an illustrated guide to
Biking in Baltimore
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 4 6 10 12
14 15 18 20
22 24 26 27
get ready
How to Carry Things What to Have in Your Bag What to Wear No Minivan, No Problem Local Bike Shops
ride
Anatomy of a Traffic Lane Traffic Do’s and Don’ts Public Transportation Baltimore Sights to See
stay safe
Locking Your Bike Harassment Robbery Crashes
28 Resources
Biking connects us to one another, and to the city that we love. It’s fun, healthy, and economical — and should be accessible to everyone. But there are real barriers to biking. From building safe places to ride, to finding that first bike, to figuring out how to carry things safely. Bikemore believes in working to remove those barriers, so that anyone who chooses to ride a bike can do so safely and with ease. This little book is about helping our family, friends and neighbors take those first steps. It’s a fun way to get some of those initial questions answered — the ones we all had in the beginning. We hope this book finds its way into the hands of folks who need a little bit of encouragement and a little bit of guidance to do something that is guaranteed to bring them freedom and joy. When you’re done with it, please pass it on. When it’s tattered and torn, come find us for another copy. Happy riding!
— Bikemore
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HOW DO YOU CARRY THINGS? My panniers were a my bit pricey, but I can load stuff, bike up with all kinds of rry wo to and I don’t have . me about how I’ll get it ho
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My bag is cheap and easy to use, but it does make my back My basket is easy sweaty.
and convenient. But, if I have it over-loaded, it can make steering a challenge.
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HEY, WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG?
My main pack is full of mail, but the real magic is in this bag. Check it out! It’s got all the
essentials. Now, we just gotta keep our bikes tuned up, chains greased and tires inflated. Then we’re good to go! 4
be
u re T
Cha
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ube
Spa
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Patc
Hand Pump
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n re W ol n o le -t Al ulti M
Tire
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Leve
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WHAT TO WEAR SPRING
Scarf or bandanna Layered sweaters for chilly spring mornings Skirts make excellent cycling gear
Tights or leggings
spring tip:
Watch out for metal grates and manholes, which get slippery when wet!
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Rain gear in case of a surprise shower
SUMMER Be seen and heard with lights and a bell
Hat with brim to keep sun out of eyes
Light, loose layers Consider padded cycling shorts to prevent chafing
summer tip:
No shower? No problem! Pack wet wipes to sponge down when you arrive.
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FALL Denim works for short rides, but for longer commutes try athletic gear and change when you arrive
Bright colors for better visibility Layers for shifting fall temperatures
Fenders help in rain and puddles
fall tip:
Watch out for leaves, which are very slippery when wet!
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winter tip:
WINTER
Shorter days, foggy windows and winter precipitation means you’re harder to see. Use extra bright lights and consider reflective gear! Hat or skullcap under helmet
Base layer or long underwear and thin layers you can put on or take off along your ride
Scarf, facemask, balaclava Wind & water proof shell
Mittens are warmer than gloves Waterproof pants Wool socks Waterproof shoes
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NO MINIVAN? NO PROBLEM!
Trailer
Kids are towed along behind and can be shielded from the elements.
Cargo bike
These are great for hauling a large load.
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Xtracycle
Has a platform for two kids to sit on, with bonus panniers.
Front or rear mounted seats
This classic is lightweight and easy to mount.
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LOCAL BIKE SHOPS Shopping at a local bike shop means you’re supporting local businesses, someone will be there to answer your questions, and many shops support local racing and advocacy efforts!
Light Street Cycles Twenty20 Cycling
Hampden (Remington coming 2017) twenty20cycling.com
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Federal Hill lightstcycles.com
Joe’s Bike Shop
Fells Point & Mt. Washington joesbikeshop.com
Race Pace Bicycles
Federal Hill & Charles Village racepacebicycles.com
Baltimore Bicycle Works
Station North baltimorebicycleworks.com
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ANATOMY OF A TRAFFIC LANE When riding, look out for... pedestrians, especially in crosswalks
vehicles turning & changing lanes grates parallel to the direction you’re riding
door zone parked cars
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RIDING IN TRAFFIC Ride predictably. Signal your intentions before changing lanes or turning.
right
left
alternate right
stop
Don’t weave in and out of moving or parked cars. Riding in a straight line makes your actions much more predictable to vehicles around you.
Avoid riding on the sidewalk. Aside from being illegal in certain instances, you’re at risk for right hooks, being hit by cars pulling out of alleys and intersections, and of hitting a pedestrian. While some trails like the Jones Falls actually encourage you to stay on the sidewalk in places, be careful, and when in doubt, take the lane.
Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and on multi-use paths.
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RIDING IN TRAFFIC Take the lane. You always have a right to the road and the right to take the full lane. If the lane is too narrow for cars to comfortably give you 3’ of space (the law), ride in the center of the lane. This prevents cars from trying to squeeze past you, makes you more visible, and gives you leeway if you need to quickly avoid a pothole or debris.
Don’t ride in the door zone!
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Watch out for the right hook!
Don’t pass buses on the right. Because of their size, buses may not see a bicycle approaching from the side.
Remain aware of your surroundings. Look ahead and back over your shoulder regularly and when changing lanes or turning. Make eye contact with drivers at intersections when possible.
