In 2022, three State Department employees and the husband of another, working at NIH, were killed while biking and walking in the Washington area.  That year, FSO Dan Langenkamp, husband of mother and FSO Sarah Langenkamp, held one of the largest safe-streets advocacy bike rides the Washington area has ever seen, with nearly 2,000 riders and walkers converging at the U.S. Capitol to demand safer streets.

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On November 17, for the third year running, he is doing it again, joining forces with Congressman Jamie Raskin, Department of Transportation officials, and activists from across America to press for changes to make our streets safer. 

Join us! The Ride for Your Life 2024, marking World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, will be an 8-mile slow ride to the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall from Wood Acres Elementary school in Bethesda.  

Ride Registration

Rather walk? Join the Walk For Your Life one-mile from Freedom Plaza across from the White House. 

The event is the only ride/walk in the nation’s capitol aimed specifically at reducing the record numbers of people walking, biking, and driving being killed in vehicle traffic in America. 

The ride will retrace the route that Sarah Langenkamp took the day she died, continuing to the Lincoln Memorial where we will hold a rally to press for change on our roadways.

You're invited to WABA’s 5th Great Montgomery County Bike Summit, Sunday afternoon, September 29 in Wheaton. Maryland State Highway Administrator Will Pines will keynote. The full program is at https://waba.org/MoCoSummit2024. 

We got out a note yesterday, with some background: Why attend WABA’s 5th Great Montgomery County Bike Summit? And what’s with the “5th”? Here's a short excerpt:

Maryland has experienced 410 road deaths statewide so far in 2024. Both statewide and local efforts are needed, to advance road safety and build out our bicycle network. Join us on September 29 to join us in our work: https://waba.org/blog/2024/09/5th-great-moco-summit/

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Any suggestions for flat biking paths? I biked bwi trail but I’m a beginner and it can be quite hilly

You're invited: The 5th Great Montgomery County Bike Summit takes place Sunday afternoon, September 29, 2024 in Wheaton, Maryland organized by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA). This free event will advance the cause of safe biking for all, across the county. We’re excited!

The summit will feature presentations and panel discussions with policy-makers and advocates. We’re looking forward to the program including a keynote from Will Pines, Maryland State Highway Administrator, and also particularly to a planned panel on Effective Community Advocacy.

Learn more and register (free!) at https://waba.org/blog/2024/07/mocosummit2024/.

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Join the Garmin group ride if you’ll be at DC Bike Rode tomorrow.

Pasting from their flyer announcement

You are invited to Cycling Without Age – The Movie, featuring participants from the CWA Santa Barbara chapter. The movie introduces you to the “wind in your hair” joy of Cycling Without Age for both the passengers & the volunteers, as they spend 1me together in their local community sharing smiles and stories.

The 30-minute movie will be followed by a panel discussion with local participants and a chance to ride one of our trishaws. Cycling Without Age Anne Arundel provides free rides on the B&A Bike Trail in Severna Park and is run entirely by volunteers.

Please join us

Thursday, September 19th
11 am – 1 pm (Light lunch provided)
Hosted by: Woods Memorial Church
611 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd Severna Park, MD

RSVP By Friday, September 13th - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLUDOsFc24_p3sct6FNiw4uMMGXXR5Ac4RaEYN3muFFrdPrg/viewform

Movie Trailer: https://youtu.be/0ggeqOvygEY?feature=shared

Learn more about Cycling Without Age
http://www.facebook.com/groups/cyclingwithoutageannearundel/

https://cyclingwithoutage.org/

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) State Highway Administration (SHA) announced community workshops for five priority Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (PSAP) corridors. Attend and participate if you're nearby and able.

From the press release:

Project Areas Selected as Part of Statewide Pedestrian Safety Action Plan 

(August 20, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will host public informational workshops this fall to provide updates and receive feedback on initiatives to improve pedestrian access and safety along five key corridors as part of the agency’s ambitious Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. The corridors targeted for improvements are in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

Through the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, the State Highway Administration reviewed existing conditions across the state, identified areas of need and prioritized corridors for pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements. The plan was published in May 2023, and the first five corridors were announced late last year. 

