Monument street bike lane experience? ...also after dark/safety?

[Tony]

Hi, I am moving to Baltimore to work at Hopkins Hospital in April 2019. 

I wanted to ask about any experiences using the new Monument Street bike lanes to get downtown/Mt Vernon area... and thinking of renting there and commuting by bike every day.

-->Also how safe would it be after dark / in evening / at night? It's a quick ride it seems, but also heard that the area around Hopkins if a bit iffy at night.

Finally, would commuting from Canton be preferable to Mt Vernon?

Would appreciate any advice/experience.

Thanks so much,

Tony 

[Rose Weeks]

Hi Tony,

The new Monument Street cycle track is awesome. I have been using it almost every day for a few weeks. I haven't biked at night as it hasn't been dark. I think the shuttle lets you put your bike on if you're feeling uneasy (I might not do it personally after 6pm). The cycle track is the quickest way to commute back and forth from Mount Vernon (I commute from Charles Village area, and it's actually the fastest mode of transport even from up there because of traffic and shuttle waits).

I encourage others to use the cycle track! It sure beats riding on the sidewalk of Monument street, which I used to do!

Good luck with your move.

Rose Weeks

[Tony]

Hi Rose,

Thank you so much for your reply, and I share your experience. I have now been at Hopkins for 6 weeks and have taken the Monument street bike lane from Mt Vernon almost every day. Agree it's very doable, very quick/convient, and I have taken it as late as 9:30pm back without issues (although one day there was a shooting at Popeye later in the evening. After dark (and usually go back `8pm) I look around very carefully, but frankly I have not had any issues at all, and am starting to feel more confident / safe. I came from Chicago (Univ of Chicago/Chicago Southside), and this may not be that different. As long as I am in the bike lanes, insulated from traffic/cars - seems very safe. Cars may be the bigger concern if not in a bike lane. I took the shuttle twice (and maybe did it the wrong way), but it took quite long, waiting until it eventually left. I did ask whether they could transport a bike, and many of the shuttle busses apparently can, although I have not tried that. 

Thanks again, glad to be be part of the bike community in Baltimore :-)

Tony