Baltimore City Officials Approve Funding For New Bike Lanes
Riding a bicycle to commute to work or school is quickly becoming the preferred means of transportation for a growing number of Baltimore residents. According to data collected during the 2013 census, 0.7% of Baltimore City residents, or roughly 4,300 people, reported using bikes to commute to work. Baltimore currently ranks 40th out of 70 major American cities in terms of friendliness towards cyclists, but a new measure passed by Baltimore City officials will aim to make the city’s streets safer and more accessible for large numbers of cyclists.
Maryland currently averages around 7 cycling fatalities per year, and as the number of bicycles on Baltimore’s streets continues to rise, there is a growing concern about the safety of cyclists and the lack of bike lanes in many busy areas of the city. For this reason, Baltimore City’s Board of Estimates recently passed a measure that approved $300,000 in funding to install more bike lanes on major roads and create what will be known as a “Downtown Bicycle Network.” This Network will be partially comprised of a 2.6 mile stretch of new bike lanes along Maryland Avenue that will help partition car and bicycle traffic.
Since the 2006 creation of the Baltimore City Master Bike plan, the city has installed more than 100 miles of bike-only traffic lanes as well as 39 miles of off-road trails. The entire project, including the newly approved Downtown Bicycle Network, is aimed at promoting cycling as a viable and safe alternative means of transportation. Biking to work is environmentally friendly, a great form of exercise, and leaves less cars on the streets to cause heavy congestion.
Until these new bike lanes are finished, however, commuters who cycle to work in Baltimore must remain vigilant and cautious on the road. Always wear a helmet, stay in designated bike lanes whenever possible, and use these standard hand signals to alert other drivers and cyclists of your intentions.
If you are a pedestrian or cyclist that was seriously injured by a car, truck or motorcycle, you may be entitled to compensation. Call The Yost Legal Group today at 1-800-YOST-LAW (967-8529) to speak with an experienced Baltimore Accident and Personal Injury attorney. Our legal team will help you understand the details of your case and will fight to secure the maximum compensation to which you are entitled.
Our Baltimore Personal Injury lawyers have years of experience litigating serious injury claims and will help guide you through the legal process. We will work hard to ensure you get the justice you deserve.
The Yost Legal Group – Experienced Lawyers Dedicated to Protecting Your Rights