Month: May 2007

– From the Washington Post

Where: Gwynns Falls Trail in Baltimore.

Why: What a hoot, architectural antiques and a stadium for the birds.

How Far: About 15 miles from start to finish.

Shhh, can you keep a secret? Gwynns Falls Trail.

"It’s one of those well-kept secrets," says Alex Pilecki, a Baltimorean who exercises his greyhounds along the path in Leakin Park.
…
"When you’re on it, you don’t think you’re in a city for much of the time," says Bob Moore, a member of the Gwynns Falls Trail Council, "because it’s so parklike and so green."
…
"There are so many hidden treasures in this park and along the trail," says Michael Strawbridge, trail manager for the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks.

And more could be coming. According to plans, the path will be connected to Maryland’s popular BWI Trail within the next five years, and the stretch of waterfront between Kloman Street and the Patapsco River is slated for redevelopment. If that happens, the secret of Gwynns Falls Trail will certainly be out.
Continue reading “A Trail Full of Charm in Baltimore”

Dear Citizens,

Too often in life, the best solution to an ongoing problem is not a
cure, but prevention. Heart and lung diseases are as preventable as
they are terrible. I believe it is the responsibility of government to
provide outlets to citizens who want to live healthier lives. This
week, I had the pleasure to be involved in events that are helping to
make Baltimore healthier.

…

All week long, Baltimore has joined cities around the country in
celebration of National Bike week to promote a fit,
environmentally-friendly community. On Monday, I rode from City Hall to
Fort McHenry with my cabinet to kick-off the week’s activities.

I also announce that I have opened up the Inner Harbor Promenade for
cyclists for the first time. The promenade is now opened to cyclists
Monday to Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., and Sundays from 6:00
a.m. to 11:00a.m.

Bike to Work Week is important to the health of our city. Biking
improves personal fitness. In fact, a 30-minute bike commute meets the
Surgeon General’s recommended minimum for exercise and burns around 250
calories, whereas sitting in your car for 20 minutes burns only 25.
Biking to work also reduces traffic congestion and air pollution. During
the summer months, we hear of Code Orange and Code Red Action Days when
ground level ozone makes the air dangerous to breath. Single occupancy
vehicles contribute 20% of the pollutants that cause ground level ozone.

Continue reading “The Dixon Report: Issue #16”

It takes two legs, two wheels and one week to avoid prices at the pump and go to work a healthy way.

"It’s kinda like going to the gym…but you’re doing something..saving money on gas and doing something for the environment," said Chris Nystrom, a biker.

It’s called "Ride Your Bike To Work." Friday capped off the last day for some. But for others a bike is always a smart commute.

…
Continue reading “Bike to Work Day News Coverage”

By Sarah Larimer
The Associated Press
…
"You don’t want to know what I’ve seen," Pinto said. "I’ve seen everything. I’m from L.A., and we don’t see the crazy drivers that you see here."

The most courteous drivers can be found in Portland, Ore.; Pittsburgh; the Seattle-Tacoma area; St. Louis; and Dallas-Fort Worth, the survey found.
…
The most frequent cause of road rage cited in the survey was impatient motorists. Drivers also said road rage can stem from poor driving in fast lanes and driving while stressed, frustrated or angry.
…
Continue reading “Baltimore ranks 15th on ‘rude drivers’ survey”

(Sun photo by Jed Kirschbaum)

Not only did Mayor Sheila Dixon kick off Bike to work week she also announced that bikes are now allowed on the Inner Harbor Promenade from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and to 11:00 a.m. on Sunday (special thanks to Eva Khoury for making this happen.)
Baltimore Sun coverage and more photos

When the ride was supposed to be over Mayor Sheila Dixon said she was just getting warmed up and started off to Fort McHenry. At this point some of the riders turn back to City Hall and others tried to keep pace with the Mayor. I also want to give special credit to those who were in the rear for their determination to finish the ride and their commitment to healthily life style choices (or was it just because they were out of the office having fun? We may never know for sure.)

Special thanks to Broadway Bikes and Light Street Cycles for their support!!!

From Greg Hinchliffe
Please forward as possible. The mayor will probably not be able to attend Bike2Work DAY on the 18th, but will kick off Bike2Work WEEK with this event. Her Honor being surrounded with cyclists at the press event at the Inner Harbor would be nice.

My only question from the press release below: Will the Mayor and Cabinet Members all be on the same bicycle? That oughta make the evening news!

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Monday, May 14, 2007

6:30 am Mayor Dixon Will Kick-Off Bike to Work by Riding a Bicycle with Cabinet Members from City Hall to the Inner Harbor Promenade
Bike Route Begins at City Hall and Ends at Inner Harbor Promenade