Workshops to discuss safety projects will be held for the following corridors: 

• MD 650 (New Hampshire Avenue), between MD 193 (University Boulevard) and Powder Mill Road in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties – Monday, September 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Cresthaven Elementary School, 1234 Cresthaven Drive, Silver Spring.
• US 1 (Washington Boulevard), between the Prince George’s County Line and Gorman Road in Howard County – Tuesday, September 24, 5-7 p.m., Phillips School of Maryland, 8920 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel.
• MD 2 (Ritchie Highway), between MD 648 (Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard) and MD 177 (Mountain Road) in Anne Arundel County – Thursday, September 26, 5-7 p.m., Old Mill Senior High School, 600 Patriot Lane, Millersville.
• MD 150 (Eastern Avenue), between MD 700 (Martin Boulevard) and MD 702 (Southeast Freeway) in Baltimore County​ – Tuesday, October 1, 5-7 p.m., Stembridge Community Center, 99 Stemmers Run Road, Essex.
• MD 410 (East-West Highway), between MD 212 (Riggs Road) and MD 500 (Queens Chapel Road) in Prince George’s County – Wednesday, October 9, 5-7 p.m., DeMatha Catholic High School, 4313 Madison St., Hyattsville.

“The Pedestrian Safety Action Plan is critical in our strategy to provide safe, accessible and equitable transportation options for all customers, no matter how they travel,” said State Highway Administrator Will Pines. “We are excited to host these informational workshops to share our thoughts with residents and get feedback on ways we can improve safety and accessibility throughout our communities.”

Working with community residents, officials and other stakeholders, the State Highway Administration is developing strategies to enhance safety for all roadway users along these corridors by increasing safety and mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists. The agency is making recommendations using its Context Driven Guide – a toolkit that considers the “context” of an area to determine what countermeasures are most appropriate. Depending on community needs, land-use and other factors, solutions may include speed limit reductions, protected bike lanes, high-visibility crosswalks, signal timing adjustments or a host of other strategies.

During the informational workshops there will be no formal presentation. State Highway staff will be available to discuss project-specific details, and those attending may arrive at any time to view the displays, ask questions and provide feedback. Materials also will be posted on the State Highway Administration’s Project Portal website.

A Spanish-language interpreter will be available at each of the meetings to assist with communication and respond to questions. Others seeking an interpreter for hearing or speech difficulties or assistance with the English language may email SHATitleVI@mdot.maryland.gov in advance of the event. Please indicate the desired language in the subject line. Maryland Relay Service can assist teletype users at 7-1-1. Questions about the informational workshops or general inquiries may be directed to State Highway Administration Senior Safety Officer Joseph Moges at jmoges@mdot.maryland.gov, or Community Relations Manager Holly Pearl at Hpearl@mdot.maryland.gov. 

A critical role in creating ‘Complete Streets’

The Pedestrian Safety Action Plan is a key component of the implementation of the Maryland Department of Transportation’s new Complete Streets Policy, which prioritizes safe, reliable, equitable and sustainable travel across all modes to make roads safer and connect Marylanders to jobs, education and economic opportunity. Projects under the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan also support Maryland’s Vision Zero ​goal, which seeks to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries on state roadways by 2030.

For a list of all major State Highway Administration projects, go to Project Portal, or visit the homepage at roa​ds.maryland.​gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.mary​land.gov.   

We hope your summer is going well. WABA’s Advocacy team has been busy! Here’s our latest quarterly Prince George’s County advocacy update, #3 for 2024. https://waba.org/blog/2024/08/pgc-2024-update-3/

You're invited: Join the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) in Gaithersburg on August 21 for our next Montgomery County bicycling advocates meetup. Info & RSVP at waba.org/blog/2024/07/meetup-8-21.

Please join the Washington Area Bicyclist Association and partners for a Prince George’s County-Fort Washington Community Forum on Transportation, Road Safety & Bicycling. Register (free!) at https://waba.org/blog/2024/07/pgc-fortwashington/.

Our aim is to jump-start pro-bicyclist, pro-pedestrian, pro-safety organizing in and for Southern Prince George’s County, which hasn’t received the attention and infrastructure investment it deserves. Let’s change that, by organizing to build bike lanes and trails, for safe roads and stepped up enforcement, to boost place-making, and for equitable investment in Prince George’s bicycle programs.

