Spring of 2020 has been like no other. With a global quarantine underway to combat COVID-19, many Bike to Work Day and Bike Month events have been canceled or postponed. Many Americans are finding themselves stuck at home, but they’re also walking and biking more, as exercise is one of the approved reasons to leave home. This has been accompanied by a decrease in vehicle traffic. These factors have combined to create safer conditions for biking. For people interested in biking within the provisions of social distancing and other restrictions, To celebrate Bike Month, MDOT and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council are providing a series of resources. Throughout the month of May, learn how to ride, where to ride, and who is making a difference for bicycling in Maryland. 

Yakabod is a software development company that recently made the move to downtown Frederick, Maryland. In order to recruit and retain top talent, Yakabod executives began offering their employees bicycles and bicycle amenities. 
 
"We make software that helps people collaborate, so it didn't make sense to us to be in a suburban office park somewhere... we wanted to make it easier for our employees to explore the city, so we bought bikes."
- CEO Scott Ryster   
 
To learn more about Yakabod and read the full story click here!

Governor Hogan’s March 30, 2020 Executive Order on  COVID-19 specifically allows Maryland residents to “engage in outdoor exercise activities, such as walking, hiking, running, or biking,” while maintaining six feet of distance between yourself and others at all times, even on trails and sidewalks. If you want to start biking or start biking again, here are a few things to help you ride:

There are several options for new and pre-owned bikes to fit a range of budgets. If you have a bike you are no longer using, now may be a great time to declutter your space. Check out the links below to find the perfect bike for you.

Maryland is home to many great trails.  During Bike Month, we’re featuring trails that are Maryland biking destinations. If you can’t make it to these trails under current travel restrictions, consider a trip when travel restrictions are lifted.

The Cross Island Trail traverses Kent Island on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The trail was recently extended eastward from Kent Narrows to Long Point Park. The nearly 9-mile trail provides views of the Chesapeake Bay and Chester River while passing through parks and neighborhoods. Because of its Eastern Shore location, users have a level ride with no hills along boardwalks and asphalt paths.