BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, October 24, 2022) – Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) is developing a concept plan for bicycle and pedestrian improvements along a stretch of US 40 in Harford County. A public comment period on the plan will close on November 27, 2022, and will include a virtual public meeting on November 2 at 6:00 p.m.
The concept plan will examine a five-mile segment of US 40 (Pulaski Highway) between the Aberdeen Train Station in Aberdeen and Erie Street in Havre de Grace, and will provide a foundation for the future development, implementation and maintenance of a shared-use path serving bicycles and pedestrians along the corridor.
Two proposed options include a shared-use path along westbound traffic on the north side of the roadway, or a shared-use path along eastbound traffic on the south side of the roadway. Learn more about the details of each proposal online at publicinput.com/us40bikeped.
Members of the public can comment on the proposed options. Comments will be reviewed by BMC staff and a stakeholder advisory committee, and will help shape the final concept plan.
Ways to comment include:
- Email: us40bikeped@publicinput.com
- Text: keyword us40bikeped to 73224
- Voicemail: 855-925-2801 x 4009
- Online: publicinput.com/us40bikeped
- On social media with #BRTBListens
- Public meeting: November 2 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom
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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.
BMC operates its programs and services without regard to race, color or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable laws. Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410- 732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.
BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, August 22, 2022) -- The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), as the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Baltimore region, is seeking comments from the public through Friday, October 7 on the draft 2022 Public Participation Plan (PPP).
Details about the PPP and how to provide comments, are available below.
Draft 2022 PPP | How to Comment
Draft 2022 Public Participation Plan
The Public Participation Plan serves as a guide for residents in the Baltimore region to navigate the regional transportation planning process. It also outlines the policies and procedures that the BRTB and staff follow while educating and engaging the public. Lastly, the Participation Plan includes a toolkit of public engagement practices and an evaluation process.
The mission of the BRTB’s Public Participation Plan is to provide an open process that offers reasonable access to information, timely public notice, full public access to key decisions, and support for early and continued involvement of a diverse group of stakeholders.
The draft 2022 Public Participation Plan updates the existing PPP, adopted in 2018. The proposed updates were made after a review of other PPPs, consultant recommendations, staff debriefs, and the results of a recent Public Participation Survey.
Highlights Of Changes
- Added virtual or hybrid meetings options for BRTB committee meetings and public meetings or events - the 2022 Public Participation Survey showed strong support for virtual options and the ongoing pandemic has shown the need for virtual options.
- Added new ways to comment such as voicemail, text, and through our PublicInput engagement hub
- Clarified how to submit comments via social media
- Updated accessibility policy to use plain and inclusive language
- Added information about (Presidential) Executive Order 13985 – Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government
- Reorganized several sections to streamline information and make it easier to understand policies
Download the Public Participation Plan (2022 draft update)
Share Your Thoughts
Public comments are welcome from Monday, August 22 through Friday, October 7, 2022. The BRTB will vote on these documents at their meeting on Tuesday, November 22, 2022.
Join Us for a Virtual Public Meeting
Those interested in learning more about the Draft PPP may do so during a virtual public meeting on: Tuesday, September 20 at noon via Zoom. Register via PublicInput.
To share your thoughts and ideas, send all comments to:
| ONLINE | VOICEMAIL | TEXT | ||
| publicinput.com/2022PPP | 2022PPP@PublicInput.com | @BaltoMetroCo @BmoreInvolved #BRTBListens |
855-925-2801 x 3612 | Text keyword '2022PPP' to 73224 or 2022ppp-espanol for a Spanish language version. |
Comments are also welcome during the public comment opportunity at the BRTB meetings at 9 a.m.:
- Tuesday, August 23
- Tuesday, September 27
- Tuesday, October 25
- Tuesday, November 22 (scheduled vote).
How Your Comments Will Be Used
All BRTB members will receive a copy of the comments prior to taking action. The BRTB and staff will review all comments received and make any changes to the draft PPP in October and November. All organizations/individuals who submit a comment in writing and include their contact information will receive a response to their comment.
For more information:
Contact Public Involvement Coordinator Monica Haines Benkhedda by email at mhainesbenkhedda@baltometro.org or by phone at 410-732-0500 x 1047.
NOTICE
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable laws.
Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410-732-0500.
Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Usuarios de Relay MD marquen 7-1-1
Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), as the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Baltimore region, seeks comments from the public through Monday, August 1 on two transportation-related documents – the draft 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the associated Air Quality Conformity Determination.
