Bikemore staff and our furry friends are working remotely but staying connected.
Bikemore believes in a connected city. A Baltimore where people are connected to places they need to go, and connected to the communities they love.
The need to be connected to food, health care, jobs, and to our neighbors has never been greater. As we continue to assess the impacts COVID-19 has on people’s access to transportation, we wanted to send a message to update and connect you to resources you may need during these challenging times.
We're coordinating with MTA and Baltimore City DOT to ensure you receive up-to-date information on changes to transit service. And we will continue to advocate for transportation solutions that are available to all who need it.
Bikemore staff is currently working from home, and our scheduled in-person programs are currently on hold. We’re developing creative ways we can stay connected to you — stay tuned for more details.
**This is a quickly changing situation. This is the current status of transit and bike repair resources as of 3/19/2020, but please check the links for current info and call ahead at bike shops. Are we missing something or have incorrect info? Email danielle@bikemore.net
Public Transit
Update:
The situation with public transit is rapidly evolving. Please only use transit if you have to get supplies, go to a medical appointment, to a required job, or if you are frontline medical personnel or someone working in an industry critical to the supply chain.
At present, all services are operational, but some are running with reduced service. To keep the bus operator safe, board from the rear door on all MTA buses and the Circulator unless you need an accessible entrance. On the MTA, we recommend using CharmPass to limit interaction with the bus operator.
MTA: Latest service information for the MTA can be found at www.mta.maryland.gov/coronavirus
Update 3/20/20, 10:30am:As of yesterday evening, the MTA issued the following guidance to all riders and operators:
"In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID -19, PLEASE USE TRANSIT FOR ESSENTIAL TRAVEL ONLY. Essential travel means taking trips to work, hospitals, health care providers, pharmacies, grocery stores, banks, food distribution centers, schools, to provide care for family members, and other similar destinations. By reducing unnecessary travel, transit becomes safer for those who depend on it, especially essential healthcare workers, and for those who operate it. MDOT MTA encourages all employers to consider telework options where possible."This guidance makes it clear that operators should not be declining riders with a legitimate need to use transit service, and that operators should not be requiring any sort of evidence or proof of legitimate need in order for a rider to board transit service.
Please share any continued issues with utilizing transit service with the MTA Transit Information Center at 1-866-RIDE-MTA and please let us know as well so we can continue to advocate on your behalf.For the latest information on MTA service, visit https://www.mta.maryland.gov/coronavirus
Circulator: Latest service information for the Circulator can be found at www.charmcitycirculator.com/content/news
Harbor Connector: Latest service information for the Harbor Connector can be found at @BmoreWaterTaxi
We are grateful to the transit staff working hard to stay safe while ensuring people maintain the mobility required in a time of crisis.
Bike Repair + Resources
Baltimore Bicycle Works: Both the Falls Road and Belvedere Square locations are open for drop off/pick up only. Please call ahead. Check here for updates.
Bike and Brunch: Need access to a bike or alternative transportation during this time? Get in touch and they’ll work to connect you to community resources. Connect here.
Joes: Both the Fells Point and Mt. Washington stores are open. They are reassessing daily. Please call ahead to ensure they are open.
Race Pace: All Race Pace locations are open for drop off/pick up only. Check here for updates.
We are grateful for our local shops are working hard to keep their staff safe while keeping your bikes working.
Where to Ride
We know that getting exercise, fresh air, and the simple joy of biking is crucial right now. We strongly advise that our community follows the social distancing guidelines and keep 6’ of space between individuals. Please only ride by yourself or with members of your households. Here are a couple ideas for inspiration:
Druid Hill Park has plenty of trails for a day’s adventure and family-friendly riding. You can get there by taking the Big Jump on 28 St. to the entrance on Swann Dr./Madison Ave, and pick your route with guidance from this Baltimore Green Map.
Bmore Photo Tag is a local facebook group where folks take a photo of their bike at an interesting spot in Baltimore, and others in the group try to identify the spot and ride to it. It’s a fun way to find new and beautiful spots to ride.
Bikemore Programs + Events
All planned in-person Bikemore programming is suspended until further notice, including our Mobile Bike Shop. If you’re signed up for an upcoming Biking 101, look out for an email update. And keep an eye on our calendar as we creatively adapt programming online.
If you are interested in supporting Bikemore, set up a recurring monthly gift of $5-10. Small monthly donations have a big impact on our future sustainability. We couldn’t be more grateful.