When I took on the role of Executive Director a little over 14 months ago, I could count the people I knew in Baltimore on one hand. Over the past year getting to know the hundreds of people galvanized around our mission has been incredibly humbling and rewarding. Bike people are the best people.
Riding a bike in Baltimore connects us to one another and to the city that we love. We see more when we’re riding through the city on two wheels, and I believe it helps us become more compassionate and engaged citizens and neighbors.
We know Baltimore is at a critical juncture. This year will see so many of Bikemore’s very first priorities as an organization realized, all while the city is undergoing significant political change. That is a direct result of your support over the past four years, and we are so grateful for your sustained generosity. Maryland Avenue cycle track, bike share, it’s all finally happening.
There’s no doubt in my mind we are gaining ground for livable streets. But I urge you not to become complacent. The ground we have gained is still meager compared to other cities both large and small. If we want a city that prioritizes people over cars, that seeks out solutions that champion public health, affordable and reliable transportation solutions, and streets that are safe for all users, we have to remain committed to building a force for biking in Baltimore.
The single best way for us to show Baltimore we mean business is to show up. When there is a public meeting on a project related to livable streets, when your community association is discussing a transportation or streetscape project, we need you to be there.
Public meetings and community input has its challenges. Evening meetings can be tough to make, presentations and public input sessions can be lengthy. But right now I need help showing the city that we are making good on our promise to deliver community support for the projects we’ve all been fighting hard for the past four years.
This next month has a lot of opportunities to learn about these new developments and show your support. Perhaps none more important that the final public meeting for the Downtown Bike Network scheduled for Wednesday August 31st at the Baltimore School for the Arts at 6:00pm. Years have passed since the last public meetings, so many new residents will be learning about the project for the very first time. There are bound to be concerns over traffic lane reductions and parking loss. Let’s show the city that there are hundreds of us engaged in the fight for safer, healthier, more livable streets and that we are ready to support and celebrate the wins alongside them when they come.
We invite you to celebrate a month of progress by joining us at a fundraiser for our new political advocacy arm Thursday September 1, 2016 from 5-10 pm at Clavel. They are generously donating 50% of proceeds from draught beer, wine and our signature cocktail to support our advocacy work. More details to come.