Returning this year is an interactive project map, in which the public can view projects and offer comments. Staff have also created an interactive story map to offer the public an easy way to learn more about these plans. Details about the TIP and Conformity Determination, as well as how to provide comments, are available below.
Draft 2023-2026 TIP | Draft Air Quality Conformity Determination | How to Comment
Draft 2023 – 2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
The draft 2023-2026 TIP is the list of regional transportation projects requesting federal funding in the near term. It includes $4.26 billion in proposed funding (federal, state, local, toll revenue) for highway, transit, bicycle and pedestrian projects during the next four years. The funding goes toward maintaining, operating and expanding the transportation system. These projects support regional goals such as accessibility, safety, and prosperity. Funding identified in the TIP is based on funding reasonably expected to be available from all sources.
The draft 2023-2026 TIP includes 132 projects, 7 of which are new to this year’s TIP, 6 were in previous TIPs but were removed due to lack of funding, and 3 projects have moved from Anne Arundel County to MDOT SHA. Highlights include:
- Anne Arundel County is dedicating nearly $16 million in funding for a multi-modal Transportation Center in Parole at the Westfield Annapolis Mall to serve existing local and regional bus service, with possible future connectivity to modes such as bikeshare, carshare, and ride hailing services.
- Baltimore City, in partnership with the state of Maryland, is investing $50 million in an RAISE Transit Priority Project (formerly the East-West Priority Bus Corridor), which will provide a comprehensive suite of investments facilitating more efficient transit trips, improving multi-modal connections, and addressing existing safety issues. The project will improve bus service between east and west Baltimore and will help to reduce emissions.
- Baltimore, Carroll and Harford Counties are dedicating federal and local funding for 28 essential bridge improvement projects.
- Howard County continues progress on a $24 million project on Snowden River Parkway: Broken Land Parkway to Oakland Mills Road which add a third lane along Snowden River Parkway in each direction and will provide new 10-foot shared-use paths in an effort to increase transportation alternatives to access public transit.
- MDOT SHA is dedicating $180.2 million to reconstruct the interchange of I-695 at I-70 to improve safety, operations and capacity. MDOT SHA is also dedicating $133 million to widen I-695: US 40 to MD 144 to provide safety and capacity improvements.
- The Maryland Port Administration is partnering with CSX to leverage federal grant funding to reconstruct the 125-year-old Howard Street Tunnel in order to create double-stack rail access to and from the Port of Baltimore. Adjustments to several other bridges in Baltimore City are included in this project.
- MDTA also continues engineering and construction on a $1.1 billion project in Baltimore and Harford Counties adding two additional Express Toll Lanes on I-95 from north of MD 43 to north of MD 24. This project is funded with toll revenues.
Please view the draft 2023-2026 TIP through the BRTB’s interactive project map or learn more in our story map.
The draft 2023-2026 TIP is also available in PDF format for download:
Draft 2023-2026 TIP
Introduction and Background | Financial Plan
Projects by jurisdiction: Low-income and Minority Concentration | Appendices
Projects in the draft TIP are also available to review in pdf format by project sponsor, either a local jurisdiction or state agency:
Anne Arundel County | Baltimore City | Baltimore County
Carroll County | Harford County | Howard County
Maryland Port Administration | Maryland Transportation Authority
MDOT MTA | MDOT SHA and the Office of the Secretary
Analysis of Air Quality Conformity
The Baltimore region does not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and so must review its transportation plans and programs to ensure conformity with the State Air Quality Implementation Plan (SIP).
The Air Quality Conformity Determination report details a comprehensive analysis of Baltimore region mobile source emissions as a result of implementing the Draft 2023-2026 TIP. Highlights of the report include:
- Staff from BMC and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) used the Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES) 2014a model, developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to analyze the amount of mobile source emissions generated from vehicle travel associated with the implementation of the projects in the draft TIP and LRTP
- The report addresses mobile source emissions of VOC and NOx, which are precursors of ground-level ozone emissions.
- Adopted forecasts for population, housing, and employment in the Baltimore region were used for this conformity analysis.
- Current data about the types and purpose of vehicles, fuel data, and meteorological data were used as inputs into the analysis.
- Projected mobile source emissions for the Draft 2023-2026 TIP are well below the motor vehicle emission budgets set in the state implementation plan, or SIP.
- Implementation of the projects proposed in the Draft 2023-2026 TIP will not worsen the region’s air quality or delay the timely attainment of national air quality standards.
