Montgomery County

Thank the Montgomery County Council for Supporting the Equitable Investment Bike Network Proposal!

| Jonathan Kincade

On March 9, the three members of the Montgomery County Council Transportation and Environment Committee voted unanimously to support adding $10.7m to the County Capital Improvement Program budget.  These funds will be used to plan and build protected bike lanes and neighborhood greenways in four of the County’s Equity Focus Areas as proposed by WABA (see our plan here).  On March 22, the full Council took up the Committee recommendations and provisionally approved, on a 9-0 vote, to add the $10.7m to the Capital Budget.

Please thank the Council for supporting  WABA’s Equitable Investment Equitable Investment in Montgomery’s Bike Network Proposal and ask for their help keeping the $10.7m in the final Budget.

Historically, Montgomery County has focussed its spending on facilities that make walking and biking safer in communities in the more affluent parts of the County.  WABA proposed a shift to build these projects in areas of the County that have fewer transportation assets, the Equity Focus Areas (see more detail on the EFAs here).  WABA wants to make walking and biking safer in these areas where residents are less likely to have access to cars and are more reliant on walking, biking and access to transit.

Please show your support for this shift in spending on active transportation options by emailing all of the County Council members to thank them for voting to add $10.7m to the Capital Budget in the next six years to plan and construct Tier One Bicycle Master Plan projects in Wheaton, White Oak, Langley Park and Silver Spring.

Adult Learn to Ride + SPIN Scooter Training

| Sydney Sotelo

Register Cost Location

Scooter Training from 12 pm – 2 pm

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.
  • Outside activities 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. If you are:
    • Vaccinated and boosted, you may choose to forgo a mask.
    • Not vaccinate or fully vaccinated, you are required to wear a CDC approved face mask for the duration of class.
  • 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.

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.

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!

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

Location

Westfield Montgomery Mall Parking Lot 

The google maps directions will lead you to the Montgomery Mall Transit Center at the intersection of Westlake Terrace and Motor City Drive. The parking lot is directly across the street from the transit center closer to the mall.

The class will take place in the larger circled lot. Instructors will be wearing teal polos.

Westfield Montgomery-new spot-BikeandScooter.jpg

Driving: There is parking available at this class location

Public Transit: The Montgomery Transit Center directly across the street serves buses 6, 26, 47, 96, J1 and J2. Find more information and plan your trip at the MCDOT and WMATA websites and check out the departure board on Google Maps.

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.
  • Outside activities 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. If you are:
    • Vaccinated and boosted, you may choose to forgo a mask.
    • Not vaccinate or fully vaccinated, you are required to wear a CDC approved face mask for the duration of class.
  • 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.

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

| 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.
  • Outside activities 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. If you are:
    • Vaccinated and boosted, you may choose to forgo a mask.
    • Not vaccinate or fully vaccinated, you are required to wear a CDC approved face mask for the duration of class.
  • 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.

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

GEICO Chevy Chase Parking Lot

5260 Western Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Enter the parking lot from Western Ave. WABA Instructors will be wearing teal polos.

Driving/Parking: There is parking at this location.

Metro: This class is a 0.3 mile walk from the Friendship Heights Metro station.

Register

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

Adult Learn to Ride + BIRD Scooter Training

| Sydney Sotelo

Register Cost Location

Scooter Training from 12 pm – 2 pm

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.
  • Outside activities 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. If you are:
    • Vaccinated and boosted, you may choose to forgo a mask.
    • Not vaccinate or fully vaccinated, you are required to wear a CDC approved face mask for the duration of class.
  • 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.

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.

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!

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.

Fund Equitable Investment in Montgomery County Bikeways!

| Jonathan Kincade

WABA is putting a proposal in front of the County Council to invest in a more equitable bike network by prioritizing new bikeways in four areas of the County that are most in need of safer bikeable and walkable streets. Read the Proposal here! 

The proposal will construct bikeable/walkable networks in four of the County’s Equity Focus Areas, using the Council approved Bicycle Master Plan, and designate the tier one recommendations in that Master Plan. 

The proposal will further help the County achieve its goal of reducing the number of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities in crashes to zero, and help the County meet its Climate Plan goals by reducing the number of car vehicle miles traveled. 

You can do your part to support this proposal by sending an email to all of the Council!

This past month, WABA sent out a detailed proposal to make a sizeable investment to create bikeable/walkable networks in four of the County’s Equity Focus Areas where residents have fewer safe transportation options and are less likely to have access to a car and more likely to be dependent on safe access to transit, biking and walking routes.  You can read the proposal here!

Equitable Investment in Montgomery County’s Bike Network

| Garrett Hennigan

Over the past few years, Montgomery County’s elected leaders and residents have raised important questions about how the County’s substantial transportation budget is helping build a more equitable transportation network. Drawing on the County’s Bicycle Master Plan and Equity Focus Areas, WABA authored a new report: Equitable Investment in Montgomery County’s Bicycle Network.

Montgomery County should allocate $110 million in the FY23-28 CIP budget to build out all of the Tier One Bicycle Master Plan projects in four of the County’s Equity Focus Areas, resulting in safe bikeable/walkable networks within denser neighborhoods. By allocating funding to these projects, Montgomery County will make significant strides towards implementation of the County’s Bicycle Master Plan and will make biking, walking, and access to transit much safer in four of the County’s Equity Focus Areas in Wheaton, White Oak, Langley Park and downtown Silver Spring.

Read The Report

Learn More About the Proposal

Learn all about WABA’s groundbreaking proposal to build bikeable/walkable networks in Wheaton, White Oak, Langley Park and downtown Silver Spring. On February 1, 2022, Peter Gray gave a presentation about the proposal and discussed next steps and strategies to get the County Council to adopt and fund this initiative.