Subject
title
Proclamation Declaring May 2025, as National Bicycle Awareness Month in Rockville, Maryland
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Department
PW - Traffic & Transportation
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Mayor and Council read and approve the proclamation and present it to Jake Jakubek and Dr. Nancy Breen of the Rockville Bicycle Advisory Committee.
Discussion
The City of Rockville is known for its commitment to promoting and encouraging bicycling for all residents of Rockville through education, infrastructure, and outreach. Rockville is a leader in designing bicycle infrastructure, such as shared-use paths, bike lanes, and bicycle parking. Rockville was recognized as a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists in December 2022 and continues to advance bicycling in the community.
The city is committed to enhancing bicycle safety for both commuting and recreation, and for all types of bicyclists. Rockville residents should be able to meet most of their daily needs by bicycle if they choose. Bicyclists of all ages and experience levels have convenient and comfortable access to public services and recreational, cultural, commercial, and employment destinations in the city.
The city has approximately 70 miles of bikeways and the updated Bikeway Master Plan proposes another 29 miles within the next ten years. Rockville continues to collaborate with the community to identify priority bicycle routes and to design and build new bicycle lanes in the city. The city recently completed separated bicycle lanes with asphalt art on Beall Avenue and is designing bicycle facilities along Halpine Road and E. Jefferson Street. The city’s bikeways connect to various facilities in Montgomery County, including the Rock Creek Trail to the east and to the Bethesda Trolley Trail to the south.
Additionally, in partnership with Montgomery County, bike-sharing was introduced in Rockville in 2013 and there are now 10 bike-share stations within the city limits. In April 2018, two bikeshare stations were installed at the Twinbrook Metro Station and at the intersection of Congressional Lane and East Jefferson Street. The city was recently awarded a Carbon Reduction Program grant from the Maryland Department of Transportation and plans to purchase additional bike share stations or dockless e-bikes to expand bikeshare to the Twinbrook neighborhood.
Rockville recognizes that May is Bike Month and encourages everyone to seek out opportunities to ride bicycles and develop healthy habits to stay physically active.
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council recognize Bicycle Awareness Month each year with a proclamation.
Public Notification and Engagement
With the help of the Rockville Bike Advisory Committee, a list of bicycling riding tips and information can be found at <https://www.rockvillemd.gov/327/Rockville-Bike-Advisory-Committee>
Next Steps
People are encouraged to ride bicycles for transportation and recreation in the City of Rockville. There are many opportunities to ride in the month of May, as well as during the summer. The Rockville Bicycle Advisory Committee hosts regular rides throughout the summer that highlight the bicycling infrastructure in the city and surrounding area. People are also encouraged to recognize the importance of bicycle safety for themselves and others.