The conformity determination is available in PDF format for download. Download the Draft Conformity Determination of the draft 2023-2026 TIP:
Conformity Determination | Appendices
Share Your Thoughts
Public comments are welcome from Wednesday, June 29 through Monday, August 1, 2022. The BRTB will vote on these documents at their meeting on Tuesday, August 23, 2022.
View comments received | BRTB Responses to Comments
Join Us for a Virtual Public Meeting
Those interested in learning more about the Draft 2023-2026 TIP and Air Quality Conformity Determination may do so during a virtual public meeting on:
To share your thoughts and ideas, send all comments to:
| ONLINE | VOICEMAIL | TEXT | ||
| https://publicinput.com/2023-2026TIP | 2023-2026TIP@PublicInput.com | @BaltoMetroCo @BmoreInvolved #BRTBListens |
1-855-925-2801 x 6662 | Text keyword 2023-2026TIP to 73224 |
Comments are also welcome during the public comment opportunity at the BRTB meetings at 9 a.m. on Tuesday July 26 or Tuesday, August 23 (scheduled vote).
Note: MDOT MTA, in lieu of a separate mandated public comment period, has exercised its option to use the procedures of the BRTB’s public involvement process for the Draft 2023-2026 TIP. The public participation process for the TIP meets the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) public participation requirements for MDOT MTA’s Program of Projects (POP).
For more information:
Contact Regina Aris, assistant transportation director, by email at raris@baltometro.org, or by phone at 410-732-9572.
Notice
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable laws.
Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410-732-0500.
Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Usuarios de Relay MD marquen 7-1-1
Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.
BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, May 31, 2022) – The 25th annual Bike to Work festivities in the Baltimore region concluded with almost 1800 registered participants, up from about 1200 in 2021, as more riders joined in-person events from Annapolis to Bel Air to Columbia to Westminster. About 650 registrants were taking part for the first time, which the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) celebrated as the organization seeks to expand the impact of Bike to Work.
“We are proud to coordinate this important initiative for the region,” said BMC Executive Director Mike Kelly. “For 25 years, we have worked with our local leaders and jurisdictions to promote biking as a healthy commuting option and to raise awareness for the safety of our fellow riders.”
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 also highlights the need to improve bicycle facilities to improve safety.
National Bike to Work Day fell on Friday, May 20, but the expanded Bike to Work Week which ran May 16-22 allowed for participants to engage in more events, including a ‘Lake to Lake’ ride from Druid Hill Lake to Lake Montebello and a Mayor's Bicycle Advisory Commission (MBAC) ‘Safety Ride’ at Eager Park.
Plus, nine official Pit Stops throughout the week reached cyclists across the region with snacks and drinks, bike check-ups, ways to get involved with transportation planning, and of course, free t-shirts and other Bike to Work swag (shirts were available all week at 25 pickup locations).
Harford County Executive and BMC Board Chair Barry Glassman visited a Pit Stop in Bel Air, hosted by Bike to Work Week 2022 sponsors Harford Transit LINK and the Harford County Public Library. Glassman acknowledged the work of Harford County Rideshare Coordinator Alan Doran and his team in incorporating cycling into the region’s transportation infrastructure.
“We’re excited to be back in-person and celebrating 25 years of Bike to Work Week,” Glassman said. “It’s a reminder that biking is a healthy way to get around – good for you and good for the environment.”
Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott commemorated National Bike to Work Day by cycling to City Hall, with Pit Stops in Waverly and at the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Branch. He was joined by Baltimore City Director of Transportation Steve Sharkey and other Department of Transportation officials.
“I encourage residents to consider biking as a viable option for commuting to work and wherever else you need to go,” Mayor Scott said at a press conference outside City Hall following the bike ride. “It’s a good way to participate in a healthy lifestyle and build community with folks in your neighborhood, in your family and across the city.”
Mayor Scott committed to making the city’s transportation infrastructure safer and more accessible, a sentiment echoed by other speakers, including Director Sharkey and MBAC Chair Jon Laria.
For Lanise Stevenson, who partnered with the organization Black People Ride Bikes to organize a weekly ‘Lake to Lake’ ride as a way to bring people together during the pandemic, advocating for safe and accessible cycling in the city is the name of the game.
“I wanted to address chronic loneliness for a lot of our residents, as well as accessibility,” Stevenson said, “And to provide an opportunity for people who look like us to be able to come together in an environment that made them feel welcomed, valued and supported.”
