What's Happening in Rosedale, MD…

PeopleForBikes, a national group that advocates on behalf of bicyclists, is implementing its Big Jump Project, and has chosen Baltimore, Maryland, as one of 10 cities to participate in an initial effort.

The project will target specific neighborhoods in the hope of increasing bike ridership there.

PeopleForBikes will give Baltimore $200,000 worth of technical support yearly as a program participant. It will also match funds from local organizations up to $50,000.

Catherine Pugh, Baltimore's mayor, said the city is excited by the project, which she sees as a large step forward in the conversation about bicycles taking place at the national level. She added that Baltimore hopes to build healthier, stronger communities with residents using transportation that requires them to be active.

Grant money will be used to improve the bike network in West and Central Baltimore neighborhoods such as Hampden, Station North, Reservoir Hill, and Remington, which are now divided by I-83. Statistics show that although these neighborhoods have sustained substantial growth, less than half of all households have access to cars.

Frank Murphy, who is with the city's transportation department, said he was happy Baltimore had been selected, since Big Jump will open up healthy alternative modes of transport for residents by allowing the city to improve bicycle infrastructure.

Efforts like this can benefit if officials work with flyer printing companies to create mailers for area residents, explaining the new project.