Bike muggings? (Baltimore, Pikesville: work, hospitals, home)

[chigirl42]

A few bike-related questions.

1. A woman I know whose father and sister are Chicago cops --- so she's not easily scared --- told me that she stopped bicycling when she moved to Baltimore because of the bicycle muggings: she had two friends pushed off their bikes and beat up in the middle of the day. It sounds like they were taking short cuts through the parts of the city north of Fayette. After I told this story to a friend who used to live in Bolton Hill, he said that he got punched several times by a kid while riding through his own neighborhood, though maybe the portion a bit further up north.

I've googled for terms related to bike muggings, but haven't seen many reports at all --- just a few in other cities, plus a couple reports on the Baltimore spokes list about people who had been riding on the Falls trail (not specified which one).

Are bike muggings a problem in Baltimore, or is it just in the areas where muggings are a problem? I'm getting a sense that it's the latter, but do want to make sure.

2. Is there a safe route to bike-commute between Pikesville and the city (Hopkins hospital, say)?

3. What's a safe daytime bike route between Hopkins and Bayview hospitals? I'm happy to go a couple miles out of my way to avoid sketchy areas, if that's what it takes. How's Eastern Ave, or should I go further south?

4. Likewise, how is bike commuting between Bayview and Canton?

Thanks!

I'm moving to the area from Chicago and an avid bike commuter. I have lots of friends in Pikesville which is why I would consider it in spite of my city roots, but also considering a place in Canton (between the two hospitals.) I'm a researcher not clinician, so no weird hours.

[jonjj]

Like Chicago, there are areas of the city best to be avoided unless you happen to live there. I ride my bike all the time in Baltimore and have never had an issue. Pikesville to Hopkins Hospital is a tough one. I personally wouldn't do it. Hopkins to Bayview is a different story. From Hopkins, bike south to get past Orleans/Fayette and then head east. Include Patterson Park as part of your route. To Bayview, I would probably bike out Lombard. Bayview to Canton is fine but there is traffic along Eastern. Once past Greetown, it is a breeze by taking residential streets.

In terms of bikers being hassled, the biggest problems I have had are with cars but I also avoid the sketchy areas when biking. Anything north of Orleans/Fayette on the east side would be considered sketchy.

[baltimore's best]

My 14 year old daughter was robbed of her bicycle by a group of older teens in the method you describe. It happened at noon on a summer day in Patterson Park with plenty of people around. No one helped her-no one called the police. Put that on your long list of places to avoid.

[helenejen]

Please, most people in Patterson Park even call non-emergency police/311 when there is a lost dog in the park. I'm not saying that the bike incident did happen, but I'm willing to bet it was a number of years ago.

I'm in Patterson Park everyday, and I can tell you, Chigirl42, that it will be a lovely part of your commute.

[jonjj]

Originally Posted by baltimore's best

My 14 year old daughter was robbed of her bicycle by a group of older teens in the method you describe. It happened at noon on a summer day in Patterson Park with plenty of people around. No one helped her-no one called the police. Put that on your long list of places to avoid.

Wow, you should contact bawlmer because he had an identical experience.

[jonjj]

Originally Posted by helenejen

Please, most people in Patterson Park even call non-emergency police/311 when there is a lost dog in the park. I'm not saying that the bike incident did happen, but I'm willing to bet it was a number of years ago.

I'm in Patterson Park everyday, and I can tell you, Chigirl42, that it will be a lovely part of your commute.

Ditto. Being from Chicago, I am sure chigirl has her wits about her.

[sketchy]

On a related sub-topic: I'm moving across from Penn Station and work in DC. As crazy as it might sound, I thought I'd like to ride my bike to work once or twice a week, ride the MARC train home and back to work, then ride my bike from work home.

All the published Washington/Baltimore routes show how to ride from DC to downtown Baltimore. If anyone has any suggestions on a safe route from the harbor/downtown area to Penn Station(assuming there is one), I'd love to hear them.

[kinkytoes]

Yes, take Saint Paul Street or Charles Streets from Downtown to Penn Station. Make sure to wear a helmet and practise bike safety. One day maybe we will have bike lanes. . .

[jonjj]

Originally Posted by kinkytoes

Yes, take Saint Paul Street or Charles Streets from Downtown to Penn Station. Make sure to wear a helmet and practise bike safety. One day maybe we will have bike lanes. . .

Speaking of which, I noticed this week that new bike lanes have been placed on 33rd from Charles up to the lake.

[rudy_d]

For less traffic, I'd take the Fallsway or Park Ave. from downtown.