B'more Involved promotes civic engagement in local and regional transportation, planning, and equity. This important information - also posted on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) - is a great way for you to learn more, stay up-to-date on important events and news, and let you know how you can B'more Involved! 

In this issue: 

•  Share Your Thoughts On Next Years Transportation Planning Budget by March 11
• Paid Focus Group Opportunity on Homes and Transportation 
• New Baltimore Regional Transit Commission Meets March 8
• Save the Date for Bike to Work Week 
• Baltimore County Seeks Community Members to Help Redesign Old Court Road
• Applications Now Being Accepted for Summer Transportation Institute 
• Apply today for CMTA’s Transportation 101 
• Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety is a Job For Us All 
• Reduce the Stress and Expense of a Solo Trip with Go Smart Maryland! 
• Sign up for text alerts  
   

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON NEXT YEARS TRANSPORTATION PLANNING BUDGET 

Did you know that the BRTB decides annually how to spend several million dollars in federal funding for planning the future of transportation? Every year we come up with a list of work we are going to do and what our planning priorities are. These ideas come from our local jurisdictions, as well as community members like you. 

Think of it as a roadmap for transportation planning. In it you’ll find a list of where we plan to put money and resources for studies, collecting data, reaching out to the public, and other projects related to planning and improving transportation. 

Each year we put out an updated work program and budget. Now, here’s where you come in. On this website, you’ll find an overview of recent projects and you’ll see where we are going next. Then, you’ll see a tab where you can share your thoughts on our transportation planning budget. 

We’ve got big plans. Let us know what you think! Comments are welcome through Monday, March 11.   

Visit publicinput.com/brtbbudget to leaarn more and comment

PAID FOCUS GROUP OPPORTUNITY ON HOMES AND TRANSPORTATION 

BMC and the BRTB are currently seeking adults (age 18+) to participate in a series of paid focus groups that will help policy makers understand public attitudes on homes, housing supply, and transportation. 

To see if you qualify to participate in the focus groups, please take a short survey by Monday, March 18.

As a thank you for participating, adults who complete the survey can enter to win one of ten $50 gift cards.  Take our survey and share your vision with us!

Take the survey at bit.ly/BMC-Housing-Survey
 

NEW BALTIMORE REGIONAL TRANSIT COMMISSION LAUNCHES 

The Baltimore Regional Transit Commission (BRTC) is set to host its second meeting on Friday, March 8.  The BRTC was established to provide input, oversight and advocacy duties for Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) and Locally Operated Transit System services in the Baltimore region.

The Maryland General Assembly created the BRTC in the 2023 legislative session, which marks a significant milestone in regional transit governance. The sixteen Commissioners were appointed by Governor Wes Moore, Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore County Executive John “Johnny O” Olszewski, Jr., Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, and Howard County Executive Calvin Ball III and represent transit riders, large employers and industry experts.  

BRTC meetings are open to the public with the next one taking place on Friday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to noon at Baltimore Metropolitan Council, 1500 Whetstone Way, Suite 300, Baltimore, MD 21230  or via Zoom.   

Learn more at baltometro.org

SAVE THE DATE FOR BIKE TO WORK WEEK IN MAY 

Mark your calendar! Bike to Work Week 2024 will run Monday, May 13 through Sunday, May 19. Registration will open in April. Registrants can collect free Bike to Work t-shirts at participating locations (supply limited).

Subscribe for updates at biketoworkmd.com
 

BALTIMORE COUNTY SEEKS COMMUNITY HELP TO REDESIGN OLD COURT ROAD

Baltimore County Department of Public Works and Transportation seeks community members to help design a 3.28-mile stretch of Old Court Road, connecting Liberty Road to Reisterstown Road.

This vital corridor is set to undergo a transformative makeover, catering to all modes of transportation—whether you're driving, walking, biking, or using public transit. The mission? To create a balanced, inclusive environment for every member of the community.

