Montgomery County

Tell SHA to Keep The Protected Bike Lanes on MD-193/University Blvd

| Garrett Hennigan
Protected bike lanes on University Blvd installed as part of a pilot project (photo from Open Streets Montgomery)

Earlier this summer, the Maryland State Highway Administration began a temporary experiment by installing a protected bike lane on MD-193/University Boulevard, between Amherst and Arcola Ave, in Wheaton. But now that the pilot period is over, SHA intends to remove the lanes on November 14, 2021. We need to act now to insist that SHA keep the protected bike lanes in place permanently!

Take Action

From everything that we’ve seen, the changes on University Blvd have been a tremendous success. The lanes have made it more comfortable to bike and walk on this stretch of University Blvd, increasing safe access to transit and slowing traffic to the speed limit without creating congestion. The SHA should make these lanes permanent and extend them further east and west to bring these benefits to a wider set of users.

To show support for this pilot project, the first of its kind on a Maryland State Highway, send a note to the project team, urging MDOT SHA to continue the pilot indefinitely and to extend the protected bike lanes to a longer stretch of University Boulevard. Make a comment on MDOT SHA’s web site for this project by clicking here.  

Here are some helpful points you can make in your own words:

  • I have loved how safe it is to ride my bike along these lanes
  • I am now able to use University Boulevard to safely bike/walk to restaurants, retail shopping, and other amenities in downtown Wheaton
  • Please extend the pilot indefinitely. Do not remove the lanes.
  • Extend the bike lanes permanently eastward past MD-29/Colesville Road
  • I love that there is now a safe connection between the Sligo Creek Trail and downtown Wheaton
  • For the first time, I feel safe walking on the sidewalk along University Boulevard
  • It is much easier now for Northwood High School students to safely bike and walk to school
  • I am more likely to bike/walk to the outdoor dining area in Wheaton
  • It is safer for me to access bus stops along University Boulevard

You can learn more about this project on the SHA project page. Thanks for taking action by writing in support of this vital project!

Map of University Blvd pilot project (image from SHA)

Support a safer, more sustainable Montgomery County

| WABA Staff

The Thrive Montgomery 2050 general plan for Montgomery County was recently passed by the Montgomery Planning Board and is now under consideration by the County Council Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee before the Council votes to adopt it.  To lower our carbon emissions and make biking and walking safer,  you can show support for this Plan that calls for enhancing our biking, walking and transit networks and plans for people not cars!

Thrive Montgomery 2050 will reduce the County’s reliance on single occupancy autos and prioritize completing safe bicycle and walking networks, especially for the majority of our trips that are under 3 miles in length.  Use the tool below to email the members of the Council to ask that they support Thrive 2050’s transportation priorities.

The transportation section of Thrive 2050 (read it in full) proposes decreasing our current dependence on single occupancy cars and calls for providing safer and increased options for walking, biking and use of transit.  The Plan calls for a cessation of planning and construction of more highways and road widening, while at the same time creating more space on our roads for biking and walking, especially to reach transit nodes.  This means narrowing car lanes, placing more dedicated lanes for transit, widening sidewalks and putting in protected bike lanes.  50% of trips people make each day are less than 3 miles. Thrive 2050’s Complete Streets approach aims to transition these from most driving  to  biking, walking and transit.

Please email the Council to share your support for the Thrive Montgomery 2050 Plan’s transportation priorities which prioritizes people walking and biking over cars!  You can also call your district and at-large Council Members using the phone contact information here.
To read the full Thrive 2050 Plan, see the Thrive 2050 website and review the  Coalition for Smarter Growth’s summary of the other sections here.

Bethesda Trolley Trail to Montrose Parkway Ride

| Garrett Hennigan

Come join WABA on and the Montgomery Planning Department on September 18th for a family friendly, no rider left behind ride as we explore the Bethesda Trolley Trail and Executive Boulevard protected bike lanes going to the Pike District.  We will meet, 10:00am, at the Bethesda Metro Kiss n Ride lot (near the escalators going down to the Metro station) and ride to the Bethesda Trolley Trail entrance at Norfolk Street, taking the trail up to the Pike District. 

After a brief stop near Montrose Parkway we will ride back on the Pike Connector trail to Wall Local Park for activities for all ages.  For more information on the Planning Department’s Advancing the Pike District Initiative and an interactive map of the Pike District Connector see their information page here.  There is also even more information in the flyer from the Better Block Foundation.

