Hi Everyone,
Wow, what a great turnout for the ’08 Bike to Work Day on
May 16! Despite the torrential rains, nearly 85 of the
record number of 171 registrants participated. I am happy
to announce that Harford County has kept its “title” as the
second largest rally in the Baltimore region. For the past
two years we have more than doubled the number of
registrants and are confident, with your support, that this
trend will continue. In this edition, you will find highlights of
the rally and some really great photographs from the
soggy morning event.
There are other growing trends in the cycling world as
well. Since the price of gas has topped the $4 a gallon
mark, many folks are rethinking the use of their bicycles to
commute to work. This is a good news/bad news kind of
situation. It’s great that more people are taking their bikes
out, riding them, getting their exercise, reducing pollution
and traffic congestion, and saving the environment. But
more bikes mean more accidents. For many it has been a
long time since they have ridden a bike and they really
could benefit from a “bike mentor” to help them brush up
on their safety skills.
If you want to learn more about bike safety, or want to
sharpen your cycling skills, check out the Harford County
Commuter Assistance Website at
www.harfordcountymd.gov/commuter/ to contact a
mentor. You might even want to sign up to become a
mentor. Contact us. We welcome all the help we can get.
Pat Fielder
Harford County Commuter Assistance Program
RALLY HIGHLIGHTS
- 171 Registered Participants- a Record!
- 23 separate companies and agencies
participated in the Briefcase Challenge - Briefcase Challenge winners – last year’s
winners unseated in small and mid-size
company category - Winners
- Large: APG
- Mid-size: SAIC regains the title from
2006 - Small: local division of LMI
Government Consulting
Grand Prize Winners– This year Liam Carney won the
grand prize of a brand new bike from Conte’s Bike
Shop. Sarah Stees, a first time Bike to Work Day
participant, won the electric scooter from X-treme
Skooters.
Other gift certificates to restaurants, golf courses, and
the Ironbirds were awarded to many folks.
BIKE HELMET SAFETY PROGRAM A SUCCESS
Throughout the entire month of May, which is nationally
recognized as Clean Commute and Bicycle Safety month,
a unique community partnership provided a free bike
helmet safety clinic to Harford County adults and children.
Overall, there were 12 clinics offered at six main libraries.
Safety experts from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office,
Commuter Assistance Program, the Harford Velo Club and
the Bel Air Town Police were available to fit and to answer
questions about the Maryland Bicycle Helmet Law.
This was an unprecedented public-private effort to
showcase the importance of bicycle safety. Nearly 200
folks were served at Harford County Libraries.
Bike Mentors Still
Wanted
If you are an experienced rider, you can help those “new
enthusiasts” get off on the right foot (pedal). By becoming a
Bike Mentor you will initiate the novice rider on route
strategies, techniques, apparel, and how to handle cycling in
traffic, to name a few things. If you’re interested, just give us
a call at 410.638.1386 or 1387, or email
pwfielder “at” harfordcountymd.gov.oldId.20080730093845268