She worked with the city to teach folks how to ride, how to use safety equipment and how to stay safe on the road. She also advocated for improved bike lanes and other measures. Her efforts paid off — Stevenson celebrated growing the Lake to Lake group from fewer than 50 to over 200 riders on average, with families and friends coming together from all over to join in.
BMC Executive Director Mike Kelly thanked the sponsors, organizers and participants for a wonderful Bike to Work Week 2022.
“We are thrilled with this strong return to the expanded Bike to Work Week as we continue to emerge from the pandemic,” Kelly said. “Here’s to another 25 years of progress toward safer and more accessible cycling in the Baltimore region.”
Central Maryland’s next Bike to Work Week is May 15-21, 2023.
Bike to Work Week is supported by donations from generous sponsors: Anne Arundel County Commuter Crew, Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT), Baltimore and Carroll County Rideshare, Clean Air Partners (CAP), Columbia Association (CA), Downtown Columbia Partnership (DTC), Go Howard, Harford County Public Library (HCPL), Harford Transit LINK, Joe’s Bike Shop, Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA), Trek Bicycle Corporation, and media sponsor WBAL-TV.
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Captions (clockwise from top left): 1 - Chair of the Anne Arundel County Bicycle Advisory Commission Jon Korin, Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley, Anne Arundel County Office of Transportation Director Sam Snead and Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, Jr. / 2 - Baltimore City Department of Transportation staff joined a no-drop ride from Druid Hill Lake to Lake Montebello. / 3 - Towson was among the many cities in the region to host Pit Stops for commuters on two wheels for National Bike to Work Day. / 4 - Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott hosted a press conference at City Hall after biking to work on National Bike to Work Day. For more photos, explore the online Bike to Work Week 2022 gallery.
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Notice
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable laws. Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410- 732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay.
Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.
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.
BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, May 13, 2022) – The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) is excited for the start of the 25th annual Bike to Work celebration in the Baltimore region. Nearly 1,500 riders from Annapolis to Aberdeen and Columbia to Towson have already registered to meet up at more than 35 locations or events. “BMC is proud to coordinate this important event for the region. For 25 years we have worked with our local leaders and jurisdictions to promote biking as a healthy commuting option and to raise awareness for the safety of our fellow riders. We are anticipating a strong return of the expanded Bike to Work Week as we continue to emerge from the pandemic,” said Mike Kelly, executive director of BMC.
Community members from around the Baltimore region are invited to take part in Bike to Work Week 2022 scheduled for Monday, May 16 - Sunday, May 22. Registration is still open by visiting BiketoWorkMD.com.
Participants who register and ride can pick up a free t-shirt at over twenty area bike shops (quantities limited) and have a chance to win prizes including, daily giveaways of gift certificates to local bike shops and a $500 grand prize.
Bike rides to any location are eligible for Bike to Work Week 2022. Consider biking to the store, the playground, around your neighborhood, to work, or school. Explore your community to enjoy the beautiful spring blooms!
Please share pictures and posts with us on social media by using #BTWW2022 and tagging us on Facebook @Bike2WorkCentralMD and Twitter @bike2workmd. For our health, for your wallet, and for clean air, BIKE THERE!
Bike to Work Week is supported by donations from generous sponsors: Anne Arundel County Commuter Crew, Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT), Baltimore and Carroll County Rideshare, Clean Air Partners (CAP), Columbia Association (CA), Downtown Columbia Partnership (DTC), Go Howard, Harford County Public Library (HCPL), Harford Transit LINK, Joe’s Bike Shop, Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA), Trek Bicycle Corporation, and media sponsor WBAL-TV.
About Bike to Work Week
The Baltimore Metropolitan Council, and its members, organize an annual Bike to Work celebration in the region. 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 also highlights the need to improve bicycle facilities to improve safety.
Notice
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable laws. Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410- 732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay.
Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.
###
The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) works collaboratively with the chief elected officials in the region to create initiatives to improve our 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.
BRTB seeks feedback on public participation process
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) is currently reviewing its policies related to public involvement and outreach as part of an effort to update the Public Participation Plan.
The BRTB has developed a short survey to gather input from key stakeholders and members of the public and we would like your feedback!
Questions include:
- What are the barriers to your participation in the regional planning process?
- Do you attend public meetings? If so, do you prefer virtual or in person?
- Do you feel as if your comments make a difference in a transportation plan or project?
- What kinds of information would you like to see BMC and the BRTB share?
- What suggestions do you have to improve public participation and engagement?
Survey responses will help to shape the update to the BRTB Public Participation Plan, which will be released for a 45-day comment period during the summer.