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From the website: https://streetsofbaltimore.com/bikeelectric

There’s more information on the website. Not that many vouchers available, but it’s better than zero.

Looking to start an A-type group ride leaving out of the Rockville/Olney, MD area. Distance 40-60 miles depending on interest. Pace 18+ mph, depending on interest, but 20+ mph would be great.

Suggested meeting location at Elder Pine Brewery (park at Rachel Carson Greenway on Zion rd.)

Open to other meeting locations and times.

Winning Safer Streets for Prince George's

July 22, 6:30-8 pm

Via Zoom 

Register (free) here

People walking to schools, transit, stores, and elsewhere are put at risk as they traverse wide, high-speed roads. With Prince George’s leading the region in traffic and pedestrian deaths, we’ve been asking how we can make roads safer for people walking or biking to their destinations.

Join us to hear from Kandese Holford, Maryland Department of Transportation, who will share with us the state’s efforts to make state roads safer through an updated Complete Streets Policy and implementation of the Maryland Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. We’ll also hear from school and community activists along with public officials. 

Together, we will talk about how to translate updated policies into safer walking and biking, better transit service, business opportunity, and community health.

 This event is sponsored by RISE Prince George’s, Coalition for Smarter Growth, Washington Area Bicyclist Association, and The Capital Market.

🚲 Join the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) & friends for a Prince George's County bicycling advocates meetup, Sunday, July 7, 4 pm-6 pm in College Park. Info & RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/929174605257.

🚲 Join the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) & friends for a Prince George's County bicycling advocates meetup, Sunday, July 7, 4 pm-6 pm in College Park. Info & RSVP at https://waba.org/blog/2024/06/bicycling-advocates-meetup-prince-georges-county-2/

I am invited to join some friends to bike the BWI trail but my gravel bike is out (bent my small chain ring, awaiting replacement). My road bike is good to ride. Would I be able to take it on this trail? 23mm tires on it. Thanks

Just copy/paste right from my email

HANOVER, MD (June 6, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Transportation announced today that Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld has signed a new, department-wide Complete Streets Policy, which will make roads safer for all users by requiring additions of safety features such as bike lanes and pedestrian crossings, thereby prioritizing accessible and sustainable travel across all modes. The new policy supports the Moore-Miller Administration’s State Plan to create safer communities and advance infrastructure to better connect Marylanders to jobs, shopping and other opportunities.

*“*We must do more to save lives and prevent fatal crashes in Maryland,” said Secretary Wiedefeld. “Our roads serve as critical links which connect Marylanders to life’s opportunities and communities to each other. Through our updated Complete Streets policy, the Department will design and build projects that accommodate and protect all road users, including those who walk or bike.”

Updated for the first time in more than a decade, the Complete Streets policy will ensure MDOT’s multi-billion-dollar capital program funds safe, complete streets for all Marylanders. It will apply to projects within MDOT’s right-of-way in the following cases:

• When implementing a capital improvement project such as construction or reconstruction of a roadway, intersection or bridge;
• When permitting new or reconstructed streets to access MDOT right-of-way; and
• When there is an opportunity to improve safety for all users by applying proactive engineering safety countermeasures to resurfacing projects.

The policy is applicable to all agencies, including the State Highway Administration, Maryland Transit Administration, Motor Vehicle Administration, Maryland Aviation Administration, Maryland Port Administration and the Maryland Transportation Authority. All administrators joined the Secretary in signing the policy. It went into effect June 1.  The policy applies to new projects and is not retroactive for ones that have achieved 30% or more design and approval pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) or that will achieve those milestones by December 1.

A “Complete Streets” approach prioritizes infrastructure for all road users including pedestrians, bicyclists and public transit options. It aims to address the needs of all road users when developing and redeveloping transportation corridors. And it is a key strategy to help reverse the upward trend in traffic fatalities while creating a healthier, greener and more equitable transportation system.

MDOT has been working to identify corridors that can benefit from a Complete Streets approach. Some projects are already moving through planning, design and construction phases, including along US 1 and MD 410 in Prince George’s County. MDOT in recent years completed a Complete Streets project along a section of Old Georgetown Road (MD 187) notable for fatal crashes involving bicyclists in Montgomery County. The project added a bike lane with green pavement markings and flex posts, improving conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians. No fatal crashes have occurred since the bike lane installation.

