Presenting the Proposed Regional Bike Network
Bikeable Baltimore Region (BBR): A Plan for a Safe and Connected Bike Network
Introduction
The Bikeable Baltimore Region (BBR) project presents the Proposed Regional Bike Network. This is the first time a regionally connected bike network has been identified for the Baltimore region.
The Proposed Regional Bike Network is made up of bike lanes and paths from current plans in the Baltimore region. The goal is to create an equitable and connected bike network that is safe and comfortable to use for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
Remember - the Regional Bike Network is not yet finalized. Your feedback this round will help make sure this bike network best serves the region, so make sure to share your thoughts.
Once you view the Proposed Regional Bike Network, let us know what you think. Comments are welcome until January 10, 2025.
Join us at a public meeting this December for an opportunity to learn more and share your ideas. We will host an in-person public meeting on December 10 at the Baltimore Unity Hall, and a virtual public meeting on December 12 . We hope to see you there!
Vision and Goals
Vision Statement
The Baltimore region will work together to create a bicycle network that expands opportunities for users of all ages and abilities. This connected network will support improved safety, mobility, and equitable access to jobs, schools, housing, transit, parks, and other daily destinations.
For each of our goals, we have drafted objectives that define the outcomes we are seeking. The project will know it is meeting these objectives by tracking how specific performance measures improve as the network is developed. Read our draft objectives here .
What We Heard
The first comment period, known as the “ Listening Phase ”, ran from May - July, 2024, and included ten public meetings, an interactive website, and an online survey. This outreach aimed to understand the community’s vision for a regional bike network, what project goals matter most to them, and their opinions on biking in the region.
Ninety three percent (93%) of people said a regional bike network is important to them!
From May to October, we traveled around the region to hold pop-up interviews. We spoke with 135 people in the community to learn why they bike (or do not) and how we can make biking better in the region. You'll see quotes and photos from these interviews throughout this StoryMap.
Public feedback helped improve the vision and goals, guided the identification of the Proposed Regional Bike Network, and contributed to the creation of objectives and performance measures.
Existing Conditions
If you're using a smart phone or tablet, tap on the map to expand it and to see the legend.
Use the buttons below to change the map view and view facility types.
While the Baltimore region has almost 600 miles of bike lanes and paths and a number of facilities that are comfortable to bike on, they are often disconnected which limits the ability of people to bike safely and comfortably to the places they need to go.
To view example images and descriptions of the different facility types shown on the map, click on the Facility Types button.
To determine how comfortable the region’s transportation network is to bike on for most people, the project team analyzed Level of Traffic Stress. Comfortable and low stress bike lanes or paths are separated or protected from traffic, while roads that are comfortable to bike on have low speed limits and low traffic volume. In contrast, high stress roads have higher speed limits, more traffic, or many lanes, and bike lanes or paths along these roads are considered high stress unless they are full protected from traffic.
What We Considered
Network Selection Criteria
Data-Based Criteria
The project team started identification of the Proposed Regional Bike Network using data and analysis based criteria. This work was done in collaboration with counties and cities in the Baltimore region, as well as the state.
The team focused on identifying comfortable and low stress bike lanes and paths that improve connections in key areas:
- Places with many opportunities for short trips (areas with a lot of people, jobs, or nearby schools or public transportation), since most bike rides are under four miles.
- Vulnerable communities that need more transportation options.
- Regional parks, recreational areas, and greenspaces.
- Public transportation stops, especially those with frequent service.
Experience- and Knowledge-Based Criteria
This draft network was then improved using experience and knowledge based criteria. This included input from the public and the project Steering and Advisory committees, as well as one-on-one meetings with each jurisdiction in the region.
Public feedback highlighted the need for a continuous, comfortable, and safe bike network that is separated from traffic. People emphasized the importance of direct routes to neighborhoods, parks, major destinations, and public transportation, as well as closing gaps in the current bike network. People also wanted to increase connections to neighboring regions. Feedback from the project committees and one-on-one meetings with local jurisdictions reinforced these points.
