Bike to Work Week celebrations will be held May 17-23, 2021; Registration is now open

BALTIMORE, MD (May 17, 2021) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Department of Transportation Director Steve Sharkey, Baltimore Metropolitan Council Executive Director Michael Kelly and the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Commission Chair Jon Laria announced that the City of Baltimore is gearing up for virtual Bike to Work Week. 

“We are pleased to celebrate the 24th annual Bike to Work event in Baltimore City which recognizes biking as a healthy and sustainable commuting option,” said Mayor Scott.  “This year marks another milestone for the city, as we recently adopted our first Complete Streets Manual to ensure that the city’s infrastructure is planned, designed and constructed to safely accommodate all users of the transportation system.”

To celebrate biking in the Baltimore region, Bike to Work Week will be held virtually again this year from May 17-23, 2021.  The usual rallies and pit stops have been replaced with online networking, encouragement, resources and prizes for a socially-distanced, ride-when-you-can “non-scheduled” cycling challenge.  Registration is open now through May 22, 2021 and community members can register at biketoworkmd.com. 

“Bike to Work Week may look a bit different this year, but now more than ever, it’s important for everyone to enjoy activities that are good for our health and well-being,” said Director Sharkey.  “As we look for new ways to safely connect with the world around us, I encourage residents to join the Bike to Work Week festivities and consider cycling as a practical option for commuting to work.”

The first 1,500 bikers who register for Bike to Work Week 2021 and ride during the week of May 17^th-23^rd can pick up a free t-shirt at over a dozen area bike shops and will have the chance to win great prizes.  In Baltimore City, t-shirts can be obtained at the following locations:

• Joe’s Bike Shop (Mt. Vernon and Fells Point locations)
• Race Pace Bikes (Federal Hill and Charles Village locations)
• Baltimore Bicycle Works (Falls Road and Belvedere Square locations)

"Bike to Work Week celebrates thousands of people in our region who commute by bike on a regular basis, and is a great opportunity for others to discover the benefits of a two-wheeled ride to the office,” said Executive Director Kelly.  “Cycling has never been more popular, and this is a great chance to raise awareness about sharing the road and making sure everyone gets to their destinations safely." 

During the kick-off event, Mayor Scott reaffirmed his commitment to the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Commission (MBAC) which works to promote cycling and other forms of equitable transportation.  MBAC’s efforts have advanced Baltimore’s dedication to cycling and establishes a cooperative planning and implementation process for biking facilities throughout the city.  “The continued work of this commission is essential for the expansion of biking initiatives in Baltimore communities, and today I officially renewed the Executive Order to continue this work under my administration,” said Mayor Scott.

As the city works to expand its cycling facilities, one of Mayor Scott’s top transportation priorities is the completion of the Greenway Trail Network.  The planned Greenway Trail will create a 35-mile loop that directly links more than 75 city neighborhoods.  The trail will be a shared resource for the entire city, and will serve the diversity of residents who live outside of traditional investment areas in Baltimore.  Of the 35-mile concept, over 20 miles already exist.   Baltimore City and its biking partners are working to implement trail construction along the remaining miles of Greenway gaps.

“Bike to Work Week highlights the potential for bicycling as a practical and inexpensive way to get around Baltimore, and the Mayor’s commitment to providing additional safe places to ride bikes and scooters will rapidly improve our mobility,” said MBAC Chair Jon Laria.  “The Mayor’s Greenway Trails Network plan, in particular, will be a national model for urban greenways, safely connecting riders and pedestrians in so many City neighborhoods with employment and essential services.”

In conjunction with Bike to Work Week, residents are encouraged to participate in the Love to Ride Central MD Bike Month Challenge.  This challenge takes place throughout the month of May and is a celebration of biking and fun competition.  Communities and workplaces compete to see which can get the most co-workers, friends and family to try riding a bike.  Participants earn points for rides as short as ten minutes and for every person they encourage to register.  It’s a great way to stay connected and possibly win some great prizes.  Additional information about the Bike Month Challenge can be found here. 

To honor individuals, groups, businesses and youth that have made significant contributions to the biking community in Baltimore, MBAC is now soliciting nominations for its second annual MBAC awards.  Residents are encouraged to submit nominations to recognize those who are working to advance biking initiatives by June 21, 2021.  Nominations can be submitted online or by contacting Matt Hendrickson of DOT or Terrance Jennings of the Mayor’s Office.

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