I really, really wish this was more forefront then all that ticketing j-walkers junk.
Continue reading “Look what I found buried in the back of StreetSmart”
County Council member forms pedestrian, bike committee for 5th District
From the Baltimore Sun
Panel will discuss access issues in Towson, Loch Raven, Perry Hall and Parkville
June 20, 2011
County Councilman David Marks on Monday announced the formation of the 5th District Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee, designed to provide input on pedestrian and bicycle issues in Towson, Loch Raven, Parkville andPerry Hall.
Earlier this year, the County Council passed legislation sponsored by Marks and Councilman Tom Quirk of the 1st District (Catonsville) that created a Baltimore County Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee. The law allowed each council member to form a version of the committee in his or her district.
Marks said the 5th District version will meet three times a year. Members of the committee, all of whom live in the 5th District, are Robert Carson, Nate Evans, Ann Greenbaum, Tom Henry, Allysha Lorber, Allan Massie, Pat Rooney, Tom Rose, Wendy Samuels and Stu Sirota.
The first meeting of the 5th District committee will be Wednesday, July 6, at 5:30 p.m. at the offices of the Towson Chamber of Commerce, 44 W. Chesapeake Ave. There is parking along the street.
Stu Sirota, from Rodgers Forge, will talk about that community’s Safe Routes to School initiative, and Nate Evans will discuss ways Baltimore City has made its transportation system more bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly. The public is welcome to attend.
For more information, contact Marks at 410-887-3384.
Continue reading “County Council member forms pedestrian, bike committee for 5th District”
But accommodating cyclists would damage the enviroment
There is the argument floating around here that adding extra road width for cyclists would “damage” the environment by increasing impervious surface. Which to me is like being next to a coal burning power plant and then pointing to the guy that just dropped a banana peal in the dirt as the “polluter.”
But just when you thought bicycling could not get any greener a Dutch company came up with the idea of combining storm water management and a cycle path. So not only does it make the impervious surface for cars more environmentally friendly cyclists get their extra road width.
Continue reading “But accommodating cyclists would damage the enviroment”
Conga line congestion in Elkridge
This comment on the Baltimore Sun site cracked me up:
"Please report on the congestion caused by "conga lines" and "wobbly" cyclists on Montgomery Rd. It will prove to be a popular post among Elkridge residents."
Note the unflattering remarks but total lack of any enforceable laws. This is why I think too many people focus on scofflaw cyclists, if they can’t get them for what bothers them then they pull out the "letter of law" and try to get cyclists on that. Well every road can’t be a car only road and if motorists don’t like it then get back on the expressway.
Continue reading “Conga line congestion in Elkridge”
Cycle Maryland [video]
Governor O’Malley, joined by Queen Anne’s County Commission President Steven J. Arentz, Bike Maryland Executive Director Carol Silldorff, members of Maryland’s cycling community, and others, officially kicked-off the “Cycle Maryland” initiative at the Chesapeake Exploration Center in Chester.
“I am pleased to announce a new interactive initiative to encourage Marylanders to enjoy cycling,” said Governor O’Malley. “By getting out and taking a bike ride, we can learn to enjoy more of Maryland’s natural treasures, help reduce the impact on the land, improve our fitness and well-being, and enhance our quality of life.”
Before biking along the Cross Island Trail, the Governor also announced a new interactive map that allows users to view the many bike trails and routes in Maryland and plan their cycling trips. Cyclists now have one central location to find places to bike using the various layers of the map, including the BLOC rating feature (Bike Level of Comfort) on state-owned roadways, points of interest, and information on the Maryland Trails Plan. Additionally, there will be an online survey of Maryland’s biking community to improve upon the existing map to make it more user-friendly for cyclists.
“The selected events for ‘Cycle Maryland’ showcase Maryland’s cycling diversity,” says Margot Amelia, Executive Director of the Maryland Office of Tourism. “From family-friendly recreational rides on newly opened rail trails to highly competitive long-distance road races, these routes take visitors on an up-close and personal journey through some of the most scenic landscapes in Maryland.”
Bike Maryland Executive Director Carol Silldorff joined the Governor in supporting biking in Maryland.
“We promote bicycling because planning and public health research all indicate that the best places to bike are the best places to live,” said Silldorff. “We know that bike friendly places allow people of all ages, races and economic backgrounds to enjoy healthy recreational opportunities and to travel via bicycle to and from destinations in their communities.”
All Marylanders are encouraged to attend other “Cycle Maryland” events now through October 9, 2011. At today’s event, the Governor announced a contest sponsored by the Maryland Office of Tourism and the Maryland State Highway Administration that invites participants to post pictures of themselves at events on Facebook to be eligible for a $250 VISA gift card. Prize winners will be randomly drawn from all eligible entries. The winners will be notified on or about October 31.
“Cycle Maryland” also involves a social media campaign. Connect with us on Facebook and follow CycleMaryland on Twitter and use hashtag #CycleMD to join the conversation.
Girls’ Ride!
Announcing a new Meetup for Biking in B’more!
What: Girls’ Ride!
When: Monday, June 27, 2011 6:15 PM
Where: World Trade Center
401 East Pratt Street #232
Baltimore, MD 21202
We’ll head north to the Jones Falls Trail and lollipop back for a downtown 1.5 hr “country” road ride. This ride is open to all ages/levels and will be casual and fun. Meet some new friends while spinning your legs. It’ll be just the girls!
Karin Vartowski, 71, who traveled everywhere on two wheels
I heart warming obituary (hopefully that’s not disrespectful.) I found the picture of her going "Whee" (I imagine) quite delightful not not mention a inspirational story. I’m sure she will be missed.
"Karin Vartowski never owned a car. She rode her bike everywhere. Literally, everywhere."
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/a-local-life-karin-vartowski-71-who-traveled-everywhere-on-two-wheels/2011/06/07/AGZYHoQH_story.html
B’more GREEN ride: downtown to Patapsco trails.. 50/50 road/MTB!
Announcing a new Meetup for Biking in B’more!
What: B’more GREEN ride: downtown to Patapsco trails.. 50/50 road/MTB!
When: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 7:00 AM
Where: Panera Bread
600 E Pratt St
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-528-1427
This is a fun ride! Heading towards Patapsco Park from downtown.. You’re welcome to join for the road only (at 7am) portion or meet us at the Park N Ride trailhead at Patapsco at 7:45am.
Governor Martin O’Malley on a bike
Governor Martin O’Malley had a great time biking this weekend at the Cycle Maryland kick off event!
Continue reading “Governor Martin O’Malley on a bike”
April Fools post becomes (near) reality
In case you missed our April first post. Once again it seems we are going to crack down on pedestrians forcing cars to hit them and not the poor innocent little cars who are doing more important things like zooming around as every second saved is worth taking a life for.
To improve pedestrian safety they will NOT tell:
- Motorists it is their duty to stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk § 21-502.(2)
- Motorists it is their duty to avoid hitting a pedestrian no matter where they are crossing § 21-504.(I was given assurances from MHSO that this would be mentioned, ya, right.)
- DOTs that it is their duty to accommodate pedestrians, even mid-block
§ 2-602. - DOTs that it is their duty to employ BEST engineering practices and stop using skinny little crosswalk markings § 2-602.
With that in mind watch:
Sound familiar?
From www.welovedc.com
But to be fair this non-localized version from Street Smart is good.
For more info on [cough, cough] drivers responsibilities see: https://www.baltometro.org/transportation-planning/street-smart-campaign