As a relatively new Baltimore resident and a dedicated cyclist, I read your story regarding bike trails in western Baltimore with interest and after reading, decided to ride out and see the area for myself. That made for an interesting morning.

The ride from my apartment in Federal Hill to Druid Hill Park is not a very bicycle-friendly ride, but traffic was light, so no problems. I then rode down Gwynns Falls Parkway through Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park, came back around onto North Avenue and took a quick look at MD 26.

Besides being very roundabout, the community residents objecting to the use of MD 26 and North Avenue as parts of connecting “bike trails” are right on target. These roads are overbuilt and would be incredibly unsafe for children or inexperienced riders. I wasn’t particularly comfortable on either.

On the other hand, I find it hard to understand why neighbors object to a bike path on Gwynns Falls Parkway itself. From Druid Hill Park to Hanlon there’s a four-lane road, encouraging drivers to speed while they pass three schools (Frederick Douglass, Gwynns Falls Elementary and Coppin State) as well as the Mondawmin shopping center. I was there in mid-morning on a Wednesday and traffic was light, but way too fast. Also, just past Hanlon Park the road narrows to one lane in each direction with no decrease to traffic flow but with a noticeable decrease in vehicle speed.

I agree with the residents of the area that the proposed route is circuitous and potentially dangerous, but disagree with the objections to a bicycle lane on Gwynns Falls Parkway itself. One could go directly from Gwynns Falls Park to Druid Hill Park on such a bicycle path, and I suspect the area would be improved by resultant decreased vehicle speeds and direct access to both parks.

Mark Braun, M.D.

Baltimore