Bicycle Friendly Communities

Frederick, MD | Bronze Level

Recent bicycling investment: Frederick's most significant investment for bicycling in the past year was the installation of the first bike lane in the City. This bike lane, designed in accordance with the MUTCD, features lane markings, signage and a 10-minute long promotion piece to teach bicyclists and motorists in the city of how to operate in a bike lane. The video is available on the City website .

Bicycling highlights: Frederick is a unique cycling community due to its historic downtown area, rural roads, and extensive mountain bike trails. High density, mixed-use development in the immediate downtown area set on a grid system, make the city very bikeable for transportation. Frederick's celebrated rural roads offer a safe and bucolic setting for road cyclists to get out and enjoy long rides in the country. In addition, Frederick's mountain bike trails are located just six miles from downtown, and offer some of the best mountain biking in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
Frederick is a well rounded community of cyclists, placing equal emphasis on cycling for transportation and recreation. Frederick is rich in social capital allowing the community to excel in bicycle education and encouragement programs, many of which are provided by local bicycle advocacy organizations.
Frederick's local government plays an enthusiastic and supportive role in the efforts to become more bicycle friendly. All key players truly understand the importance of becoming a more bicycle friendly community in an effort to reduce carbon emissions, increase active transportation, and improve Frederick's overall livability.

Percentage of arterial streets with dedicated bicycle facilities: 1%

Bicycling education in 50% elementary schools and 50% middle schools

Signature cycling events: Bike to Work Day, Ride with the Mayor,Tour de Frederick,Kids Triathlon, YMCA Tri Fit for Kids,Catoctin Challenge,IMBA Trail Care Crew Weekend,Frederick Bicycle Coalition Annual BBQ & Ride,Ride of Silence,Single Speed Enduro Event,Halloween Bicycle Scavenger Hunt,Car Free Day,and Dump the Pump Day and the Clustered Spires High Wheel Race.

Some coming bicycling improvements: Frederick has abitious plans: The development of the first pump track in the City; additional bike lanes; more signage to link its shared use paths; a feasibility study for a bike sharing program; and additional printing of the self guided bicycle tour of historic places throughout the city.