Governor Kicks Off 'Cycle Maryland'

On Saturday [June 18], Governor Martin O’Malley officially kicked-off the “Cycle Maryland” initiative at the Chesapeake Exploration Center in Chester. 

“I am pleased to announce a new interactive initiative to encourage Marylanders to enjoy cycling,” said Governor O’Malley. “By getting out and taking a bike ride, we can learn to enjoy more of Maryland’s natural treasures, help reduce the impact on the land, improve our fitness and well-being, and enhance our quality of life.”

O'Malley announced a new interactive map on the "Cycle Maryland" website that allows users to view the many bike trails and routes in Maryland and plan their cycling trips.

According to a state press release, cyclists now have one central location to find places to bike using the various layers of the map, including the BLOC rating feature (Bike Level of Comfort) on state-owned roadways, points of interest, and information on the Maryland Trails Plan. 

The Governor also encouraged state residents to take an online survey of Maryland's biking community to improve upon the existing map and make it more user-friendly for cyclists.

“The selected events for ‘Cycle Maryland’ showcase Maryland’s cycling diversity,” says Margot Amelia, Executive Director of the Maryland Office of Tourism. “From family-friendly recreational rides on newly opened rail trails to highly competitive long-distance road races, these routes take visitors on an up-close and personal journey through some of the most scenic landscapes in Maryland.”

A list of other “Cycle Maryland” events now through October 9, 2011 are also on the website.

The Governor also announced a contest sponsored by the Maryland Office of Tourism and the Maryland State Highway Administration that invites participants to post pictures of themselves at events on Facebook to be eligible for a $250 VISA gift card. Prize winners will be randomly drawn from all eligible entries, and the winners will be notified on or about October 31.

“Cycle Maryland” now has a Facebook page and CycleMaryland is on Twitter. Marylanders can use hashtag #CycleMD to join the conversation.