We will go at an easy pace and will keep our group all together the 6 mile length of the ride so cyclists of all abilities and ages can comfortably participate.  Here is the ride route. For more details on the Pike District Connector, opportunities to help install it, and a full list of activities happening on September 18 with the support of the Montgomery County Planning Department and the Better Block Foundation, see the flyer (pdf) or click here.

Please register below to help us plan for turnout.

Adult Learn to Ride

| Sydney Sotelo

Register Cost Location

Overview

Our Adult Learn to Ride class is for participants 18 and older. Our experienced Instructors break the skills down step by step to get you on a bike and rolling in no time. Participants learn to start and stop, balance, glide, pedal and steer a bike and progress at their own pace.

Have any questions? Email us at education@waba.org. 

Click here to view WABA’s Code of Conduct for event participants.

This class is for you if:

You have never been on a bicycle before

You have not ridden a bicycle in many years

You have previously tried to learn how to ride a bicycle, but were unsuccessful

Health and Safety Protocols

Due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19, all participants are expected to adhere to WABA’s health and safety guidelines for in-person events.

  • Participants should not attend in-person events if they feel sick or show symptoms of illness. WABA will refund registration fees to individuals who cannot attend because they are sick on the day of an event. If you are sick and unable to attend an in-person event, contact WABA for a refund.
  • WABA Adult Education classes are mask optional. WABA does not require participants to be vaccinated in order to attend class although we strongly encourage all participants to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Those who have not been vaccinated are required to wear a CDC approved facemask for the duration of class. Anyone who has received the COVID-19 vaccine may choose to forgo masks and social distancing. WABA respects anyone’s decision to wear a mask and encourages all people to advocate for themselves. If you would like to wear a mask during class and would like to maintain social distancing we highly encourage you to do so! WABA will not tolerate any disrespect towards WABA staff or participants who choose to wear a mask for their own safety and peace of mind.
  • Participants will provide their contact information at event registration. Participants consent to WABA contacting them and/or releasing their contact information to necessary authorities if there is a need for contact tracing following an event to contain an outbreak of COVID-19.

Class Details

Class Duration
3 hours

Equipment
Bicycle and helmet rental provided

Cost
FREE – WABA members and Capital Bikeshare for All (email us for a coupon)
$10.00 – Resident Registration**
$85.00 – Non-Resident Registration

*WABA partners with local jurisdictions to bring subsidized bicycle education to residents of that jurisdiction. Example – if you are a Fairfax County resident or you work in Fairfax county, your Tysons class registration is just $10.00!

Registration Policy: Advance registration is required for Adult Learn to Ride classes. Registration closes at 1:00 pm the Thursday before class.

This class is brought to you thanks to the generous support of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation Commuter Services.

Location

Upper County Community Recreation Center Parking Lot

8201 Emory Grove Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Instructors will be wearing teal polos

Parking: There is parking at this location

Public Transit: There is a bus stop directly outside of the community center at Emory Grove Rd & Chorlee Ct (Stop ID: 22010) served by the Rt. 64 bus.

Register

Hover over the box and scroll to click the registration button.

Adult Learn to Ride

| Sydney Sotelo

Register Cost Location

Overview

Our Adult Learn to Ride class is for participants 18 and older. Our experienced Instructors break the skills down step by step to get you on a bike and rolling in no time. Participants learn to start and stop, balance, glide, pedal and steer a bike and progress at their own pace.

Have any questions? Email us at education@waba.org. 

Click here to view WABA’s Code of Conduct for event participants.

This class is for you if:

You have never been on a bicycle before

You have not ridden a bicycle in many years

You have previously tried to learn how to ride a bicycle, but were unsuccessful

Health and Safety Protocols

Due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19, all participants are expected to adhere to WABA’s health and safety guidelines for in-person events.

  • Participants should not attend in-person events if they feel sick or show symptoms of illness. WABA will refund registration fees to individuals who cannot attend because they are sick on the day of an event. If you are sick and unable to attend an in-person event, contact WABA for a refund.
  • WABA Adult Education classes are mask optional. WABA does not require participants to be vaccinated in order to attend class although we strongly encourage all participants to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Those who have not been vaccinated are required to wear a CDC approved facemask for the duration of class. Anyone who has received the COVID-19 vaccine may choose to forgo masks and social distancing. WABA respects anyone’s decision to wear a mask and encourages all people to advocate for themselves. If you would like to wear a mask during class and would like to maintain social distancing we highly encourage you to do so! WABA will not tolerate any disrespect towards WABA staff or participants who choose to wear a mask for their own safety and peace of mind.
  • Participants will provide their contact information at event registration. Participants consent to WABA contacting them and/or releasing their contact information to necessary authorities if there is a need for contact tracing following an event to contain an outbreak of COVID-19.

