Category: Biking in Baltimore

from Bikeleague.org Blog by Darren
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Greg Cohen, the president of the American Highway Users Alliance, starts out by saying, “We can all agree on the need to combat distracted driving.” Great. But then he went on to say, “Yet if we are honest, we should admit that we all get distracted sometimes. Hopefully an educated group of “transportation experts” on this blog has put down the cellphone and blackberry while driving. But the reality is that we will continue to make mistakes — enforced legislation and education can only go so far to stop them. So we need to do more than try to stop all distractions — we need to embrace the many engineering solutions that focus on preventing crashes, injurires, and fatalities caused by the distractions that, under any realistic scenario, will continue to occur.” That’s what got Andy going.

Here’s Andy’s full response:

Let me start by taking the unusual step of agreeing with Greg Cohen – don’t worry, normal service will resume later. Reducing or eliminating distracted driving is indeed something we can all agree is critical to continue the decline in traffic fatalities recently reported for 2009. Regardless of what we drive and where we drive, distracted driving is a real threat. Reducing that threat is something that we all have a stake in; cyclists and pedestrians can stand beside truck drivers and soccer moms in minivans to address it together, and who knows where that might take us in the future as we actually get to know each other a little better. That started to happen at the “Towards Zero Deaths” meeting in Washington last month. At the state and local level, you will find cycling organizations to be great allies with an impassioned membership ready to work with you to pass tough distracted driving legislation and support the enforcement that must go with it. That started to happen in Florida, Michigan and many other states this year.

Where we part company with Greg is being willing to accept that some level of distracted driving is acceptable and inevitable – and that therefore we should focus on making vehicles and roadways that are OK to crash on. I’m not interested in trying to walk or ride along the street as part of some giant fairground bumper car game where drivers feel like they can crash with relative impunity. I want drivers (and cyclists) to pay attention, drive carefully, and NOT crash. The focus for me has to be on improving driver behavior, attention and responsibility.

We have come a long way in improving the safety of vehicle occupants. Indeed, you could be fogiven for wondering why we aren’t doing dramatically better already after the introduction of seat belts, air bags, anti-lock brakes, crumple zones, roll-over protection and the like. After 50 years of highway design that has widened, and straightened roads; removed all manner of roadside obstacles (like killer trees); installed collapsible poles and safer guardrailing; limited access and crossings; rumbled, signed and marked roads with ever-increasing levels of visibility and reflectivity. After quite incredible improvements in medical treatment and EMS services in the event of crashes. Really, where have all the benefits to all these great developments disappeared? Why have we still been killing 40,000-plus people a year for decade after decade?

One possible answer could be that we are a nation of generally lousy, distracted, careless drivers who really don’t take the responsibility of driving seriously and are not held to account for that behavior individually or collectively. That needs to change, and focusing on distracted driving is a welcome opportunity to do just that.

Continue reading “2010 Distracted Driving Summit”

from Getting There by Michael Dresser

City work crews will be applying bike lane markings to the roadway on President Street in Harbor East for the next three weeks, requiring parking restrictions and possibly delaying motoriists.

The work will begin Wednesday and will affect both northbound and southbound President from the Aliceanna Street traffiic circle to Fleet Street. The marking crews will be working weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the weather permits.

The city Department of Transportation is urging motorists to use alternate routes.
Continue reading “Bike lane work coming to President Street”

Yes, the election is only six weeks away, and spin doctors are pedaling in overdrive about their candidates.  But a different kind of spinning gets our adrendline pumping in Maryland every fall.

I always look forward to this edition of Spokes Magazine because it features so many major cycling competitions, fund-raising rides and fun tours that take place throughout Maryland.  This issue was chock full of news about the first successful Tour de Frederick, certain to be come an annual event in the historic piedmont region.

However, the feature article was about the upcoming Seagull Century which originated 21 years ago as a function of the Salisbury State Bicycle Club.  From the first outing with 68 riders, the Century has grown to the largest bicycle event in the Mid-Atlantic region.  It is on track to exceed the 8,300 registered riders who participated last year.

As a three day event, the Century has significant economic impact in addition to being a rally for cycling enthusiasts.  As a “ride” and not necessarily a race (although there is determined competition among some teams who participate) the Century attracts cyclists of all skill levels to Maryland’s Eastern Shore.  It also fills hotel rooms all the way to Ocean City.

Because of the growth of the race, an additional route is being added this year to prevent overcrowding and to give riders another slice of Eastern Shore hospitality.

The St. Mary’s Century takes place next weekend, starting and finishing in Leonardstown at the College of Southern Maryland.  Formerly known as the Amish 100, this 21st annual ride sponsored by Patuxent Velo offers the traditional century (100 miles) plus a 62 mile or 35 mile course. 

The routes take riders through the scenic peninsula along the river and bay and farmland of Southern Maryland.

Like the Seagull, the St. Mary’s event is considered a tourist boon because of all the overnight visitors it brings to enjoy Maryland hospitality.

Leafing through the pages of Spokes, I was very encouraged to see how many Maryland counties had display ads touting their cycling appeal.  Talbot County, which dedicated six heritage bicycle trails last year, portrayed the beauty of the trails and countryside in a colorful collage.  Dorchester County, the “Heart of the Chesapeake” showed cyclists enjoying a trail ride along a tidal basin.  Caroline County offered their free cycling guide with 11 bike routes through picturesque small towns, while Worcester promoted their View Trail 100, encouraging visitors to explore the beach and countryside.

