BALTIMORE, MD (May 19, 2023) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott was joined by Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Secretary Paul Wiedefeld, MDOT Assistant Secretary of Project Development and Delivery Joe McAndrew, MDOT Assistant Secretary of Transportation Equity and Engagement Tony Bridges, MDOT Chief of Environment and Sustainable Transportation Deron Loyass, MDOT MTA Administrator Holly Arnold, Baltimore City Department of Transportation Interim Director Corren Johnson,  Baltimore Metropolitan Council Executive Director Michael Kelly and biking partners including the Baltimore City Department of Planning’s Office of Sustainability, Baltimore City Department of Human Resources and members of the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Commission to celebrate the city’s 26^th annual Bike to Work Day. 

“Bike to Work Day is a fun way for the city and our biking partners to promote cycling as a healthy and sustainable commuting alternative,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott.  “As we continue to increase Baltimore’s bike network using design guidelines from our Complete Streets Manual, the city is fully committed to providing a truly integrated transportation system and improving roadway safety for everyone.”

Bike to Work Day events are held annually across the United States and Canada to promote cycling as a viable option for commuting to work.  Bike to Work Day encourages a ‘clean commute’ to reduce harmful vehicle emissions and improve air quality in urban areas.

"Bike to Work Day is a fantastic opportunity for individuals to explore a transportation option that is easy, convenient, and sustainable," said Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller. "Strong infrastructure for cyclists is absolutely critical to a fully-integrated, comprehensive transit network that fits the needs of all of its users.  Here in Maryland, we're committed to developing holistic transportation solutions -- including increasing accessible bikeways." 

“It’s a great day to celebrate the commuters who use bicycles every day, and reaffirm our commitment to enhance safe and convenient bike access across the state,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld.  “Bicycles are an essential part of our transportation network, serving as the primary mobility choice for many residents and giving many more that last-mile link to work, school, shopping and transit.”

To celebrate biking in Baltimore City, Bike to Work Day festivities were held at various pit stop locations throughout the downtown area and beyond offering raffles, refreshments, giveaways and free bicycle safety checks for riders.  The Department of Transportation partnered with the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) and other biking partners to organize the pit stops that help to promote biking as a sustainable commuting alternative. 

“Bike to Work has rebounded from the pandemic in a big way,” says BMC Executive Director Mike Kelly. “We are so excited to be gathering, gearing up, and riding together again.”

In addition to promoting a healthy commute, Bike to Work Day is also part of a larger movement to get people out of single-occupancy vehicles.  With the implementation of its dockless vehicle program, the city is creating new and equitable transportation options.  E-scooters and e-bikes, along with adaptive vehicles for use by those with special mobility needs, are widely available so now more than ever there are more choices to make commutes in Baltimore more active and sustainable. 

“At MTA we know that biking is a great way for riders to access our services, so we’re focused on expanding our bike- and scooter-friendly policies and infrastructure to make those connections easier than ever before,” said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. 

With the adoption of Baltimore’s Complete Streets Ordinance, the city is working to change its transportation infrastructure by elevating the priority of pedestrians, bicyclists, users of public transit, and shared mobility.  Pursuant to the ordinance, the Department of Transportation developed its Complete Streets Manual, which was officially adopted in March 2021 to ensure that our infrastructure is planned, designed, and constructed to accommodate all users of the transportation system. 

“It is my hope that Bike to Work Day will motivate residents to try alternative, more environmentally friendly modes of transportation by considering cycling as a practical option for commuting to work,” said BCDOT Interim Director Corren Johnson.  “The Department of Transportation is committed to implementing biking initiatives throughout the city and will continue to design and construct infrastructure that promotes equity and safety for all.”

Additional information about Bike to Work Day is available at www.biketoworkmd.com.

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