baltimorespokes

WashCycle is running a story on One Less Car’s Greg Cantori idea about closing closing off downtown Baltimore to traffic on a sunday. In Theory I love the idea, the reality is I don’t think it can work with out major changes to the traffic patterns of Baltimore, then there is issue of parking for locals. The Articles referenced don’t give a lot of details on how he would propose making the change. I lived through the changes in Edinburgh that closed the major shopping street to only buses, taxies and cyclists, the one benefit they had over Baltimore is alternative wide streets that could absorb the displaced traffic. I just don’t think Baltimore has the public transportation infrastructure to handle such a closing.

Now here is something the City can do, convert the old tram line in to a dedicated bike path that runs round the inner harbor. That way we don’t have to fight with the ducks and tourist buses that currently use it as a pickup drop off point and force cyclists onto the busy and dangerous Pratt Street. Then install quality U style bike racks close to all the major shopping areas in the Inner Harbor, Canton and Fells Point. Then as a bonus install bike rental bus shelters. When we have that locals and Tourists will want to bike round the city.

The fifth annual "Tour dem Parks, Hon!" bicycle ride happens Sunday, June 10 from 8:00 a.m.-12 noon. This is a fun ride for anyone who would like to see Baltimore’s better-known parks and neighborhoods as well as those that are quietly tucked away. It is a chance to bike ride with family and friends, both old and new. Riders can choose from 10, 20, or 30 mile routes, all starting and ending at Carroll Park in southwest Baltimore.

If you have been thinking about taking a ride but are not feeling as energetic as you need to be out there on the streets, this is a great opportunity to cycle with others and learn new routes. The ride promotes cycling in Baltimore and awareness of its many lovely green spaces, with proceeds going to parks groups throughout the city.

Early registration is $25, day of $30. Kids under 10 ride for $5; teens, for $15. Register online at www.tourdemparks.org. For more information, call Gary at (410) 396-4369.

Tuesday, April 17th, at 6PM at Park HQ, 2600 Madison Street, across from Druid Hill Park.

AGENDA:

MEET EVA KHOURY, THE CITY’S NEW BIKE/PED COORDINATOR ! ! ! (Read more from her in comments)

Bike 2 Work Day
Bike to the Ballpark Day (to see dem Aayos, hon)
Bike Master Plan
Jones Falls Trail Input
East Coast Greenway stuff
Ducks
other stuff I’ve forgotten

Be there or be a totally unsuitable shape for a bike tire !
Continue reading “The Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee will meet on Tuesday”