Get updated on all things cycling in Howard County.

Bike HoCo (Bicycling Advocated of Howard County) invites you to an information symposium with representatives from Free Bikes 4 Kidz, Bike Maryland and the Howard County Office of Transportation to review issues relating to improving bicycling safety and accessibility in our community.

▸ Pre-Registration online HERE- please let us know if you are coming!

▸ Check-in/Registration begins at 6:00 pm

▸ Presentations/Discussion from 6:30 – 8:00 pm

▸ Water and snacks will be provided. Attendees can bring their own food and drinks.

Agenda:

6pm: Sign-In/Registration

6:30pm:

• Welcome/Introduction: Jack Guarneri, President Bike HoCo

• Free Bikes 4 Kidz – Ted Cochran, Board Chair FB4K

• Bike Maryland Legislative Efforts – Peter Gray, Board Chair Bike Maryland

• Status Report on Ongoing and Planned Bicycling Infrastructure – Chris Eatough, HC Transportation Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator

• Question and Answer Session

8pm: Conclusion of Forum

Bike HoCo, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, is an advocacy coalition of local Howard County cyclists, bicycling clubs and community partners. Consider making a donation to support our efforts at www.BikeHoCo.org.

Please join us for Cranksgiving, a food drive on two wheels.

We've teamed with the Downtown Columbia Partnership to host our second annual Cranksgiving this Saturday. Cranksgiving is designed to provide active recreation for local residents, raise awareness about the county's bikable pathway system and generate food items for individuals and families in need.

Registered participants will bike from their homes this Saturday, November 12th picking up requested food items along the way at nearby grocery stores. Drop off will be at Azlon Plaza in the Merriweather District of Downtown Columbia from 9AM - 12Noon. Cranksgiving shirts will be available to the first 200 individuals who register for the event and all registered participants will have the opportunity to spin the wheel and win bicycle safety and bicycle commute gear. Registration is FREE, but you’ll need to purchase food to donate.

Let your two wheels provide their three squares!

For more information and updates, click here. To register, click here.

Can’t make it this Saturday but want to help? Bike HoCo (f/k/a Bicycling Advocates of Howard County) is here for you! For a contribution of $24 (the date of Thanksgiving this year) they'll give you an annual membership AND send a cyclist with a food item donation to the event. Include "Cranksgiving Surrogate" in the Special Instructions field on their donation page.

Donations benefit Grassroots, Howard County's 24-hour crisis intervention center and shelter for people who are homeless.

Grassroots is in need of canned fruit, chicken, tuna, Chef Boyardee, SpaghettiOs, chili, chunky soups, Dinty Moore beef stew, baked beans with meat, Libby's corned beef, Vienna sausages, and Spam and peanut butter and jelly.

Did someone share this with you? Sign up to receive our emails.

Howard County Office of Transportation

Half and Quarter Century

Sunday October 2, 2022 Sunday, October 9, 2022

After a 2 year pandemic delay it is time again to join Howard County cyclists on Bike HoCo’s 12th Annual Bike HoCo Ride. Enjoy a great early Fall ride and prepare for next weekend’s Sea Gull Century in Salisbury with a half or quarter century ride. Bike HoCo is your local Howard County bicycling advocacy 501(c)3 non-profit. This is our only annual fundraiser and helps support our efforts in bicycling safety, education and as an active transportation alternative.

DATE & TIME

Sunday, October 2, 2022 Sunday, October 9, 2022

• Check-in/Registration -- 9:30 – 10am (ALL participants must check-in/sign waivers)

• Distances: 51 or 26 mile routes (Half and Quarter Century +1)

• Riders are welcome to BYOB/food to tailgate in the APL Picnic pavilion (across softball field) after the ride. We’ll have water and some snacks available.

LOCATION

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

• Start/Check-in/: APL Softball Field Parking Lot

• GPS/Google Maps location: Across from 7188 Sanner Road, Clarksville, MD 21029

Please register so we will have adequate rest stop supplies.

DONATION/ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

Please donate

• Bike HoCo is a §501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization so donations are tax deductible.

• We request a minimum donation of $5 per rider to help fund our efforts as advocates for Howard County bicycling. If you can, please consider donating $20 to become a Supporting Member of Bike HoCo and support our advocacy including school bike safety training, bike corrals and lobbying HC Government.

• This is Bike HoCo only 2022 fundraiser, so please consider donating even if you don’t ride.

You can also pay/donate cash when you check-in/sign waiver

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Sign in starts at @ 9:30 am -- ALL riders must sign waiver

• Ride Routes (Bike HoCo will post cue sheets and GPS data file on its web site prior to the ride and we will have paper copies at check-in):

  • 51 = https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40862522 (cue sheet here)

  • 26 = https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40913750 (cue sheet here)

• Rest stop @ Glenwood Community Center (Rt 97 & Carrs Mill Rd. Otherwise, routes go by various convenience stores

• You can BYO beer/wine/food for post-ride socializing in the picnic APL Pavilion.

