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Over the past few years, Baltimore has taken great steps toward becoming a more bike-friendly city. We now have over 58 miles of bike lanes in the city, with more on the way. This year, the Baltimore City Paper called our Bicycle Map the "Best Cycling Improvement." This is due in large part to the efforts of Nate Evans, the City's Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator, Greg Hinchliffe, Chairman of the Mayor's Bicycle Advisory Committee, and Carol Silldorf, Director of One Less Car. They are fostering great partnerships that help improve our streets for cyclists.
 Today, I signed two bills into law that will make the city more bike-friendly. The bills, both introduced by Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke, will improve conditions on our roads for Baltimore's cyclists. The first, 09-0431 City Streets - Bike-Safe Grates, requires that drainage grates that run perpendicular to the road are installed as part of all future road construction projects. These grates are safer for cyclists to ride over. The other bill, 09-0430 Transit and Traffic-Bike Lanes, creates a fine for people who park in designated bike lanes.
At this same ceremony, the League of American Bicyclists presented me with the Bicycle Friendly Community award. The award was given in recognition of the city's pro-bike policies and for its efforts to educate and encourage more people to choose bicycling as their primary mode of transportation. Baltimore has been designated as a bronze level bike friendly community after two consecutive honorable mention awards.
We are proud that Baltimore has been designated as a bronze level bike friendly community after two consecutive honorable mention awards. In the coming years, I hope we can make the changes to earn a silver or gold level recognition. |
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Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
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2010 Bond Issues: Questions D-K
Tuesday, November 2 is Election Day; it is also a day to vote on issues that will help shape the future of Baltimore City. By voting YES on ballot questions D through K, you help Baltimore City provide $100 million over the next two years to fund projects that build, improve, and sustain what makes Baltimore a world-class city. A YES vote on ballot questions D through K is an easy way to support city-wide projects that create better schools, safer streets, and stronger neighborhoods. For more information about the 2010 Bond Issues, visit www.baltimorecity.gov/Government/AgenciesDepartments/Planning.aspx. |
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Early Voting is Coming!
This election, the first choice you'll make is which day to vote. By voting early, you can avoid the rush that comes with Election Day. Early voting will take place Friday, October 22 through Thursday, October 28 (excluding Sunday), 10:00 am-8:00 pm. All early voting centers are accessible for voters with disabilities. To view a message from Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, visit www.youtube.com/MayorSRB. For more information or to find an early voting center near you, visit www.mdearlyvote.com. |
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Contacting the Mayor
The official Baltimore City website has been updated to make contacting the Mayor's Office even easier. If you have a question, comment, or concern you can now visit baltimorecity.gov/OfficeoftheMayor.aspx and click on "Contact the Mayor." Find forms to submit your comments, apply for ceremonial documents, request city services, and more! |
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TreeBaltimore Giveaways
Each fall, TreeBaltimore offers residents FREE 1 gallon trees for their homes and businesses. Giveaways will be hosted at farmer's markets, in parks, and at local events. Species available are Yellowwood, Serviceberry, Red Maple, Southern Magnolia, and Sweetbay Magnolia. For an up-to-date listing of events, for more information, or if you'd like to give away trees at your event, visit treebaltimore.baltimorecity.gov. |
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Volunteer with Higher Achievement
Higher Achievement provides after school and summer programming to middle school students, helping them excel and advance to top high schools in Baltimore City. Volunteers and mentors are being recruited to work with students. The school location, easy-to-use lessons, training, and support will be provided. For more information visit www.higherachievement.org or call Emilie Rafal at 410-752-7753. |
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Herring Run Nursery Native Plant Sale Saturday, October 9, 12:00 pm-4:00 pm
Herring Run Nursery, 6131 Hillen Road Fall is the best time of year for planting trees and shrubs. Visit Herring Run Nursery to find over 100 hard to find native trees, shrubs, and plants. Native plants help to increase the tree canopy and provide benefits to our watershed.
For more information, visit www.herringrun.org or call 410-254-1577. |
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Give Pits a Chance
Saturday, October 9, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Du Burns Arena, 1301 S. Ellwood Avenue
Show support for the all-American pit bull! Meet breed experts, pit bull trainers, and representatives from the MDSPCA. Enjoy pit bull training and agility demonstrations, raffle prizes, and more. Sorry, no family pets allowed. For more information, visit www.midatlanticbullybuddies.org. |
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Foreclosure Intervention Workshops Saturday, October 9, 12:00 pm-4:00 pm
Saturday, October 23, 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Saturday, November 6, 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Saturday, November 20, 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Oliver Economic Development Corporation, 1400 E. Federal Street It's important to understand your options as early as possible! This workshop will give you insight into basic steps you can take to save your home from foreclosure. Come speak with HUD-certified counselors, learn to create and stick to a budget, know your consumer rights and get out of financial trouble.
To register for this free workshop, call Diane Blanchard at 443-388-9809. |
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Community Energy Savers Grant Workshop
Wednesday, October 13, 12:00 pm
Charles L. Benton Building, 417 E. Fayette St., 8th Floor
The Baltimore City Department of General Services, in conjunction with the City's Office of Sustainability, will hold a workshop to assist 501(c)(3) non-profits and faith-based organizations applying for Community Energy Savers grants. This workshop will assist applicants with the planning and application process. For more information, email Kathleen.IgrecLima@baltimorecity.gov or Sam.Grillo@baltimorecity.gov. |
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Cultural Town Meeting Thursday, October 14, 6:00 pm
Baltimore School For the Arts, 712 Cathedral Street The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts invites residents to join Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and arts community leaders to share their concerns regarding the importance of the arts to the quality of life in Baltimore City.
For more information, contact Randi Vega at rvega@promotionandarts.com. |
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Russian Festival Friday, October 15-Sunday, October 17
Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church, 1723 East Fairmount Avenue This festival is an annual celebration of the Russian community. There is a small admission charge. Times are Friday 11:00 am-9:00 pm, Saturday 12:00 pm-9:00 pm, and Sunday 12:00 pm-6:00 pm.
For more information, call 410-276-6171 or visit www.holytrinityorthodox.com/festival. |
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Loving Myself Conference Saturday, October 16, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
The League for People with Disabilities, 1111 East Cold Spring Lane This free series of workshops is for young women (ages 12-25) with disabilities. Full registration includes workshops, meals, and workshop materials. Workshops will cover topics including personal hygiene, body image, and self-advocacy.
For more information, contact Janice Jackson at 410-294-6930. |
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Zion Baptist Church College Fair Saturday, October 16, 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Zion Baptist Church, 1700 N. Caroline Street Join various college and financial aid representatives as they answer questions and promote higher education. The event is free.
For more information, call Jessica Turral at 443-632-4378. |
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Women's Business Forum Tuesday, October 19, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Vollmer Center at Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue This 4th annual forum is an opportunity to network with business women in and around the City of Baltimore, and meet with various city agency representatives. The event is free, but registration is required.
For more information, or to register, call the Mayor's Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business Development at 410-396-3818 by Friday, October 15. |
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