Under the policy, each MDOT mode or type of transportation will develop implementation strategies within the next six months and work in collaboration with the Office of Active Transportation and Micromobility at the Secretary’s Office with the goal of increasing equitable access to the transportation network -- from better transit connections to safer crossings. The policy will also help build awareness around safer road interactions by promoting driver education and enforcement of traffic laws as well as implementation of educational safety programs and initiatives.

The new policy fulfills Secretary Wiedefeld’s commitment to update MDOT’s Complete Streets approach and further support Maryland’s Vision Zero goal to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries on Maryland roadways by 2030

This policy reaffirms and advances MDOT’s longstanding commitment to a transportation system that works for all and builds on key initiatives such as the State Highway Administration’s Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, which seeks to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety statewide.

With the signing of the policy, Secretary Wiedefeld and leaders from all MDOT agencies mark the important step of implementing this policy across the Department.

“Complete Streets is an important tool in our toolbox that enables us to provide safe, accessible and equitable transportation options for all customers, no matter which mode they choose to travel. This policy ensures that MDOT – in collaboration with our partners – is working together to integrate our transportation facilities and connect customers to life’s opportunities.” 

• William Pines, Administrator, Maryland State Highway Administration 

“Each fatality on our roads is a tragedy and unfortunately, Maryland experienced more than 620 fatalities in 2023, which included 165 pedestrians and 15 bicyclists. These deaths are unacceptable and were completely preventable. We are looking forward to working with our partners under this updated policy to ensure the safety of all Marylanders by creating the safest transportation system in our state that will help us reach our goal of zero fatalities and injuries on our roadways.”

• Chrissy Nizer, Administrator, Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration 

"Our new Complete Streets Policy acknowledges the vital role of transit within our communities and places a premium on accessibility and safety. By incorporating public transit, bicyclist and pedestrian infrastructure into our transportation projects, we’re creating inclusive pathways that connect Marylanders to opportunity and cultivate safer, healthier communities.”

• Holly Arnold, Administrator, Maryland Transit Administration

“The Maryland Transportation Authority uses engineering, enforcement and education to ensure Maryland’s toll facilities support safe use and mobility for all users. This policy emphasizes innovative engagement strategies as seen in MDTA’s Bay Crossing Study: Tier 2 NEPA and our efforts to work with local jurisdictions on bridge replacement projects along the I-95 corridor. Together with this new policy, MDTA will help connect more people to opportunity.”

• Bruce Gartner, Executive Director, Maryland Transportation Authority

“Safety is a core value and an overriding commitment. Mitigating risks during the operation and development of our airports is essential to protect customers and employees. The Maryland Aviation Administration is proud to stand with MDOT in this commitment to support safe access and mobility for all.”

• Ricky Smith, Executive Director/CEO, Maryland Aviation Administration

“We are proud to join our fellow Maryland Department of Transportation modes in strongly supporting the Complete Streets Policy.   As an avid bicyclist myself, I know this initiative will greatly improve the safety of our roads by adding bike lanes and pedestrian crossings and providing better opportunities for Marylanders to reach their jobs, retail businesses, dining, or entertainment venues.  It also promotes a healthier and more equitable transportation network for all of us.” 

• Jonathan Daniels, Executive Director, Maryland Port Administration

🚲 Join the Washington Area Bicyclist Association for a Montgomery County bicycling advocates meetup, Thursday, May 30, 5 pm-7 pm at BabyCat Brewery in Kensington. Info & RSVP: waba.org/blog/2024/05/moco-bicycling-advocates-meetup/.

For Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) Advocacy in Prince George’s County, community engagement is job #1. Read on for updates and upcoming activities to support safe streets and a bicycle-friendly community.

https://waba.org/blog/2024/05/prince-georges-county-advocacy-update/

Register here: https://www.bikemaryland.org/events/overcoming-the-challenges-of-biking-to-work-a-free-webinar-for-women/

Date: Tuesday, May 7
Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Women of Maryland: Are you interested in biking to work but also a bit scared by the idea?