Class Details

Class Duration
3 hours

Equipment
Bicycle and helmet rental provided

Cost
FREE – WABA members and Capital Bikeshare for All (email us for a coupon)
$10.00 – Resident Registration**
$85.00 – Non-Resident Registration

*WABA partners with local jurisdictions to bring subsidized bicycle education to residents of that jurisdiction. Example – if you are a Fairfax County resident or you work in Fairfax county, your Tysons class registration is just $10.00!

Registration Policy: Advance registration is required for Adult Learn to Ride classes. Registration closes at 1:00 pm the Thursday before class.

This class is brought to you thanks to the generous support of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation Commuter Services.

Location

Cabin John Regional Park Parking Lot

Bethesda, MD 20817

Instructors will be wearing teal polos

(entrance on Westlake Dr., across from MCPS Depot – near Cabin John Regional Dog Park)

Parking: There is parking at this location

Public Transit: There is a bus stop at Tuckerman Lane and 7400 that is a 0.2 mile walk. Bus Rt 37 Stop ID: 26444

Register

Hover over the box and scroll to click the registration button.

Adult Learn to Ride + BIRD Scooter Training

| Sydney Sotelo

Register Cost Location

Overview

Our Adult Learn to Ride class is for participants 18 and older. Our experienced Instructors break the skills down step by step to get you on a bike and rolling in no time. Participants learn to start and stop, balance, glide, pedal and steer a bike and progress at their own pace.

Have any questions? Email us at education@waba.org. 

Click here to view WABA’s Code of Conduct for event participants.

This class is for you if:

You have never been on a bicycle before

You have not ridden a bicycle in many years

You have previously tried to learn how to ride a bicycle, but were unsuccessful

Scooter Training

Our friends at BIRD will be hosting a FREE scooter training at this class location from 12-2pm! Stop by the outreach table to get a chance to test ride a scooter and learn how to use them safely on streets, trails or wherever!

Health and Safety Protocols

Due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19, all participants are expected to adhere to WABA’s health and safety guidelines for in-person events.

  • Participants should not attend in-person events if they feel sick or show symptoms of illness. WABA will refund registration fees to individuals who cannot attend because they are sick on the day of an event. If you are sick and unable to attend an in-person event, contact WABA for a refund.
  • WABA Adult Education classes are mask optional. WABA does not require participants to be vaccinated in order to attend class although we strongly encourage all participants to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Those who have not been vaccinated are required to wear a CDC approved facemask for the duration of class. Anyone who has received the COVID-19 vaccine may choose to forgo masks and social distancing. WABA respects anyone’s decision to wear a mask and encourages all people to advocate for themselves. If you would like to wear a mask during class and would like to maintain social distancing we highly encourage you to do so! WABA will not tolerate any disrespect towards WABA staff or participants who choose to wear a mask for their own safety and peace of mind.
  • Participants will provide their contact information at event registration. Participants consent to WABA contacting them and/or releasing their contact information to necessary authorities if there is a need for contact tracing following an event to contain an outbreak of COVID-19.

Class Details

Class Duration
3 hours

Equipment
Bicycle and helmet rental provided

Cost
FREE – WABA members and Capital Bikeshare for All (email us for a coupon)
$10.00 – Resident Registration**
$85.00 – Non-Resident Registration

*WABA partners with local jurisdictions to bring subsidized bicycle education to residents of that jurisdiction. Example – if you are a Fairfax County resident or you work in Fairfax county, your Tysons class registration is just $10.00!

Registration Policy: Advance registration is required for Adult Learn to Ride classes. Registration closes at 1:00 pm the Thursday before class.

This class is brought to you thanks to the generous support of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation Commuter Services.

Location

Montgomery College Rockville Parking Lot #13

850 Hungerford Dr, Rockville, MD 20850

WABA Instructors will be wearing teal polo shirts.

Metro
The closest public transportation stop to the class location is the Manakee Street bus stop, servicing buses 46, 55, Q6 and Q2*. The Rockville Metro Station is a 20 minute walk (0.9 mi) along Hungerford Drive.

