Biking in Baltimore
Every day there is an article in the paper talking about how the rising price of gas is shifting commuters to mass transit. Well, here is the proof, and Baltimore is helping to lead the way with light rail and heavy rail percentages of riders increasing.
Light rail
Overall streetcars and trolleys had the highest percentage increase, at 10.3%. The biggest increases:
[Comment from mod: We encourage everyone to report problems and issues in the Baltimore area. These reports ARE used to at least help make sure that steps are taken so the problems are reduced.]
I have been here in Baltimore for three years and bike almost daily to Johns Hopkins East Baltimore campus. During this time, I have been assaulted 6 times with fists, rubber bullets, rocks…. have also gotten a bike stolen from inner harbor with a security camera right on top of it.
By the way I am from Pakistan. Never saw any violence whatsoever in Pakistan. The first time I was ever assaulted was in Baltimore. Don’t think I am a cry baby I still defy the assholes/ terrorists of Baltimore and bike daily to campus because if I don’t these mfu*** have won. anyways, I have gotten used to all of the violence.
My advice to all the avid bikers out there
1. if you see more than one teenager approaching you, RUN. these punks attack you in groups.
2. never stop at a red light unless theres traffic approaching
3. don’t bother calling the cops if you get assaulted. they will laugh it off. just suck it up
4. always carry a spare tube in case you have a puncture
5. Bike at odd hours, very early in the morning or really late at night becase the assholes also need to get some sleep.
for my beloved Hollands (steel) bike, stolen within last 24 hrs by professional bike thieves who clipped the lock on my Catonsville garage and clipped a second lock securing it within the garage.
Silver w/purplish hue, Ksyrium wheels, black handlebar tape, Ultegra, triple. About 60 cm.
– John Fairhall
Hon, are othr bawlmer bikrs intreasted in this?
Continue reading “Hon Fest – this weekend, June 14th-15th”
Bait-bike inventor Jason Cecchettini to bike thieves:
Continue reading “Bike thieves beware: Jason Cecchettini knows where you live”
The discussion in this article about the safety measures in the road accessing a new school site somehow seems to be missing the point.
Of note:
1. The superintendent says "A bus will pick up every child within the attendance boundaries of this school."
2. The school board’s stance:
R-7 officials said a reduced-speed school zone is not necessary because children would not be allowed to walk to the school.
3. The traffic engineer’s take on this:
Michael Park, city traffic engineer, said motorists don’t obey the current speed limit near the property, which is 45 mph. He said a reduced speed zone could cause more accidents.
Continue reading “As long as you have a bus who needs to walk to school?”
One day into the Bicycle Race Across America (RAAM). Only the solo racers are on the route. Teams have not yet left the starting line.
Already, 3 racers will be serving 15 minutes with us in the Penalty Box at Mt Airy Bicycle, and another racer will be staying with us for 30 minutes.
You too can track the excitement on RAAM’s web pages:
For the latest on which racers will be "on hold" at the Penalty Box along with their infractions: https://stats.raceacrossamerica.org/2008/reports/penalties.html
For an overview of current race status and links to much more: https://stats.raceacrossamerica.org/2008/reports/overview.html
Be sure to join us at Mt Airy Bicycles June 16 (maybe late June 15) through June 20 to join in the excitement — 24/7.
Georgia Glashauser
www.BikeRAAM.com
The Washington, DC-based Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has launched an innovative campaign called “Burn Calories, Not Carbon!” In explaining why you should take the pledge, they write: “Did you know nearly half of all trips in the United States are three miles or less, and the vast majority of these trips are still taken by car? Trails and transit create opportunities to drive less. And choosing to walk and bike instead is a positive response to the twin challenges of climate change and expanding waistlines.” The organization’s goal is to have 20,000 pledges made by Earth Day, April 22.
Continue reading “FOOD FOR FUEL”
[Baltimore Sun’s coverage of Tour dem Parks]
…
"We want people to enjoy their bicycles and we want them to enjoy their parks," said Gary Letterton, an environmental planner with the city and one of the event’s volunteer organizers. "So many people come back from this and say, ‘Oh my God, I had no idea.’ Every year we do this I learn another spot in Baltimore. Most people have no idea what’s out here."
…
Nate Evans, a bike and pedestrian planner for the city Department of Transportation, said he hopes the event helps people to think a little bit differently about bicycling in the city and to learn about Baltimore’s bike trails, old and new.
"People think that biking is something you do in the county, that you put your bike in the car and take it somewhere to ride," he said. "We want to make it so you can get on your bike and ride where you need to go."
Continue reading “Seeing Baltimore in a new light”
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) wants to know how well the Baltimore region conducts its transportation planning process. If you’re interested in how transportation investment decisions are made in the Baltimore region, you should plan to attend a public hearing with the U.S. DOT on Tuesday, June 24th. The meeting, which is part of the quadrennial federal certification process of the Baltimore region’s metropolitan planning organization (MPO), will take place from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at 2700 Lighthouse Point East (2700 block of Boston Street), Suite 310, in the Canton area of southeast Baltimore City.
As the local MPO, the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) is responsible for several key products as part of a continuing, comprehensive and coordinated (3-C) process. These products include a long-range transportation plan, a short-range program or implementation plan, an annual work program, air quality assessments, and a congestion management process. The BRTB undertakes this work in coordination with state agencies and other partners. An important part of the planning process is providing for public participation.
The meeting on June 24th will not address specific projects, but the overall transportation planning process. The U.S. DOT (Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration) is interested in knowing:
* Are you provided with the opportunity to participate in the transportation planning and programming process?
* Do you receive information about transportation issues early enough in the process so staff and the MPO can utilize your suggestions or recommendations?
* Do you have reasonable access to the technical and policy information that is used to develop the Long Range Transportation Plan and Transportation Improvement Plan?
* Do you receive adequate notice of transportation planning and programming activities?
* Do you have adequate time to comment on key decision points in the process?
* Do you feel your comments are taken into consideration by staff and the MPO?
* What are the positive aspects of the transportation planning process?
* What suggestions do you have for improving the process?
Continue reading “U.S. DOT Wants Your Take on the Baltimore Region’s Transportation Planning Process”