FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Agency Highlights Investments that Connect Transit and Bicycling

BALTIMORE, MD (May 17, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Transit Administration is proud to continue its participation in Bike to Work Week, May 13 -17. This annual event, and a press conference held earlier today, highlight the integral role of cycling in promoting eco-friendly transportation solutions and emphasize the importance of connectivity across multiple modes of transit.

“We believe that leading by example we can encourage more people to embrace biking as a regular part of their commute,” said Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. "Not only does biking reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, but it also promotes physical activity and improves overall public health.”

Bike to Work Week encourages commuters to leave their cars at home and pedal their way to work, promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing carbon emissions. The Maryland Transit Administration is working to make it easier for bicyclists and scooter riders to take transit this spring by adding bike racks at 29 sites connected to Light Rail, Metro Subway and MARC Train.

MARC is retrofitting several additional train cars into “bike cars,” with 25 bike racks. This will enable MARC to have more “bike cars” to accommodate the growing demand for bicycles on MARC trains. The agency also is studying the conversion of most bike lockers in the system to allow for Bluetooth access, making them easier for customers to use.

“At the Maryland Transit Administration, we’re focused on growing a system that works for everyone,” said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. “By expanding our bike-friendly policies and infrastructure, we’re continuing to grow the ways riders can connect to transit.”

The enhancements and improvements to the Maryland transit system seek to provide the best possible door-to-door transit experience, while expanding riders’ travel options to and from each transit mode.

In addition to participating in today’s press conference, the agency hosted a bike to work “pit stop” with giveaways at Penn Station in Baltimore on Thursday, May 16.

The Maryland Transit Administration is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States, and operates Local Bus, Commuter Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train Service and a comprehensive Mobility paratransit system. The goal of the Maryland Transit Administration is to provide safe, efficient, reliable transit across Maryland with world-class customer service. To learn more, visit mta.maryland.gov, check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/mtamaryland and follow us on X @mtamaryland.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Courtney Mims
Office: 410-767-8367
Cell: 667-392-0157
cmims@mdot.maryland.gov

Paul Shepard
Office: 410-767-3935
Cell: 443-622-4181
pshepard@mdot.maryland.gov

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