*Q2 (Direction: Montgomery College – Rockville) is operational during weekdays

Metrobus- The first stop of the Q2 bus route is Silver Spring Station & Bus Bay 218 and the last stop is Montgomery Community College & W Campus Dr.

Register

Hover over the box and scroll to click the registration button.

Adult Learn to Ride + Lime Scooter Training

| Sydney Sotelo

Register Cost Location

Overview

Our Adult Learn to Ride class is for participants 18 and older. Our experienced Instructors break the skills down step by step to get you on a bike and rolling in no time. Participants learn to start and stop, balance, glide, pedal and steer a bike and progress at their own pace.

Have any questions? Email us at education@waba.org. 

Click here to view WABA’s Code of Conduct for event participants.

This class is for you if:

You have never been on a bicycle before

You have not ridden a bicycle in many years

You have previously tried to learn how to ride a bicycle, but were unsuccessful

Scooter Training

Our friends at Lime will be hosting a FREE scooter training at this class location from 12-2pm! Stop by the outreach table to get a chance to test ride a scooter and learn how to use them safely on streets, trails or wherever!

Health and Safety Protocols

Due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19, all participants are expected to adhere to WABA’s health and safety guidelines for in-person events.

  • Participants should not attend in-person events if they feel sick or show symptoms of illness. WABA will refund registration fees to individuals who cannot attend because they are sick on the day of an event. If you are sick and unable to attend an in-person event, contact WABA for a refund.
  • WABA Adult Education classes are mask optional. WABA does not require participants to be vaccinated in order to attend class although we strongly encourage all participants to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Those who have not been vaccinated are required to wear a CDC approved facemask for the duration of class. Anyone who has received the COVID-19 vaccine may choose to forgo masks and social distancing. WABA respects anyone’s decision to wear a mask and encourages all people to advocate for themselves. If you would like to wear a mask during class and would like to maintain social distancing we highly encourage you to do so! WABA will not tolerate any disrespect towards WABA staff or participants who choose to wear a mask for their own safety and peace of mind.
  • Participants will provide their contact information at event registration. Participants consent to WABA contacting them and/or releasing their contact information to necessary authorities if there is a need for contact tracing following an event to contain an outbreak of COVID-19.

Class Details

Class Duration
3 hours

Equipment
Bicycle and helmet rental provided

Cost
FREE – WABA members and Capital Bikeshare for All (email us for a coupon)
$10.00 – Resident Registration**
$85.00 – Non-Resident Registration

*WABA partners with local jurisdictions to bring subsidized bicycle education to residents of that jurisdiction. Example – if you are a Fairfax County resident or you work in Fairfax county, your Tysons class registration is just $10.00!

Registration Policy: Advance registration is required for Adult Learn to Ride classes. Registration closes at 1:00 pm the Thursday before class.

This class is brought to you thanks to the generous support of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation Commuter Services.

Location

Wheaton Ice Arena Parking Lot

11717 Orebaugh Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902

The class will take place in the back left parking lot of the Ice Rink near the tree line. WABA Instructors will be wearing teal polos.

Driving/Parking: Parking is available at this location

Metro: This class location is not close to a metro, but is accessible via the # 9 and # 31 bus routes. Stop ID: 20088

Register

Hover over the box and scroll to click the registration button.

Adult Learn to Ride

| Sydney Sotelo

Register Cost Location

Overview

Our Adult Learn to Ride class is for participants 18 and older. Our experienced Instructors break the skills down step by step to get you on a bike and rolling in no time. Participants learn to start and stop, balance, glide, pedal and steer a bike and progress at their own pace.

Have any questions? Email us at education@waba.org. 

Click here to view WABA’s Code of Conduct for event participants.

This class is for you if:

You have never been on a bicycle before

You have not ridden a bicycle in many years

You have previously tried to learn how to ride a bicycle, but were unsuccessful

Health and Safety Protocols

Due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19, all participants are expected to adhere to WABA’s health and safety guidelines for in-person events.

