked in a publicly accessible area. 
 

Maryland is home to many great trails. During Bike Month, we’re featuring trails that are Maryland biking destinations. If you can’t make it to these trails under current travel restrictions, consider a trip when travel restrictions are lifted.

 

The Jones Falls Trail (JFT) in Baltimore City follows the Jones Falls Valley from Mt. Washington to the Inner Harbor.  Accessible from adjacent neighborhoods, the JFT is an important segment in Baltimore’s low-stress bike network and connects other trails and protected bike lanes. Construction of the Mt. Washington section of the JFT is nearly complete including, a shared-use path bridge over Northern Parkway.  The JFT connects Cylburn Arboretum, Druid Hill Park and the Inner Harbor with adjacent neighborhoods.