Towson U. President Voices Support for Bike Beltway

A got one high profile supporter on Thursday.

In a letter to state transportation officials dated Thursday, President wrote that the bike route will improve access for residents and Towson students.

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In May, the Baltimore County Department of Public Works applied for a $100,000 state grant as part of the Maryland Bikeways Program to help add signage and new bike lanes to roads as part of the plans.

The 4.2-mile loop passes near the university, , Towson Place shopping center, and downtown Towson.

"I believe this proposal is a tremendous opportunity to more fully engage the university community with the greater Towson area," Loeschke wrote.

In the letter (attached to this story), Loeschke also noted that the university currently has 624 bike racks on campus. Earlier this year, the university tested a bike rental program.

The idea for the bike beltway came from a cycling advisory committee launched by County Councilman David Marks. Marks said in an email that he spoke to Loeschke about the plans earlier this year, and added that other organizations, including the Greater Towson Committee, had pledged their support as well.

"With fewer students using cars, we will have less traffic and better mobility in Downtown Towson," Marks wrote in the email.

What sort of impact do you think the new bike lanes and signs will have on traffic congestion in Towson? Where would you like to see more bike lanes? Tell us in the comments!