Car Free Baltimore - Latest Comments

Re: Assaulted While Riding My Bike on Guilford Ave.

David Robinette — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 15:34:46 -0000

Police officers carry a small device called an ASP. It is an expandable metal baton. It fits in a pocket. With a flip of the wrist it suddenly expands out to 16" or 20" or 24" - all depending on which size you buy.

Legally, an ASP is classified as a defensive weapon. Cops are trained in its use. It has replaced to old "billy club" or nightstick. THe baisc training is: don't hit anyone on the head.

However: if you strike someone on the shoulder, the pain usually makes him go away. If you strike someone on the side of the knee, he falls to the ground and cannot move until the pain stops.

It is legal for you to own and carry an ASP. They cost between $25 and $75 at any gun store or police supply shop. You are allowed to defend yourself from criminal assault, battery, attempted armed robbery, etc.

Re: Baltimore City Transportation Funds

Wally Pinkard — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:33:02 -0000

So for FYI 2010-11 We took spent state/federal transportation funds on other things?

Re: Assaulted While Riding My Bike on Guilford Ave.

Mark — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:49:18 -0000

Already alerted many Baltimore cyclists on my email list, but yes, a more formal announcement system is a needed.

Re: Assaulted While Riding My Bike on Guilford Ave.

Evan — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:13:30 -0000

I posted this on Nate's blog as well: we could put together an email group for area cyclists as a way to alert each other when something like this is happening. Thoughts?

Re: Assaulted While Riding My Bike on Guilford Ave.

galen_52657 — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:23:17 -0000

That's horrible. Glad you got out relatively unscathed. Same thing happend to a buddy of mine several years ago. I prefer St. Pauls and Charles for north-south. It's faster because there are less stop signs and the lights are timed and its more populated.

Re: Assaulted While Riding My Bike on Guilford Ave.

Baltimore Skyline — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:54:01 -0000

I guess my point is that they can be a lot more visible if they are riding or walking a beat in the area. Maybe the BCPD should consider bringing that police box a Charles and Lanvale back into commission.

Re: Assaulted While Riding My Bike on Guilford Ave.

TBH — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:20:56 -0000

More foot and bike patrols are needed throughout the city, not just Guilford.

Re: Assaulted While Riding My Bike on Guilford Ave.

Adam H — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:40:25 -0000

Someone else mentioned this on the facebook thread on the issue, and I was initially in agreement; but in retrospect I'm not certain that a bicycle patrol would have any advantages over police cruiser patrol of the same area. I mean, I'm all for police riding bikes in plain clothes there to catch the kids in a sting - but police cars can respond much much faster.

Re: Assaulted While Riding My Bike on Guilford Ave.

Baltimore Skyline — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:13:50 -0000

I meant Guilford, but Calvert just as much.

Re: Assaulted While Riding My Bike on Guilford Ave.

Baltimore Skyline — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:38:54 -0000

Maybe the police officers on bikes should be patroling Calvert?

Re: Assaulted While Riding My Bike on Guilford Ave.

Billy — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:43:35 -0000

I have always rode up Calvert (and still do) but don't assume that you will be any safer simply because of traffic. There are still many dark areas that they will lurk in at night time waiting for an opportunity to ride by. The sketchiest area has always been between Mt Royal and 25th street. The park that is in that area is definetly a gathering area due to low lighting. If the city would put some extra lighting in and around that park, it would probably help to make it less desirable as a gathering/ hangout point. Several years ago, I was attacked by 3 teens who were laying in wait in the park. I got away with my bike and gear, but also picked up a nasty gash above my eye that required stitches. Making lots of noise and using my bike as a self defense weapon saved me. I am glad to hear you made it out ok and posted about it to bring more attention to this issue.

Re: Assaulted While Riding My Bike on Guilford Ave.

jchapline — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:31:22 -0000

Thank you for posting. I'm glad you're not hurt too badly. Also glad to hear that residents stepped in to help; that's encouraging. I hope this rash of incidents has the attention of the police.

Re: Assaulted While Riding My Bike on Guilford Ave.

Mark — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 23:34:43 -0000

awesome idea. as of now, i won't take calvert. too narrow, too fast. charles street was an alternative before the construction.

Re: Assaulted While Riding My Bike on Guilford Ave.

Evan — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 23:00:15 -0000

Glad you're OK. I rode up that corridor for several years before they put in the lane on Guilford, and having been attacked by kids in this town on a few other occasions, I've always been leery of it. It's too slow and too isolated. I've always taken Calvert. More traffic means more eyes and by your (and my) theory, less chance for attack. Cars are dangerous too, but they are generally trying NOT to injure you.

In my opinion, the ideal solution is to move all the parking on Calvert to the left side, angle in, and give the bikers a separated lane on the right. A guy can dream.

Re: Assaulted While Riding My Bike on Guilford Ave.

Reebs — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 22:20:40 -0000

Awesome. I am a female who rides that route alone and never really thinks about it.... and now I am going to feel like I am playing Frogger every time I go down that road!

Re: Assaulted While Riding My Bike on Guilford Ave.

Adam H — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 22:12:47 -0000

Another comment, waiting for moderation, because it has a link in it. :)

Re: Assaulted While Riding My Bike on Guilford Ave.

Adam H — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 22:11:32 -0000

Have you read the bikemore Facebook thread? With yours, there were at least 3 guilford street station north attacks within 3 hours. https://www.facebook.com/group...

Re: Assaulted While Riding My Bike on Guilford Ave.

Mark — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 22:04:28 -0000

And they probably messed with a few cyclists before my incident. I saw them waiting on the corner of Lanvale/Guilford from a few blocks away.

Re: Assaulted While Riding My Bike on Guilford Ave.

Adam H — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:58:50 -0000

I think another cyclist was attacked after the police chased them for your incident. *WOW* Brazen.

Re: Assaulted While Riding My Bike on Guilford Ave.

Mark — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:55:28 -0000

Around 6:30pm

Re: Assaulted While Riding My Bike on Guilford Ave.

Adam H — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:50:56 -0000

"The teens who attacked me, however, wanted to inflict some pain. Trying to get the bike was just a bonus."

There is definitely a sporting mentality when kids do this, which is why I suspect (from what I hear) the victims are almost always male.

Re: Assaulted While Riding My Bike on Guilford Ave.

Adam H — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:45:35 -0000

At what time did this happen, in relation to the other attacks tonight?

Re: Assaulted While Riding My Bike on Guilford Ave.

Chris Merriam — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:43:59 -0000

This is an epidemic right now. I hope you called 911. Glad to hear you're OK.

Re: Baltimore Still Needs The Red Line

BB — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:11:33 -0000

Mondawmin/Coppin State metro stop name change - great idea.

Re: Baltimore Still Needs The Red Line

Owl Greene — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 01:21:22 -0000

I totally agree with everything said in this blog. Flaws are to be expected when projects involve the government. But I must say this alignment has been painstakingly chosen; stations are in very good locations. The red line has a chance to turn Baltimore from a good city into a great city. It will be built, and must be embraced by those who've lived here for years. Regarding the current MTA, a little rebranding, and more emphasis on where the rubber meets the road will make the system shine. Despite its flaws, it was named a top 10 system in the US based on coverage. The subway should be officially the green line, and the 2 light rail lines should be officially yellow and blue. Penn Station could be a same color spur of either line. Small things, like renaming Mondawmin subway station Mondawmin/CSU to tout a connection with an education center (whose students DO use metro) could show a city connected with its people.