BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, October 5, 2020) – The Baltimore Metropolitan Council hosted several virtual biking events in the month of September motivating riders throughout the Baltimore Region to safely participate in biking activities. Cycle September began September 1st and lasted for the complete month, attracting 333 participants for the inaugural event in the region. An additional 675 people registered for the Love to Ride platform during the month of September, and will continue engaging in biking activities throughout the year. Finally, Bike to Work Week ran September 21-27, and drew 950 registrants

Bike to Work Week included online networking and encouragement for all riders, and opportunities to win prizes in place of the usual rallies and pit stop gatherings that participants have come to expect from this annual event. Registered cyclists were able to pick up a free t-shirt from local bike shops around the region.

The Love to Ride Cycle September Global Challenge was a fun, friendly, and free competition between workplaces, clubs, and individuals to see who can get the most people cycling in September – especially new riders. It served as another opportunity to ride for those who do not currently commute to work, as well as biking enthusiasts.

These programs help to promote biking as a safe alternative to motor vehicle travel. Biking promotes individual health, helps ease traffic congestion, and reduces emissions that contribute to air pollution.

About Bike to Work Week

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council organizes an annual Bike to Work Day celebration in the region. The event, which was previously scheduled for May 15th, was postponed, then converted to a virtual event, in light of COVID-19 restrictions. Bike to Work Week is a campaign that celebrates bicycling as a healthy commuting option, while promoting public awareness of its safety and environmental benefits. Bike to Work Week helps raise awareness of the rules of the road for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, and highlights the need to improve bicycle facilities to improve safety.

About Love to Ride Central MD

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council has partnered with Love to Ride to bring more fun, more community, and more inspiration to get more people riding. Love to Ride is a biking encouragement website and app free to anyone who lives or works in the Central MD region.

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The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) works collaboratively with the chief elected officials in the region to create initiatives to improve the quality of life and economic vitality. BMC, as the Baltimore region’s council of governments, hosts the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), the federal metropolitan planning organization (MPO), and supports local government by coordinating efforts in a range of policy areas including emergency preparedness, housing, cooperative purchasing, environmental planning and workforce development.

BMC’s Board of Directors includes the executives of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford and Howard counties, the mayor of the City of Baltimore, a member of the Carroll County and Queen Anne’s County boards of commissioners, a member of the Maryland State Senate, a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, and a gubernatorial appointee from the private sector.