Regardless of where you work, what you do or how old you are, there are huge advantages to using your bike for transportation. But as two women who bike to work each week, Meshia Sutton and Alison Gillespie know it can be challenging and even intimidating.

During this Bike Maryland webinar, Meshia and Alison will discuss:

• Planning your route for safety
• How to carry things on a bike efficiently
• What to carry
• How to arrive at the job looking professional despite Maryland’s weather
• Keeping your bike in good maintenance
• Buying the best bike for your body
• Safety equipment and clothing choices for riding
• Dealing with harassment on the road

We hope to provide a safe space for women to ask any question. We want to help you feel confident when you ride!

WABA's 1st Prince George's County Bike Summit is coming up Saturday afternoon, May 18 in Suitland. You're invited! RSVP (free!) at waba.org/PGCsummit2024. We'll hear from Council Chair Jolene Ivey, Delegate Ashanti Martinez, the Maryland State Highway Administration, Prince George's Planning... and fellow Prince George's County bicycling & safe-streets advocates.

I live in Baltimore, and I ride in the city a lot, but the suburbs are way too dangerous on a bike.

I have pretty much given up trying to ride from downtown to get to either the TCB Rail Trail, or to the Airport for the Baltimore-Annapolis trail.

My wife and I share a car, so I can't drive myself to the trailhead (plus there's never parking), and it's best to leave the car with her so she can come get me if I have a mechanical.

So I'm thinking I'd be best riding to Camden and taking the Light Rail to get closer to the trailheads. I know they allow bikes, but I'm not sure what the etiquette is. I'd have bags mounted on the bike, too (panniers and handlebar bag).

I'd probably be riding on Saturdays and Sundays, and maybe a few weekdays if I take time off. Obviously I'd try to avoid rush hours and not be in the way.

Any suggestions for doing this?

I haven't ridden the Light Rail here before, but I've ridden transit plenty in other cities. Really just trying not to get yelled at by the employees for making a mistake.

I’m doing my first outdoor century of the year this Saturday in Cambridge. Looks like a nice, flat route. Hopefully it won’t be too windy.

https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/MD/Cambridge/SixPillarsCentury

Check out Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) Events & Advocacy in Montgomery County: An April Update: https://waba.org/blog/2024/04/waba-events-advocacy-in-montgomery-county-an-april-update/.

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Are you looking for ways to make your community a more welcoming place to bicycle? Join Bike Maryland on Thursday, April 25 @ 7pm to learn about two programs that can help.

Learn about the Bicycle Friendly Community Program through the League of American Bicyclists and how this program provides a roadmap, assistance, and recognition for communities to make bicycling a safe form of transportation and a fun recreational opportunity for all.

Also learn about the bicycle-related action items under the Sustainable Maryland Program. Sustainable Maryland is designed to support Maryland’s municipalities as they look for cost-effective and strategic ways to protect their natural assets and revitalize their communities, and recognizes leading municipalities that go green, save money, and take steps to sustain their quality of life over the long term.

Speakers:

Amelia Neptune
Bicycle Friendly America Director
League of American Bicyclists

Mike Hunninghake
Director
Sustainable Maryland

Jon Korin

President

Bicycle Advocates for Annapolis & Anne Arundel County

Register at:

https://www.bikemaryland.org/events/the-league-of-american-bicyclists-bicycle-friendly-community-program-sustainable-maryland-a-webinar-hosted-by-bike-maryland/

Full post at https://waba.org/blog/2024/04/pgcadvocacy-04-24/. Excerpt:

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association is arranging several ways to learn about and take action around the Prince George’s County budget and to boost county bicycling and road safety:

• Learn about the FY25 budget via a Zoom briefing, Thursday, April 25 at 7:30 pm. Click here to register. We’ll be joined by Councilmember Eric Olson, who chairs the council’s transportation committee.
• Join fellow advocates and WABA for meetings with key council members, in late April and early May. Please respond via this form to let us know if you’d (maybe) like to join us and to share your advocacy interests.
• Attend WABA’s first (free!) Prince George’s County Bike Summit, Saturday afternoon, May 18 in Suitland. Visit waba.org/PGCSummit2024 for more information and to register. The summit is designed for and with the PGC bicycling community. Please join us.