BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, May 24, 2024) – Bike to Work Week Central Maryland wrapped its 27th annual festivities last week with a record number of events throughout the region, including group rides, happy hours and the traditional Pit Stops. Registration numbers held steady with previous years, continuing a resurgence after a pandemic dip.
Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) coordinates Bike to Work Week along with partners throughout the region. At a City Hall press conference, BMC Executive Director Mike Kelly thanked everyone who supported the program, from the agencies hosting events to the bike shops serving as t-shirt pickup spots to the cyclists who geared up and joined the festivities.
“We want to make every week Bike to Work Week,” said Kelly, noting the health benefits of biking and the importance of bike safety best practices.
Joining Kelly outside City Hall to commemorate National Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 17 were Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, Maryland Deputy Secretary of Transportation Samantha Biddle, Maryland Transit Administration Administrator Holly Arnold and other guests.
“Here in Baltimore City, we are committed to making our transportation safe and accessible for everyone,” said Mayor Scott, commending the city’s progress on implementing its 2021 Complete Streets manual. “Biking is a viable option for commuting, and provides numerous health and environmental benefits for all.”
Lieutenant Governor Miller also lauded efforts in Baltimore and around the state to expand bike facilities. She noted her background as a transportation planner and said she has seen how liberating cycling can be when it is safe and accessible.
“Bicycling connects individuals to their communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Miller. “Nothing compares to that.”
Elsewhere around the region, elected officials and agency leaders joined Pit Stops, parties and group rides to mark the occasion. From Bel Air to Westminster, from Towson to Annapolis, from Catonsville to Columbia, this year’s program included more than 20 events and more than two dozen participating bike shops, a record footprint.
Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley spoke at Susan Campbell Park on Friday, praising the city for its bikeability. He called for a cycling revolution and noted that he often bikes to work.
“I’ve always been prepared to lead by example,” said Mayor Buckley. “I’m proud to say that Bike-to-Work represents no change to my regular routine.”
Bike to Work Week is one of many programs BMC coordinates to support biking, road safety and transportation system connectivity in the Baltimore region. Anyone in the region who bikes regularly or would like to can check out the recently-launched Bikeable Baltimore Region project, which will identify the first regionally-connected bike network.
Planning is underway for Bike to Work Week 2025, which will run May 12-18. Subscribe for alerts when registration opens, view photos from this year’s program and learn more about the history and mission of Bike to Work Central Maryland at BikeToWorkMD.com.
Bike to Work Central Maryland is supported by the generous sponsorship of the Baltimore City Department of Transportation, Downtown Columbia Partnership, Clean Air Partners, Anne Arundel County Commuter Crew, Go Howard, GoSmart Maryland, Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland, Harford County Public Library, the Maryland Department of Transportation, BikeHoCo, Black People Ride Bikes, Columbia Association and Spin.
Hundreds of cyclists gathered at more than 20 events around the region for Bike to Work Week 2024. View a full gallery.
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Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) works collaboratively with the chief elected officials in the region to create initiatives to improve quality of life and economic vitality. As the Baltimore region’s council of governments, BMC hosts the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) and supports local government by coordinating efforts in a range of policy areas including emergency preparedness, housing, cooperative purchasing, environmental planning and workforce development.
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