Resources > RidingStrategic Plan
2015-2020
After generations of automobile-based development in the United States, transitioning to a more bikeable environment will require a substantial shift in public perception as to the viability of bicycling as a critical transportation component. A shift in public policy of this magnitude will require a sustained, multi-year effort. Imagine a future Maryland where the 1st choice of transportation is biking! This is the Maryland we want to make a reality.
Vision
Create a more bikeable Maryland that’s fun and safe.
Within the context of the Strategic Vision, Bike Maryland’s efforts over the next 5 years will focus on the following mission, goals and action items:
Mission
Bike Maryland is the unifying organization for Maryland bicyclists, advocating for improved cycling conditions through infrastructure, education, encouragement and enforcement.
Goals
- Unify local bicycle advocates to create more bikeable communities statewide
- Educate public on bikeability & road safety
- Advocate for the construction of designated and connected bicycle infrastructure
- Increase statewide bicycle mode share by 2% in 5 years
- Grow membership, diversify funding sources and promote organization initiatives
Strategies
- Unify local bicycle advocates to create more bikeable communities statewide
- Lead state-wide advocacy to sponsor pro-bike legislation
- Educate elected officials and candidates on bike issues
- Develop Local Partners Program
- Support all manner of bicycle clubs (social, road, mountain, BMX, urban, rural)
- Establish and support local bicycle advocacy efforts in areas of the state where it currently is lacking
- Cross promote bike events across Maryland
- Develop Maryland Bike Friendly Rankings and Awards
- Educate public on bikeability & road safety
- Hire a full time Education Coordinator to manage Bike MINDED Safety Program, Bike Friendly Program and other educational outreach programs
- Continue Bike Maryland Bike-MINDED Safety Program and increase reach from 10,000 to 15,000 participants
- Build the Bicycle Friendly Program (Community, Business & University)
- Develop “Bike Maryland Road Show” that incorporates Bike-MINDED rodeos, commuter workshops, Bike Friendly program, engineering advice and other programs targeting communities across the state for bike education.
- Establish and partner with existing programs to promote biking to more diverse socio-economic groups
- Work with law enforcement officers and state attorneys to foster a safer cycling environment
- Institute the Safe Cycling and Safe Passing Pledge through Local Partners Program Maryland Highway Safety Office and Mid-Atlantic AAA
- Develop multi-lingual bicycle safety materials
- Create clearinghouse for Maryland bicycle maps
- Partner with State Highway Administration and other agencies on road safety messaging
- Advocate for the construction of designated and connected bicycle infrastructure
- Lead advocacy support for significant statewide projects
- Support local infrastructure efforts
- Strengthen partnering opportunities with state and regional agencies
- Guide local partners on localized bicycle improvements
- Increase statewide bicycle mode share by 2% in 5 years
- Verify current level of bicycle use, through use of interns and volunteers
- Encourage bicycling through events
- Support the development and implementation of a statewide bicycle route system
- Support the development and expansion bikeshare systems
- Promote organization by growing membership, improving communication and diversifying funding sources
- Develop and implement Membership Plan
- Improve Bike Maryland image through improved communication outreach
- Increase financial support for Bike Maryland initiatives
- Provide professional development to Bike Maryland staff
- Establish a parallel 501(c)4 bicycle advocacy organization within 5 years