  • Participants should not attend in-person events if they feel sick or show symptoms of illness. WABA will refund registration fees to individuals who cannot attend because they are sick on the day of an event. If you are sick and unable to attend an in-person event, contact WABA for a refund.
  • WABA Adult Education classes are mask optional. WABA does not require participants to be vaccinated in order to attend class although we strongly encourage all participants to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Those who have not been vaccinated are required to wear a CDC approved facemask for the duration of class. Anyone who has received the COVID-19 vaccine may choose to forgo masks and social distancing. WABA respects anyone’s decision to wear a mask and encourages all people to advocate for themselves. If you would like to wear a mask during class and would like to maintain social distancing we highly encourage you to do so! WABA will not tolerate any disrespect towards WABA staff or participants who choose to wear a mask for their own safety and peace of mind.
  • Participants will provide their contact information at event registration. Participants consent to WABA contacting them and/or releasing their contact information to necessary authorities if there is a need for contact tracing following an event to contain an outbreak of COVID-19.

Class Details

Class Duration
3 hours

Equipment
Bicycle and helmet rental provided

Cost
FREE – WABA members and Capital Bikeshare for All (email us for a coupon)
$10.00 – Resident Registration**
$85.00 – Non-Resident Registration

*WABA partners with local jurisdictions to bring subsidized bicycle education to residents of that jurisdiction. Example – if you are a Fairfax County resident or you work in Fairfax county, your Tysons class registration is just $10.00!

Registration Policy: Advance registration is required for Adult Learn to Ride classes. Registration closes at 1:00 pm the Thursday before class.

This class is brought to you thanks to the generous support of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation Commuter Services.

Location

Burtonsville Park and Ride Parking Lot

15701 Columbia Pike

Burtonsville, MD 20866

Behind Burtonsville Crossing shopping center

Class will take place in the back right side of the parking lot. Instructors will be wearing teal polos.

Register

Hover over the box and scroll to click the registration button.

Adult Learn to Ride + Spin Scooter Training

| Sydney Sotelo

Register Cost Location

Overview

Our Adult Learn to Ride class is for participants 18 and older. Our experienced Instructors break the skills down step by step to get you on a bike and rolling in no time. Participants learn to start and stop, balance, glide, pedal and steer a bike and progress at their own pace.

Have any questions? Email us at education@waba.org. 

Click here to view WABA’s Code of Conduct for event participants.

This class is for you if:

You have never been on a bicycle before

You have not ridden a bicycle in many years

You have previously tried to learn how to ride a bicycle, but were unsuccessful

Scooter Training

Our friends at Spin will be hosting a FREE scooter training at this class location from 12-2pm! Stop by the outreach table to get a chance to test ride a scooter and learn how to use them safely on streets, trails or wherever!

Health and Safety Protocols

Due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19, all participants are expected to adhere to WABA’s health and safety guidelines for in-person events.

  • Participants should not attend in-person events if they feel sick or show symptoms of illness. WABA will refund registration fees to individuals who cannot attend because they are sick on the day of an event. If you are sick and unable to attend an in-person event, contact WABA for a refund.
  • WABA Adult Education classes are mask optional. WABA does not require participants to be vaccinated in order to attend class although we strongly encourage all participants to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Those who have not been vaccinated are required to wear a CDC approved facemask for the duration of class. Anyone who has received the COVID-19 vaccine may choose to forgo masks and social distancing. WABA respects anyone’s decision to wear a mask and encourages all people to advocate for themselves. If you would like to wear a mask during class and would like to maintain social distancing we highly encourage you to do so! WABA will not tolerate any disrespect towards WABA staff or participants who choose to wear a mask for their own safety and peace of mind.
  • Participants will provide their contact information at event registration. Participants consent to WABA contacting them and/or releasing their contact information to necessary authorities if there is a need for contact tracing following an event to contain an outbreak of COVID-19.

Class Details

Class Duration
3 hours

Equipment
Bicycle and helmet rental provided

Cost
FREE – WABA members and Capital Bikeshare for All (email us for a coupon)
$10.00 – Resident Registration**
$85.00 – Non-Resident Registration

*WABA partners with local jurisdictions to bring subsidized bicycle education to residents of that jurisdiction. Example – if you are a Fairfax County resident or you work in Fairfax county, your Tysons class registration is just $10.00!

Registration Policy: Advance registration is required for Adult Learn to Ride classes. Registration closes at 1:00 pm the Thursday before class.

This class is brought to you thanks to the generous support of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation Commuter Services.

Location

Wheaton Ice Arena Parking Lot

11717 Orebaugh Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902

The class will take place in the back left parking lot of the Ice Rink near the tree line. WABA Instructors will be wearing teal polos.

Driving/Parking: Parking is available at this location

Metro: This class location is not close to a metro, but is accessible via the # 9 and # 31 bus routes. Stop ID: 20088

Register

Hover over the box and scroll to click the registration button.