Towson University to create bike paths

Sept. 27, 2018

Bike paths are coming to Towson University, thanks to a grant from the Maryland Department of Transportation.

TU is the recipient of more than $600,000 to go toward a 1.8-mile loop around the core area of campus. The loop will dedicate paths along York Road, Cross Campus Drive, Osler Drive, Towsontown Boulevard and Burke Avenue. The dedicated loop supports our Together Towson initiative, and our goals around community wellness and alternative transportation that lessens impact on the environment.

The loop further connects Towson University to uptown Towson and surrounding neighborhoods, and improves accessibility to businesses, homes and workplaces for students and community members.

“We are excited about the opportunity to make Towson University even more accessible for cyclists and pedestrians,” TU President Kim Schatzel said. “Having dedicated bike lanes around campus advances our priorities around wellness, sustainability, and provides a better connection to the greater community.”

The work on the bike lanes will be completed in early 2020. A bid process will take place to award a contract for work to be done on the lanes.

The paths will help connect the TU campus to other bike-friendly areas of Baltimore County.

“Towson University President Dr. Kim Schatzel and I share a commitment to improve bicycle infrastructure and safety across Baltimore County, including Towson, home to the University’s nearly 23,000 students,” said Baltimore County Executive Don Mohler. “This grant not only helps to bolster State and County bicycle systems, but also fosters greater access to robust transit networks, making it easier for people to get to schools, jobs and businesses.”

It has received support from other elected officials in Baltimore County, as well.

County Councilman David Marks said, “This funding will greatly advance our goal of a Towson community where bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists can safely travel throughout campus and around town.”

Delegate Steve Lafferty said, “I am very excited by Towson University's commitment to providing safe bicycle opportunities for its students, staff and faculty as well as the Towson community. I was pleased to support the grant application and am eager to see the plan.”

The grant was part of more than $17M in pedestrian and bicycle funds granted by the Hogan administration on Wednesday.

“These investments in bicycle and pedestrian projects improve safety for our citizens, modernize our system, and provide more choices and connections around the state – all while encouraging environmentally-friendly commutes,” Governor Larry Hogan said.

This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel’s priorities for Towson University: TU Matters to Maryland.