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Community Corner

Rain Holds Off and Bike To Work Day is a Success

Riding your bike to work is a clean and healthy commuter alternative, as celebrated by many across the county.

It’s an hour earlier than usual, and Matt Henry is setting off for work.  What made the day different was that rather than riding the five or so miles in his Jetta, he made the commute on his bicycle.

Friday was Howard County’s Fourth Annual “Bike to Work Day.”  Brave souls gritted their teeth and hoped the inconsistent weather wouldn't turn before they headed home, all for the purpose of reminding themselves and each other that it is possible and responsible to consider alternate means of transportation than our well-loved but costly to run vehicles.

Celebrated across the nation, Bike to Work Day promotes the bicycle as a clean, fun and healthy commuter alternative, and also is part of this region’s Clean Commute Initiative.

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Besides simply hitting the street on two wheels by yourself, another way to participate was to join the ranks meeting at The Mall in Columbia. On Friday morning about 200 riders showed up, with most of them gathering at about 7:30 a.m.  They were greeted with free bagels, coffee, free t-shirts and water bottles.  Riders were also entered to win a free refurbished bike courtesy of Princeton Sports.  Other raffle prizes included Merriweather tickets and a messenger bag, and Princeton Sports was also on-hand for free tune ups to ensure everyone got to work safely.

“Overall, spirits were high… due to the great turnout and no rain” said Samantha O'Neil from the Office of Public Information.

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“This was Howard County’s biggest and best Bike to Work Day yet” said Ian Kennedy, deputy of chief of staff. “Hundreds of cyclists from around Howard County celebrated the day by cutting two tires off their commute and choosing a greener, healthier  way to get to work. For the first time this year we even had a school participate. Although Bike to Work Day is only one day in May, we hope that the experience of this day demonstrates that cycling can be a viable alternative to driving.”

Bike to Work Day ran in tandem with events in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll and Harford Counties.  The event has grown steadily each year.

“I thought it would be a healthy way to start my day,” explained Henry.  “I also wanted to save gas!”  On his ride from Ellicott City to Columbia this morning, Henry was surprised not to see any other cyclists on the roads yet.

Here in Howard County, the event was hosted by Howard Commuter Solutions, Department of Planning and Zoning, in partnership with the Columbia Association and Bicycling Advocates of Howard County.  Local businesses including Princeton Sports, Mt. Airy Bicycles, L.L. Bean and Panera donated time and items. 

May is “Bicycle Advocacy and Awareness Month” in Howard County, as declared by County Executive Ken Ulman.  Ian Kennedy issued a proclamation – May as Bicycle Advocacy and Awareness Month in Howard County.  Marsha McLaughlin was on site and received great jubilation from the cycling community when she announced the County’s intentions to move forward with its bicycling master plan. 

The bicycling master plan will be a collaborative effort between several county departments, partner agencies and citizens to develop a comprehensive plan for enhanced cycling facilities and access throughout Howard County. Once complete, the plan will encompass long-range planning for developing bicycle infrastructure in Howard County, including designating and expanding bike routes, fostering a safe environment for cycling, and promoting bicycling as a viable transportation option.

Bike to Work Day was originated by the League of American Bicyclists, a “non-profit membership organization which promotes cycling for fun, fitness and transportation through advocacy and education,” according to its website. Founded as The League of American Wheelman in 1880, the League of American Bicyclists was renamed in 1994.

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