BALTIMORE, MD—The Baltimore Metropolitan Council has been awarded a $30,800 grant from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office to bolster its Bicycle Helmet Project, an initiative aimed at reducing bicycle-related injuries and fatalities in the region.
The funding will allow BMC to purchase bicycle helmets for distribution during public outreach events. This project is a key component of the traffic safety efforts by the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board, BMC’s metropolitan planning organization, which has observed a concerning year-over-year increase in bicycle-related crashes.
Data from 2019 to 2023 reveals that the Baltimore region accounts for more than 50% of all statewide bicycle-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities. In 2023 alone, nine of Maryland’s 15 bicyclist fatalities occurred within the region, indicating a disproportionately high rate of incidents compared to the region’s population.
Studies underscore the importance of helmet use, showing a 73% decrease in fatalities when cyclists wear helmets, along with significant reductions in head, brain, and facial injuries.
The BRTB prioritizes the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, recognizing them as the most vulnerable road users. This grant will aid the BRTB in achieving the regional safety targets outlined in its Long-Range Transportation Plan, Resilience2050, which focuses on developing infrastructure and safety measures for these groups.
BMC and the BRTB plan to collaborate with local jurisdictions to distribute helmets and provide instruction on proper wear at safety outreach events. Additionally, bicycle lights will be procured to enhance cyclist visibility for drivers.
The Bicycle Helmet Project aligns with the Maryland Department of Transportation’s “Serious About Safety” initiative, a comprehensive effort to improve safety and save lives across the state. Through this project and other public awareness campaigns, such as “Look Alive with Signal Woman,” the BRTB aims to eliminate bicycle-related traffic fatalities and injuries.
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