Bike to Work Day, observed nationally on the third Friday in May, is a time to celebrate the bicycle as a fun and healthy transportation mode. It’s an opportunity for novice cyclists to try two-wheeled commuting and a chance for veteran riders to share fellowship.
Baltimore’s Bike to Work celebration began very modestly with a handful of riders gathering at the Inner Harbor, sharing coffee, pastries, and experiences. From that humble beginning, the event has grown steadily each year. Bike to Work Day now features the participation of many of the region’s employers, both large and small. Several host pit-stops, places where riders could grab a bite, have a drink, and talk with other cyclists of their love of two-wheeling. Many organizations encourage employees to bike by offering incentives such as free meals, relaxed dress codes, and contests that offered valuable prizes.
2019
The 22nd annual Bike to Work Day was Friday, May 17, 2019. Howard County’s pit stop took place at Whole Foods Market in Columbia from 7-9am.
Video courtesy of Howard County Public Information Office
Photos courtesy of Downtown Columbia Partnership & Stephen Cherry Photography
2018
Postponed two weeks due to severe weather, Bike to Work Day 2018 featured the participation of many of the region’s employers, both large and small. Howard County’s pit stop at Whole Foods Market in Columbia was one of the largest in the region. Over 200 cyclists and supporters showed up on our rescheduled date as well as Race Pace Bicycles, Howard County Recreation and Parks, Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland, Downtown Columbia Partnership, Susan G. Komen Maryland, Patapsco Valley Heritage Area and the Holy Crepes food truck were on hand to greet cyclists with giveaways, information, and bike maintenance. Local sponsors included Columbia Association, The Howard Hughes Corporation, MedStar Health, and Merriweather Post Pavilion. Special thanks to Whole Foods Market for hosting.
Congratulations to Joy Evans, winner of a Trek FX2.
Photos courtesty Baltimore Metropolitan Council
2017
Howard County’s pit stop at Whole Foods Market in Columbia was the largest in the region with nearly 350 people registered. Participants were able to demo the new Howard County Bikeshare and County Executive Allan H. Kittleman and Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator Chris Eatough led cyclists on a ride around Lake Kittamaqundi. Regional sponsors MedStar Sports Medicine, Race Pace Bicycles, Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA), Bike MS, and Columbia Association were on hand to greet cyclists with giveaways, information, and bike maintenance. Local sponsors also joining in the fun were Princeton Sports, Whole Foods, Susan G. Komen Maryland, Marriott and the Howard County Police Department, while the Holy Crepes food truck fed the enthusiastic crowd.
Photos courtesy Howard County Public Information Office.
2017 Bike to Work Day Regional Recap
2016
Bike to Work Day 2016 saw over 1,800 cyclists—a new record—meeting at dozens of locations throughout the Greater Baltimore region. More than 350 people registered for the pit stop at Whole Foods in Columbia, where Bruce Cohen, Bike Maryland Board Member, presented County Executive Allan H. Kittleman and Columbia Association President Milton Matthews with a Bicycle Friendly Community award for Columbia from the League of American Bicyclists. Later, Howard County’s Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator Chris Eatough led cyclists on ride around Lake Kittamaqundi. Regional sponsors MedStar Sports Medicine, Race Pace Bicycles, Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA) and Columbia Association were on hand to greet cyclists with giveaways, information, and bike maintenance. Local sponsors also joining in the fun were Performance Bicycle, Princeton Sports, Whole Foods, and the Howard County Police Department while the Holy Crepes food truck fed the enthusiastic crowd.
Photos courtesy Howard County Public Information Office.
2016 Bike to Work Day Regional Recap
2015
In 2015, jurisdictions across Central Maryland came together to organize Bike to Work Day with the support of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council and it was the first year Howard County partnered with Whole Foods to host. Over 1,500 riders registered in the region, including 330 in Howard County.
Photos courtesy Howard County Public Information Office.
2015 Bike to Work Day Regional Recap