Bike Maryland Important Update

By Bike Maryland - December 16, 2022

Bike Maryland has been the voice of safe cycling for Maryland riders of all ages and abilities for more than 23 years. Over the years our structure and focus have evolved to meet changing needs and available resources. Several years ago after losing some state grants that funded safety and education initiatives, we tightened our focus on unifying the local advocacy groups across Maryland and representing them at state level. We also shifted from having paid staff to an all-volunteer structure. Since this shift in 2019, we have been an effective voice and have educated legislators and executive agencies to help get a variety of new laws passed and obtained additional funding for safe biking. Examples of bills we helped get through the legislature include the Vision Zero Act of 2022, the Vulnerable Road User law, Safe 3-Foot Passing and renaming and adding funding for the Kim Lamphier Maryland Bikeways Grant Program. We achieved this by organizing a coalition of local bike advocates and other mission-aligned groups. Unfortunately during this period we were remiss in some of our administrative responsibilities and failed to make timely filings. This resulted in a lapse of our 501c3 status and falling out of compliance with state requirements. 

But, we are taking affirmative steps to reinvigorate Bike Maryland and enable us to continue our ability to be effective advocates on behalf of all who bicycle in Maryland.

Earlier this year we began work with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), one of the strongest, most effective local advocacy groups in the nation, to explore a partnership that would draw on the strengths of both groups and get Bike Maryland back on a solid compliance and administrative footing while further strengthening advocacy effectiveness. That resulted in the partnership that was announced in September, 2022. We have reconstituted our board, including adding Peter Gray from WABA as the new interim board chair. We are revamping our administrative processes and are filing with the IRS to reinstate our lapsed 501c3 status. At the same time we have already begun preparation for the 2023 Maryland legislative session. We invite you to join in our advocacy efforts – contact chair@bikemd.org to get involved!

We hope you will continue to support us through this challenging period with the goal of coming out even stronger. To donate to Bike Maryland click here! Thank you for your understanding and continuing support. Safe riding!

The Bike Maryland Board