• Wear Club or Group jerseys if you have one.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

We need volunteers to help staff rest stop.  If you can volunteer, please contact: president@bikehoco.org

Join the Bicycle Advocates of Howard County for an evening Q&A on the future of bicycling and walking in the county. Watch three short videos at your leisure ahead of the event, then join us for a 45-minute panel discussion about what Complete Streets could look like and mean for county residents.

What are Complete Streets and what have other counties across the country done to reimagine our suburban streets to make them safe for kids, walkers, runners, roller skaters, and people riding bicycles? 

Join us as we imagine this future and measure Howard County’s progress towards its Complete Streets goals.

Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at 7:00pm

Register by emailing transportation@howardcountymd.gov by 3:00pm of the day of the meeting with your name and affiliation

Webex: June 30, 2020 at 7:00pm

Register by emailing transportation@howardcountymd.gov by 3:00pm of the day of the meeting with your name and affiliation

This is our state-wide bicycle advocacy organization Bike Maryland's annual fundraiser. Larry's Ride is named for Larry Bensky, who was struck by a car and killed while bicycling on Butler Road, near Falls Road, in Baltimore County. The ride will start from Oregon Ridge Park at 7am. Distances of 16, 26, 38, 62 miles will be available. Details and registration:
https://www.larrysride.com/

Note to those already registered who have downloaded routes. Routes have changed. See NEWS page.

Bike HoCo will hold its 11th annual Fall ride and annual fundraiser on Saturday October 12th. Start will again be from APL Softball field parking lot off Sanner Road. Registration/check-in is at 8:30am and rides start at 9am. We will have 63, 42, 34 and 26 mile cue sheets available - reststops for the longer 2 rides will be at the Glenwood Community Center of Rt 97. We are asking for a $5 or more donation to support our advocacy efforts including bicycle safety training at HC schools. More details and registration at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/11th-annual-bike-hoco-all-club-ride-saturday-october-12-2019-tickets-73027377853

See more detail on the NEWS page.

19th Annual Columbia Archives BikeAbout

This a family friendly, free, fun and informative tour spotlighting Columbia’s history and the connectivity of its pathway system. This year, the ride will be held on a well-marked, family-friendly easy six-mile route that begins and ends at Long Reach Village Center. Rides will begin at 9:30am, with riders able to start up until 10am and complete the ride by noon. More details at:
https://www.columbiaassociation.org/event/bikeabout/

Need Bicyclists to Attend

County Executive Budget Hearing Tuesday March 5th

In his State of the County address this week, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball committed to making complete streets “a priority to promote our vision of a true multi-modal transportation system, beginning with more bike lanes." He indicated he had " listened and took the comments seriously as dozens of cyclists came in their full bike gear, advocating for streets that provide safe access to users. I will make Complete Streets a priority to promote our vision of a true multi-modal transportation system, beginning with more bike lanes."

This public promise to prioritize better biking and walking is in clear response to your advocacy and attendance at last Budget Hearing in December and CE Listening Sessions!  
Read more about the speech in the Howard County Times: https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/ph-cf-ho-ball-county-0228-story.html
 
Now it’s more important than ever to show support for safer and easier biking and walking in Howard County by joining us at next week’s budget hearing on March 5. Come and hear testimony in support of the increase funding for bicycling infrastructure and then stay if you can for a complete streets learning session.

What: Budgeting Hearing & Complete Streets Learning Session
When: Tuesday, March 5, 6:45 – 8:45 p.m.
Where: George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, Md. 21043. We will meet in the lobby, then enter the hearing room as a group and leave to a separate room as a group. 

At our complete streets learning session, we’ll discuss:

• What are complete streets and how do they help all kinds of travelers?

• What will it take for the county to start building more complete streets?

• What is a complete streets policy?

• How can we show support and get a complete streets policy passed here?

Come, learn and share any priorities, ideas or thoughts you may have!

RSVP at: https://secure.everyaction.com/XaBZ0dkir02tiiBVp_xDZA2

2019 Bike Maryland Symposium - 2/19/19

Save the Date 

The 2019 Bike Maryland Symposium is on Tuesday February 19th in Annapolis

This is a free event,  your chance to meet your legislators, listen to some great speakers and participate in Maryland cycling advocacy discussions.

Mark your calendars.  Agenda details will be forthcoming.

Support Bike Maryland

Where?

• Central Library, 10375 Little Patuxent Parkway

When?

• 7PM to 9PM on January 15 (drop in any time)

What’s Happening?

• Learn about completed and current projects

• Discussed planned and potential projects

• Provide input and feedback to County staff

How Can I Learn More?

• Email transportation@howardcountymd.gov

• Call (410) 313-4312

• Attend on the 15th

• Check out the BikeHoward page: https://bikehoward.com/

BikeHoward, the Howard County Bicycle Master Plan, provides guidance for improvements for transportation and recreational bicycling, both on-street and off-street. Recommendations are provided in the general areas of infrastructure improvements, policy and programs.

