Over the last several months, BMC helped organizations in the region procure much needed personal protection equipment (PPE), including masks, gloves, cleaning supplies and more. Through a cooperative purchasing agreement offered by BMC and W.B. Mason, local groups have gained access to affordable PPE when they needed it most.

In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, many nonprofits remained open – or were struggling to re-open. Several faced both unplanned costs to purchase necessary supplies and equipment, as well as trouble locating available products.

Utilizing CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds from Anne Arundel County, Arundel Community Development Services (ACDS) was able to order supplies accessed through BMC’s cooperative purchasing program to fulfill the needs of 20 nonprofit service providers in the county. Orders ranged from cleaning products, sanitizers, and masks to gloves and disposable thermometer covers.

“Community-based nonprofits are on the front lines of serving our most vulnerable residents every day,” said Steuart Pittman, Anne Arundel County Executive. “I’m proud of our partners at BMC and ACDS for connecting these organizations to the resources they need in order to continue their essential missions.”

Several local groups reported experiencing supply shortages when shopping for PPE. Many were grateful for the assistance, including the Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County.

“In a world of ‘back orders’ and ‘out of stock’ we can't begin to tell you how amazing it was to be contacted by ACDS about PPE so that we can prepare to reopen safely,“ said Jennifer Logratteria, Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Development Director. “With so many roadblocks in our path as we navigate these unprecedented times, thank you for being a beacon of light for our Clubs and our county's youth.”

The Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis also utilized the contract to buy masks for their residents.

To ensure the safety of riders, BMC is gearing up for a COVID-safe Bike to Work 2020 from September 21-27. Combined with participation in the Love to Ride Cycle September Global Challenge as part of the Central MD community, the usual rallies and pit stop gatherings will be replaced with online networking and encouragement for all riders, and even more prizes!

Cyclists who register for Bike to Work 2020 and ride during the week of September 21-27 can pick up a free t-shirt at over a dozen area bike shops (open to the first 2,500 registrants) AND have a chance to win prizes.

Not commuting to work? No problem! The Cycle September Global Challenge is 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.

Riders can earn points for every mile they ride, every day they ride, and every new person they encourage to ride. Individuals only have to ride for ten minutes anytime, anywhere (for fun, fitness, transportation or even indoors) to be eligible for prizes and help their team climb the leaderboard.

Register for Bike to Work 2020 from August 7 – September 19 @ biketoworkmd.com

Join the Cycle September Global Challenge as a member of the Love to Ride Central MD community by following these 3 easy steps:

1. Register at lovetoride.net/centralmd
2. Join your company or group or register a new group for Cycle September
3. Log rides via the website or app or link to your favorite bicycling app to win prizes

Sign up for Cycle September before it starts on September 1, and you'll be in the drawing for an early bird prize. You can win an e-bike from Charge or a local prize pack!

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.