Fall is definitely the time to pedal around Maryland, whether you enjoy the challenging grades of the mountains, or the gentle roll of the seaside trails.  The competitions are fun and exhilarating, but the everyday outings with family and friends remind you how much our state has to offer in outdoor recreation facilities.

Check out these sites to plan your next adventure, get some exercise, or simply explore Maryland.

AND SPEAKING OF CYCLING,  Terry is still working on that proposed “Tour de Maryland” at a future date.  There should be more to report in a few months.

Continue reading “The Season for Spinning”

JHU Security has reported today, 09/17/10, the following incident. Please forward on to interested persons.

Theft – 200 E. 33rd St., Union Memorial Professional Building – On Sept. 16th between 9:50 AM and 10:25 AM, the front tire was taken from an undergraduate’s bicycle. The bicycle was secured to the front entrance railing by a lock on its rear tire. Investigation continuing.

Crime Prevention Tip Of the Day

Bicycle Security — Secure the bicycle frame to the rack or other fixed object, preferably with a U-Bolt lock. Remember to remove quick release accessories or secure them with an auxiliary lock.

Regards,
Salem

Salem Reiner
Director
Office of Community Affairs
The Johns Hopkins University
Continue reading “Theft – 200 E. 33rd St. Baltimore – near Johns Hopkins University”

Healthy City Days, which will take place during the week of September 27th-October 1st, is an interactive initiative that will engage Baltimore City residents and workers to focus on healthy lifestyle choices and preventative care.

In partnership with other non-profits, hospitals, community and government agencies, local businesses and corporate sponsors, Baltimore LiveHealthy will host nutrition and fitness demos, screening events, lectures, health fairs, lunch and learns, and other interactive activities that will increase people’s awareness and knowledge of important preventative practices.

Think You’re Too Old to Start Exercising? Think again.

TURNING 65 NO LONGER MEANS YOU’RE OLD. Nor does it mean it’s time to just sit back and watch your twilight years unfold. Today, 65 is sexy, smart, strong and adventurous. So watch out boomers, seniors aren’t slowing down.

Seniors have become the fastest growing segment of the health club population, according to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA). It’s part of a healthy trend where older folks believe they can make a positive impact on their health and longevity. And they’re right. Studies show it’s never too late to start exercising to reap real-world benefits.

“A lot of the problems we used to think of as being related to aging, we now know aren’t related to aging at all. They’re related to disuse of the body,” says Colin Milner, CEO of the International Council on Active Aging. “The number one reason why older adults need assisted living is lack of leg strength. They can’t get out of a chair, walk up stairs or function on their own.”

Speaking of walking, it’s the top choice for exercise among seniors—and, of course, it helps.  But only 11 percent of older people do strength training, which is a significant form of exercise for lifestyle improvements like carrying your own groceries or playing with your grandkids.

“No matter what area you look to, be it heart disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or osteoporosis, research shows that being physically fit into your senior years will keep you healthier and active longer,” says Cedric Bryant, PhD, chief exercise physiologist at the American Council on Exercise. A recent study in the journal Neurology also found that exercise can slow cognitive decline, meaning our minds can stay sharper longer.

Still need a reason to move? Most say age is their primary motivation.

“You turn 50, get your invitation to join AARP, and think, ‘Hmmmm. I should probably start exercising again,’” says Carey Epstein, now 70, who also loves playing Wii Fit and catching up with friends and family on Facebook.

Indeed, a cultural shift is taking place, with more Americans focusing on wellness in later years. But we still have some growing up to do.

“Of the $29 billion dollars spent annually on anti-aging, most is still spent on external things, like Botox and breast implants,” says Milner. “None of this impacts inner health. The challenge is to help people realize that they should focus on prevention rather than perfection.”

Continue reading “Healthy City Days”

Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park at Charm City.

Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park, site of this weekend’s Champion System MAC doubleheader, is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2010 and Charm City Cycling (also known as “C3”), the organizers of this weekend’s Charm City Cyclocross, are hoping they can celebrate with 10 racers for every year of the park’s existence. What is certain already is that riders from around the world will be contesting the UCI Elite Races.

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Continue reading “Charm City Approaching Capacity At Historic Park”

Continue reading “Something to bike to: Frank Zappa events Sunday, September 19”

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But by 1819, Baltimore had the first bicycle shop in the United States. Soon craftsmen across the United States and Europe were improving on Drais’s ideas. Today, there are more than a billion bicycles worldwide, with about 70 million in the United States, according to the Department of Transportation.
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Continue reading “The history of the bicycle”

Upcoming events out east
by Elly Blue

Just a quick post to give y’all a heads-up on our next two (and likely three!) events during our east coast post-tour tour.

In Baltimore it looks like we’ll have two events on Wednesday 9/22. The first one will be a lunchtime brown bag type of thing at the Johns Hopkins public health school. Details coming soon. The second one will be in the evening:

Bikestravaganza! Off the Chainring in Baltimore
Wednesday, Sept 22, 6pm-8pm
The Windup Space, 12 W North Ave
$3-10 sliding scale at the door
(Facebook event listing here: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=154858907867047 )

Continue reading “Bikestravaganza: Off the Chainring Tour”

from TheWashCycle by washcycle

As mentioned this morning, LAB came out with their list of Fall 2010 winners. Of special note is that Baltimore is now a BFC at the Bronze level – after three tries.

" The third time was the charm for the Charm City, Baltimore, Md. and Knoxville, Tenn. Both received the bronze designation after previously receiving the Honorable Mention the past two times they applied. "

Also, Rockville, MD got an honorable mention.

And LAB announced a new Bicycle Friendly Universities program.
Continue reading “Baltimore is Bicycle Friendly”