View the graphic and maps below to learn more about the data and analysis-based criteria used to identify the Proposed Regional Bike Network.
If you're using a smart phone or tablet, tap on the map to expand it and to see the legend.
Use the buttons below to change the map view
The results of the connectivity analysis show where there tend to be high concentrations of low-stress bikeways in the region, as measured by intersection density and the density of roads with low Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) scores. This calls out areas where bicycle connectivity is generally good, and also highlights gaps between those high-connectivity areas that could benefit from regional connections.
Identifying areas where new bike connections may be needed requires an understanding of where there are more opportunities for short trips because most bike trips are four miles or less. The map shows the Maryland Department of Transportation's Short Trip Opportunity Area (STOA) analysis. Areas where short trips are more likely are identified based on where people live or work, areas where people do not own a car, and where public transit and schools are located.
Identifying where we need additional transportation options such as biking requires an understanding of what communities look like across the region. We looked at community vulnerability based on seven populations; low-income, racial minorities, Hispanic or Latino, people living with a disability, elderly people (75+), people that don't speak English well, and people without access to a car.
Additional information about these maps can be found here .
Proposed Bike Network
The Proposed Regional Bike Network includes bike routes that are comfortable and safe to bike on, based on current plans for the Baltimore region. These routes are either well-separated from traffic or are on roads with low speed limits and little car traffic.
The goal is to create an equitable and connected bike network that is safe and comfortable to use for everyone, regardless of age or ability. By identifying a regional bike network, we can focus on building connections that people want and need. We can also invest limited money where it will make the biggest difference.
The Proposed Regional Bike Network is organized into three main types: • Regional Bikeways • Community Bikeways • Local Bikeways
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Regional Bikeways
Regional Bikeways serve as the backbone of the network, providing direct connections across the region.
All bike facilities in this category were identified as comfortable and low stress.
Community Bikeways
Community Bikeways connect major centers within each jurisdiction to the regional network, offering a more comprehensive series of connections.
Jurisdictions in the Baltimore region include the City of Annapolis, Baltimore City, and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard, and Queen Anne’s counties.
All bike facilities in this category were identified as comfortable and low stress.
Local Bikeways
Local Bikeways help people get from Regional and Community Bikeways to individual towns, neighborhoods, and low stress local roads.
All bike facilities in this category were identified as comfortable and low stress.
Less Comfortable Bikeways
Some identified routes that could make important connections were found to be less comfortable for biking.
We need your feedback on these routes to help us decide if they should be considered low stress and included in the Regional Bike Network, or if they should be classified as high-stress and left out.
High Stress Bikeways
Additionally, the project team identified routes that may be stressful to bike on but could connect important areas if safer options are developed. These High Stress Bikeways could be important parts of the Regional Bike Network if they are built to be more comfortable in the future.
These bikeways currently do not meet the low stress requirement of the Proposed Regional Bike Network.
Low stress bikeway options should be considered for these locations as bike plans are updated and as corridors are considered for re-design and construction.
Gaps
The project team also noted Gaps in the Proposed Regional Bike Network that could provide key connections.
These Gaps currently do not have bike lanes or paths. There are also no planned bike lanes or paths for these areas.
Along with the High Stress Bikeways, these Gap locations should be considered in bike plan updates and in corridor design and construction projects.
Downloadable Maps
Would you like to download PDF maps of the Proposed Regional Bike Network? The button below will take you to a regionwide map. For more detailed maps, please follow the links below the button.
Detailed Maps:
- Baltimore City
- Northwest (Carroll County + northwestern Baltimore County)
- Northeast (Harford County + eastern Baltimore County)
- Southwest (Howard County + northern Anne Arundel County)
- Southeast (Queen Anne's County + southern Anne Arundel County)
Share Your Thoughts
Do you have any specific comments about the Proposed Regional Bike Network? Let us know by placing placing comments on the map and providing responses to the survey!
Comments are welcome until January 10, 2025.
As you explore the interactive map and we encourage you to think about some of the following questions.