Take our survey on public participation now at publicinput.com/2022publicparticipation. This survey can be translated into over 100 different languages using the embedded google translate tool. You can also take the survey via text by texting the phrase ‘2022publicparticipation’ to the number 73224. If you want a print copy, please request one from the Public Involvement Coordinator at 410-732-0500 x1047 or 2022publicparticipation@PublicInput.com. You may also talk with someone who can record your survey responses.
Comments are welcome through May 27, 2022.
NOTICE
The BRTB, as the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Baltimore region, seeks to provide an open process that offers reasonable access to information, timely public notice, full public access to key decisions, and support for early and continued involvement of stakeholders in the metropolitan transportation planning process.
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable laws.
Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410-732-0500.
Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Usuarios de Relay MD marquen 7-1-1
Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.
BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, April 11, 2022) – Community members from around the Baltimore region are invited to take part in the 25th annual Bike to Work celebration scheduled for Monday, May 16 - Sunday, May 22. Registration is now open by visiting BiketoWorkMD.com.
Participants who register and ride during Bike to Work Week 2022 can pick up a free t-shirt at local bike shops and local Bike to Work celebrations (quantities limited) and have a chance to win prizes including, daily giveaways of gift certificates to local bike shops and a $500 grand prize.
Bike rides to any location are eligible for Bike to Work Week 2022. Consider biking to the store, the playground, around your neighborhood, to work, or school. Explore your community to enjoy the beautiful spring blooms!
Bike to Work Week is supported by donations from generous sponsors: Anne Arundel County Commuter Crew, Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT), Baltimore and Carroll County Rideshare, Clean Air Partners (CAP), Columbia Association (CA), Downtown Columbia Partnership (DTC), Go Howard, Harford County Public Library (HCPL), Harford Transit LINK, Joe’s Bike Shop, Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA), Trek Bicycle Corporation, and media sponsor WBAL-TV.
About Bike to Work Week
The Baltimore Metropolitan Council, and its members, organize the annual Bike to Work celebration in the region. 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 also highlights the need to improve bicycle facilities to improve safety.
Notice
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable laws. Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410- 732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay.
Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.
###
The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) works collaboratively with the chief elected officials in the region to create initiatives to improve our 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.
BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, March 7, 2022) – The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), as the metropolitan planning organization for the Baltimore region, seeks volunteers to serve on a newly formed group, Transportation CORE (Community Outreach and Regional Engagement). Applications are due April 15, 2022.
The BRTB has made an innovative decision to launch Transportation CORE as a new form of public engagement to bring together people from around the region to provide feedback on a range of transportation and planning topics.
Samuel Sneed, Chair of the BRTB says “Public engagement is vital to the regional planning process and the BRTB’s Transportation CORE offers the public an exciting new way of connecting with the transportation planning process. Through regular online engagement, your voice can help improve the quality of life in the Baltimore region.”
Interested in joining? More details about the Transportation CORE and how to apply are below.
About the Transportation CORE
Core goals of the Transportation CORE are:
- To provide opportunities for various interested parties to have input on how BRTB approaches project planning, prioritization of projects and initiatives, and public involvement.
- To expand our reach beyond BRTB committees and long-time partners to make sure that rural, suburban and urban communities and business interests from across the Baltimore region are represented.
- To bring new and emerging concerns and issues to BRTB/BMC’s attention by members who will also serve as local “eyes and ears” about transportation throughout the region.
Membership
We are seeking up to 50 participants to form the initial Transportation CORE, including neighborhood residents and business owners, equity, and transportation advocates, non-profit leaders, and representatives of the various interested parties and key stakeholders that are essential to include in the planning process.
Participants should:
- Be age 18+
- Live or work in the region
- Have an interest in helping to inform the region’s transportation planning process;
- Be willing and able to participate in eight (8) to 10 interactive online activities throughout the year such as brief surveys, preference polls, or review of draft materials
- Be willing to participate in two (2) to three (3) virtual public meetings per year
- Be open to participate in an annual summit meeting or workshop (in-person or virtually)
Transportation CORE Activities - The Transportation CORE will be engaged throughout the year primarily via “asynchronous” online activities that members complete at their convenience. The kinds of activities could include surveys, reviewing draft materials, threaded chats, and virtual meetings to get project updates from planning staff.
Apply Today at bit.ly/3g2LDZn.
Applications are due April 15, 2022. Applications received after this time will be considered on a rolling basis. Transportation CORE participants will be chosen by a panel of representatives from the BRTB members and BMC staff.