As the design phase kicks off, your feedback is crucial in shaping the future of Old Court Road. Ready to make your voice heard? Take the survey to share your thoughts and concerns. Your involvement is key to creating a vibrant, inclusive corridor that benefits the entire community.

Take the survey

 

APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR SUMMER TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE 

The National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) is a free program designed to encourage middle and high school students to pursue careers in transportation. It offers a fun mix of hands-on activities, field trips, speakers, SAT prep and activities that promote self-awareness.

NSTI has been so successful that in January 2021 Morgan State University was honored by the Council of University Transportation Centers with a national award for workforce development. NSTI has been instrumental in introducing students to a university campus, lab experience, lectures from faculty, and campus life. 

Students receive a full scholarship that covers the entire cost of attending the program. Each participant receives a stipend upon completion of the program. Applications are due April 30.  

Learn more or apply
 

APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR TRANSPORTATION 101 WORKSHOP SERIES

The Central Maryland Transportation Alliance is now accepting applications for its Transportation 101 Spring workshops! 

Transportation 101 is a FREE 7-week workshop series open to anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding about regional transportation issues and the critical role transportation plays in our lives and communities. Participants will learn from local experts and leaders, meet other interested residents and ultimately put what they learn into action.  

Transportation 101 graduates will be equipped to provide relevant and timely information to help policy makers, business leaders and the general public make informed decisions about transportation choices and transportation infrastructure investments in our region. 

The Spring 2024 class of Transportation 101 will be held on Wednesdays from May 1 through June 12.  Applications are due by Wednesday, April 10.

Learn more and apply today
 

PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLIST SAFETY IS A JOB FOR ALL OF US

As the weather gets nicer in spring, more people will be walking and biking outside to enjoy the fresh air. But, this also means there could be more crashes. Unfortunately, when pedestrians are in crashes with cars, it often leads to serious injuries or even death – 92% of the time for the cyclist. Over 80% of crashes involving bicyclists result in injuries, which is more than twice the rate of all crashes across the state.

When a car hits someone walking or biking, it's usually very dangerous. The faster the car is going, the higher the risk of death or serious injury. The diagram below shows that if a car is going 40 mph, a person walking or biking is eight times more likely to die than if the car is going 20 mph. So, it's important to be careful and aware to keep everyone safe on the roads.

We can ALL help save lives

Drivers can follow these simple tips:

• Slow down, pay attention and stay alert - be mindful of your speed and always be on the lookout for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Avoid distractions while driving such as texting 
• Use your lights when visibility is low. This can help you see and be seen by others. 
• Use extra caution in areas with more pedestrians, such as crosswalks and school zones.
• Make eye contact with pedestrians to make sure you both know each other is there and stay safe.

Pedestrians and cyclists, here are tips for you too: 

• Dress for Visibility -  Wear visible clothing, especially in bad weather or low visibility conditions, to make it easier for drivers to see you.
• Look Before Crossing - Look left, right, and left again to make sure no traffic is coming before crossing a road. 
• Pause before crossing  - Wait for acknowledgement from drivers that they are aware of your presence. 

By following these simple steps, we can all contribute to safer streets and help prevent crashes.

Learn more at zerodeathsmd.gov
 

REDUCE THE STRESS AND EXPENSE OF A SOLO TRIP WITH GOSMART MARYLAND!

We recently launched GoSmart Maryland, an online platform that provides easy access to transportation options like carpool availability, transit, cycling, and park and ride locations. In addition to finding carpool partners and transit options, commuters can use the site to find free incentive and support programs including Guaranteed Ride Home, which offers riders a free ride home in an emergency, and financial incentives for ditching their drive-alone commute.

For employers, GoSmart Maryland helps businesses provide both free and low-cost payroll benefits that save both employers and employees money, reduce stress and benefit the environment. Offering commuter benefits helps employers recruit and retain top talent, achieve sustainability goals, and save on payroll taxes. Free programs include employee-funded pre-tax benefits, employer tax credits and incentives, and a regional guaranteed ride home program.

Learn more at gosmartmd.com
 

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