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PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Bringing your bike on public transit is great for a multi-modal commute, like riding the mile to the nearest bus or train station, or for those days you get caught in the rain. We’re always working on improving multi-modal options, so check www.mta.maryland.gov for the latest policy.
BUS Bikes can be easily mounted on the front of all MTA buses, which can carry up to two bikes. 1. 2. 3. 4.
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Let the driver know you are loading a bike. Lower the rack by squeezing the lever. Lift the bike’s wheels into the labeled slots. Lift the padded hook up around the highest point of your front wheel.
Metro and Light Rail
RAIL
Bikes may be brought aboard MTA’s trains as long as the cars are not overcrowded. Keep your bike in the handicap area if not needed by elderly or disabled riders.
MARC Folding bikes are always allowed on MARC trains. On the weekends, regular full sized bikes are allowed in designated bike cars.
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BALTIMORE SIGHTS TO SEE While there are hundreds of incredible Baltimore sights to see, be sure to check out these 5 essentials first.
The Washington Monument
Druid Hill Park & Botanical Conservatory
Baltimore’s monument to our first president. Surrounded by beautiful parklets in Midtown, this is a great spot to stop and rest while gawking in amazement. A bonus, the equally impressive Peabody Library is an easy block away.
Full of scenic, winding bike paths, hills, a zoo, and a full, laned track around the lake, Druid Hill can be a quick or allday destination. Stop by the conservatory to check out the Victorian Era palm room.
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Ft. McHenry During the war of 1812, Ft. McHenry hosted the flag that inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner.� A loop around the perimeter offers a great overview.
Inner Harbor & the National Aquarium The famed waterfront is full of fun activities for families and kids. There are plenty of learning opportunities and many bike paths to get there.
Patterson Park A community garden, ice rink, and soccer field with vast swaths of green. This park is a great place for a picnic ride. On Sundays you can even go up in the Pagoda!
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LOCKING YOUR BIKE
Lock both your frame and wheels using a U-lock and a cable, especially if your wheels are quick release. Take off anything (like lights) that’s easily removable.
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Even if you’re just stepping away for a minute, use a strong U-lock. Cable locks are easy to cut, so it’s better to only use them to secure wheels. Whenever possible, lock your bike in a visible, well-lit location and avoid leaving your bike outside overnight. Even with a good lock, bikes do still get stolen. Note your bike’s serial number (usually found on the bottom of the crankset) and take clear pictures of identifying marks to make reporting a theft easier.
DO:
DON’T:
Lock to objects that are sturdy and can’t be cut, like signposts and bike racks.
Don’t lock to weaker materials like wood or chain link. When you lock to a signpost, check that the pole is firmly in the ground, and there is a sign at the end.
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HARASSMENT
While Baltimoreans are generally friendly, you may occasionally encounter rude or irate people while you’re biking. There’s no one right way to react. The best way to handle it will depend on the situation, your comfort level, your location, and if there are people around.
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Your safety should always be your first priority, but here are a few different ways to respond:
Ride to safety. If you feel your safety and wellbeing are at risk, quickly move to an area that is free of danger and well populated.
Demonstrate calm indifference. Sometimes the best reaction is not engage. Yelling at someone who is aggravated may escalate the situation and put you in danger.
Give the harasser a thumbs up and a smile. This often confuses them and can make them second guess the interaction.
Make eye contact. Drivers can feel invincible inside their cars. Simple human interaction can disarm them.
Holler back. Without insults or personal attacks, assertively and calmly respond, showing that street harassment is not tolerated. We like phrases like “Do not [what they’re doing], that’s harassment” or “that is not okay” or “don’t speak to me like that.”
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ROBBERY
You shouldn’t live in fear, but always be vigilant when cycling at night and to unfamiliar places. Try to choose routes that are well lit and are likely to be more populated. Don’t risk your life over your bike or your bag. If you are assaulted or in danger, try to get to a safe area, then call 911. If a report is filed, take down the officer’s badge number, the report number, and the names and contact information of any witnesses. You’ll need this information to follow up and make sure the report was filed correctly.
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CRASHES If you have been hit, DO NOT RIDE AWAY. Avoid moving quickly if you have fallen. Adrenaline can mask injuries and pain.
Call the police. BCPD policy is NOT to write a report unless there is bodily injury or significant damage to the bike. If an officer refuses to write a report, let us know by emailing: info@bikemore.net.
Record information from all involved. Write down drivers’ names, addresses, phone numbers, make of cars, and insurance information; witness’ names and phone numbers; and police officers badge number and police report number.
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RESOURCES Local and state bike advocacy Bikemore: bikemore.net Bike Maryland: bikemaryland.org Taking your bike on public transit MTA: mta.maryland.gov/bike MARC: mta.maryland.gov/marc-train Google Maps biking directions google.com/maps Toggle to biking directions by selecting the bike icon
Baltimore Bike Party baltimorebikeparty.com Anti-street harassment Hollaback!: bmore.ihollaback.org Emergencies Bike theft & non-emergency: 311, app or call Emergency: 911 Hazardous bike conditions To report things like cars parked in bike lanes and potholes: 311, app or call
ILLUSTRATIONS BY: KATE HABERER | WWW.KATEHABERER.BLOGSPOT.COM
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SEE YOU ON THE STREETS!