The Howard County Council adopted BikeHoward in April 2016. The Office of Transportation was the lead agency administering the planning process, and the plan was developed with extensive input from the community, as well as many related agencies, in particular the Departments of Planning and Zoning, Public Works and Recreation and Parks. A variety of methods were used to gather public input, including a series of public workshops, an online survey, and availability of an interactive online map.

Bicycle Master Plan Goals & Objectives

• Identify and develop countywide system of bicycle facilities to foster connectivity within and between the following: villages, communities and neighborhoods throughout the County, as well as neighboring cities and counties, parks and recreation centers, schools and educational institutions, commercial and employment centers, and regional and local transit facilities.

• Facilitate recreational and transportation trips by bicycle in the County and improve safety for all types of bicyclists.

• Recommend County policies that will support bicycling, including bikeway facility design.

• Build public support for implementation of the Plan.

The approved version of Bike Howard is presented below. You can view the Plan on-line, print it or download it. You can magnify and zoom in on the detail in the maps and the Plan by using your mouse wheel with the PDF menus View/Zoom and then Dynamic Zoom.

Please provide feedback here or send any comments to Albert Guiney Engel, at aengel@howardcountymd.gov or Howard County Government, Office of Transportation, 3430 Courthouse Dr., Ellicott City, MD 21043.

Bring your bikes & walking shoes
Experience a reimagined Tamar Dr. at Open Streets Howard County!

See how better street design and projects like the Bikeway can make getting around easier, safer and more comfortable for everyone.

Don’t miss this FREE family-friendly event in Long Reach!

OPEN STREETS HOWARD COUNTY
SATURDAY MAY 5, 2018
1 – 4 P.M.
Event route starts at Long Reach High School and extends down Tamar Dr. to St John Baptist Church in Columbia, MD.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN ACTIVITIES INCLUDE…
pop-up bike & pedestrian facility demos • live music • food trucks • steel drum lessons • inflatable obstacle course • Zumba class • bike rentals • arts & crafts • hip-hop dance instruction •  fitness activities •  bikeshare demos… and more!

Stay up to date with the latest event details on the Facebook event page:

Howard County Biketoberfest Cross is held on the grounds of the Howard County Living Farm Heritage Museum, this is an active farm as well as museum. The course runs over tar and chip road, grass sections, skirts planted fields and flows through the woods. Most of the course is contained within a unique natural bowl-shaped amphitheater which provides a unprecedented spectator experience.

On Tuesday, April 6th, 2010, Larry Bensky was struck by a car and killed while bicycling on Butler Road, near Falls Road, in Baltimore County.

Larry left behind two daughters, a wife and a tremendous group of family and friends. He is missed by all.

Please help us raise awareness of cyclists, remember Larry and bring attention to the need for increased driver awareness on our roads in Maryland. Larry’s Ride will be held in northern Baltimore County. Riders have the choice between four rural and challenging routes through beautiful Maryland countryside and an invitation to the post-ride celebration a grilled lunch with music, craft beer, and a full afternoon of socializing.

Registration is now open for Larry’s Ride.  There are a limited number of registrations available, register now while there are still spots open.

Time again to join other Howard County bicyclists and cycling clubs on BAHC's 9th Annual Bike HoCo (All-Club) Ride. Enjoy a GREAT Fall ride (63/45/34/26 mile routes) and post-ride social (beer/soft drinks). Start location will be at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory adjacent to the softball field on Sanner Road; check-in starts at 8:30 am

We will need volunteers to help run check-in, staff rest stop, and prep/clean up area after the social. If you can volunteer, please contact: president@bikehoco.org

Columbia Association’s (CA) annual BikeAbout will be held Saturday, Sept. 23, with riders setting off from the dock at Lake Elkhorn. The free, fun and informative tour presents Columbia’s history and showcases the connectivity of its pathway system.

Preregistration is not required but is encouraged via this webpage. Columbia BikeAbout will begin at 9:30am, with riders able to start up until 10am. They are expected to complete the ride by 1pm. Following the ride, participants will have the opportunity to refuel and have fun at the Owen Brown Festival, which begins at noon.

This year’s route is 10 miles long and winds through the villages of Owen Brown, Oakland Mills and Long Reach. In celebration of Columbia’s 50th Birthday, the theme of this year’s BikeAbout is “Appreciate the past and imagine the future.” Along the route, riders will get the answer to why the community’s power lines are mostly underground and get the answers to oft-asked questions about Columbia’s eyebrow-raising street names. They will also visit gravesites that pre-date Columbia, discover the early attempts to manage stormwater and learn how technology has changed current practice.

To accommodate families with young children, a shorter ride is available around Lake Elkhorn with enjoyable activities and fun facts about Columbia.