[B’ Spokes: It’s worth noting this is the first I’ve seen Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake on a bike. And I’ll highlight a couple of new things as well.]
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\nBY RON CASSIE, Urbanite <\/p>\n
The turnout for Friday morning\u2019s Bike to Work Day in Baltimore City broke all previous turnouts, with more than five-hundred Charm City bicycle commuters registering for the day and many more stopping at one of the elevent \u201cpit stops\u201d around the city for coffee, bagels and camaraderie. Free T-shirts, too.
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Even Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake got into the action, riding to the pit stop at Baltimore Bicycle Works on Falls Road\u2014a popular commuter route in the city.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s my new thing,\u201d said Rawlings-Blake of bicycling. Decked out in black exercise clothes, a silver helmet, and sunglasses, the mayor greeted and posed for photographs with local bike commuters while also shopping for some new gear. The mayor also noted several bike events coming up in the city\u2014the annual Bike Jam this weekend at Patterson Park, Baltimore\u2019s first Tweed Ride & Garden Party on May 26, and the annual Tour Dem Parks, Hon! ride in early June. \u201cMaking the city more pedestrian friendly and bicycle friendly is what today is all about,\u201d Rawlings-Blake said. \u201cThat\u2019s what keeps a city alive.\u201d<\/p>\n
The mayor and Baltimore bike czar Nate Evans, who also made a stop at Baltimore Bicycle Works, each noted that Baltimore City just put out a new bike map two weeks ago.
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Bike to Work isn\u2019t limited to the morning commute, either. Mother\u2019s Federal Hill Grille served as the official, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Happy Hour spot this year\u2014one free beverage guaranteed for all Bike to Work participants.<\/p>\n