For more information:
Monica B. Haines Benkhedda at transportationCORE@PublicInput.com or 410-732-0500 x1047.
Notice
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable laws. Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410- 732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay.
Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.
###
The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) works collaboratively with the chief elected officials in the region to create initiatives to improve our 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.
BRTB Launches Resilience 2050 White Papers to Inform the Public on the LRTP currently in Development.
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) has launched a series of white papers to engage the public throughout the planning process for Resilience 2050: Adapting to the Challenges of Tomorrow, the next long-range transportation plan (LRTP) for the Baltimore region.
These targeted white papers will engage the public earlier and more effectively by providing information about the planning process and concisely explaining some of the complex information presented in the LRTP.
The white papers are an exciting tool that aim to improve the review process as they introduce and update the public on the LRTP over time and by topic, providing exposure prior to release of the draft of Resilience 2050 in spring 2023. It also encourages the public to provide feedback earlier in the process. This allows the BRTB to hear thoughts and ideas about Resilience 2050 while it is still in development, which is a more impactful time for consideration and inclusion of relevant feedback.
White papers will be released monthly over the course of the next year in preparation for the full draft plan, slated for completion in the spring of 2023.
The first white paper, Project Scoring, is now available, detailing the methodology for scoring candidate projects for Resilience 2050.
Readers can anticipate more Resilience 2050 white papers on topics such as:
- Traffic safety issues in the Baltimore region;
- The regional freight network;
- Transit;
- Air quality and the Conformity Analysis;
- Active transportation
- Forecasting population, households, and employment for Resilience 2050
- Emerging technologies
To read and provide input on the project scoring white paper and any future Resilience 2050 white papers, visit https://publicinput.com/resilience2050whitepapers
To learn more about the long-range transportation plan, visit resilience2050.com.
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) welcomes comments on its draft updated work plan and budget through Thursday, March 10, 2022.
The BRTB is scheduled to vote on the updated budget for FY 2023 on Tuesday, April 26, 2022.
What is the UPWP?
The BRTB’s Budget & Work Program is known as the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) for Transportation Planning. It is a federal requirement that details projects, studies and other activities to be completed by BRTB members and staff of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC).
The BRTB develops this list of regional transportation planning activities every two fiscal years. This UPWP includes an updated budget for FY 2023 of $7,370,000. UPWP funds support staff for regional planning activities with some consultant assistance.
Several of the new proposed projects for FY 2023 include:
- Safe System Approach: Support a safety culture that places safety first and foremost in road system investment decisions. To achieve a zero deaths vision, everyone must accept that fatalities and serious injuries are unacceptable and preventable.
- Thirty Percent Design for Bicycle Trails: Advance planning for a segment of the Patapsco Regional Greenway to include all steps necessary to complete what is known as thirty percent design.
- RTP LOTS Skills and Technology Support: Support the improvement and expansion of skills and access to technology for the Locally Operated Transit Systems (LOTS) in the Baltimore region.
- Expanding Coverage for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: To support regional and equitable expansion of public light duty electric vehicle (EV) charging station infrastructure in the region.
- Considerations and Preparations for Connected and Automated Vehicles: Develop customized recommendations for the region to prepare for connected and automated vehicles.
View the FY 2023 UPWP | Read a list of Frequently Asked Questions | Watch a recorded overview
Share Your Thoughts
Public input is essential to the development of the UPWP and we encourage people to view the draft document and tell us what you think.
The public is invited to provide feedback on the updated FY 2023 budget and proposed regional transportation planning activities from Tuesday, February 8 through Thursday, March 10, 2022.
View Comments and BRTB Response
Please send all comments using one of the following options:
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Online: |
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Text: |
Text the phrase ‘2023upwp’ to the number 73224 |
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Voicemail: |
Call toll free 855-925-2801 x 4231 and leave us a voicemail |
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Email: |
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Twitter: |
Direct Message @BaltoMetroCo or @BmoreInvolved or use the hashtag #BRTBlistens |
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Mail: |
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board |
To learn more about the UPWP and the proposed updated budget and projects, please view a recorded presentation.
The public may also provide feedback during the Public Comment Opportunity at the BRTB monthly meetings on February 22 or March 22 or when the BRTB votes on April 26, 2022. Due to the public health concerns presented by the Coronavirus (COVID-19), all scheduled meetings will take place virtually. Please check the calendar for an updated schedule and links to attend the virtual meetings.
The BRTB is the federally recognized metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for transportation in the region. BMC provides the BRTB with staff support.
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable laws. Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410- 732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.