Do you feel the Proposed Regional Bike Network:
- Provides connections across the region?
- Connects major centers within the City of Annapolis, Baltimore City, and each county to the regional network?
- Connects to the high-frequency public transportation?
- Correctly identifies the comfort level of the current and planned bikeways based on your experience or knowledge?
- Would provide a comfortable biking experience to get where you want to go?
- Would achieve our Goals and Objectives? ( view here )
- Correctly identifies bikeways as Regional, Community, and Local?
- Will lead to a more bikeable Baltimore region?
View comments on the map:
COMMENT PERIOD CLOSED
Take the survey:
COMMENT PERIOD CLOSED
- Click on the survey box to add your responses and to scroll through the survey.
- The expand button on the upper right corner will open the survey in a new browser window.
- To view the survey in another language, click the “Translate” button in the upper right corner.
- If you need help participating, please leave us a voicemail at 855-925-2801 x 7480 or email us at BikeBaltoRegion@publicinput.com .
Stay Involved
Visit the project website where you can give additional feedback, sign up for periodic email and text updates on project, view the public meeting flyer ( PDF and digital version), and check out the Frequently Asked Questions section for responses to commonly asked questions about the project.
We want to know what you think!
- SURVEY AND COMMENT MAP: Give your feedback through the online survey and comment map
- PUBLIC MEETING: Give your feedback at the December 10 in-person meeting or December 12 virtual meeting
- EMAIL: Send an email to BikeBaltoRegion@publicinput.com
- VOICEMAIL: Leave us a voicemail at 855-925-2801 x 7480
- TEXT: Text bbr2 or bbrespanol to the number 855-925-2801 to take the survey
- MAIL: Mail a letter to us at Baltimore Metropolitan Council, 1500 Whetstone Way, Suite 300, Baltimore, MD 21230
- SOCIAL MEDIA: Reach @BaltoMetroCo on social media with #BRTBListens
Your input matters! Comments are welcome until January 10, 2025.
Need more information or help with something?
You can view the answers to Frequently Asked Questions , email us at BikeBaltoRegion@publicinput.com , or leave us a voicemail at 855-925-2801 x 7480.
What’s Next
Discover (December 2023 to May 2024)
COMPLETE The project team reviewed local and state bicycle plans and reviewed the existing bicycle facilities inventory. The team also analyzed mode share, safety, bicycle demand areas, Level of Traffic Stress (a measurement of how comfortable a bike facility or roadway feels for a person biking), connectivity, and equity. The project team also developed draft vision and goals.
Listening Phase (May 2024 to July 2024)
COMPLETE The first comment period included ten public meetings, an interactive website, and an online survey. The outreach aimed to understand the community’s vision for a regional bike network, what project goals matter most to them, and their opinions on and experiences with biking in the region.
Develop (July 2024 to Nov 2024)
COMPLETE The project team started identification of the Proposed Regional Bike Network using data and analysis in collaboration with local jurisdictions and the state. This draft bike network was then improved using input from the public and the project Steering and Advisory committees, as well as one-on-one meetings with each jurisdiction in the region.
Presenting Phase (November 2024 - January 2025)
CURRENT Outreach during the project’s second comment period seeks the public's for input on the Proposed Regional Bike Network. An in-person public meeting will be held on December 10 at 6:00 p.m. and a virtual public meeting will be held December 12 at 6:00 p.m.
Produce (Jan 2025 to May 2025)
UPCOMING Feedback from the public will be reviewed and will inform updates to the Regional Bike Network. A network implementation strategy will be created which will sort projects into priority gaps (5 years), intermediate expansion (5-10 years), and long-range network expansion (10+ years). Cost estimates, policy recommendations, and a benefits analysis will also be completed.
Final Report (June 2025)
UPCOMING The Bikeable Baltimore Region final report will be completed and published online. An interactive StoryMap will also be available that will provide an overview of the final report.
The Bikeable Baltimore Region project is a regional partnership between Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), City of Annapolis, Baltimore City, and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard, and Queen Anne’s counties.
