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Monday, January 26, 2009

Pedaling down Harford Road?

There's been a lot of chatter on the WNIA listserv about the newest addition to the world of Hamilton restaurants, "50's Diner." So far the reviews are mostly positive, although there is one suspect upset stomach issue -- which may be a virus after all -- and the open hours seem a little inconsistent. I haven't been there yet, but what impresses me the most about this news is the enthusiasm of the neighborhood to try out yet another new restaurant.

I'm really looking ahead to the spring. The heart of Hamilton seems just a little out of walking distance (especially the uphill trip back home!), but the newly paved street seems perfect for a bicycle. I've lived in other cities where I rode my bike around town, and because I now have an hour long drive each to work, I would love to be able to give my car a break and pedal down to the CVS, the Hamilton Tavern, the bank, the yoga studio, etc., etc.

But bicycles don't seem to be part of the culture here in Northeast Baltimore (except for that guy I pass sometimes in the morning on Walther Blvd at 6:30 am who appears to be riding to work). I'm wondering what you all think about bicycling in our neighborhood. Do you do it? Where do you park your bike? Do drivers respect you? Harass you? See you?

Let me know in the comments section.

9 comments:

Michael Downs said...

Good question! In the pleasant weather, I try to bicycle, including from my home up around Northern Parkway down into the heart of Hamilton. But I'm very careful, because the streets don't offer much space for a bicycle to fit between curb and SUV bumper. Honestly, it's a bit scary. Bicycle lanes could be a wonderful thing for this neighborhood, but looking at the narrow streets, the sidewalks, I'm not sure where a bicycle lane would fit.

Rachel said...

Where is this new restaurant?

And I um, don't know how to ride a bike so I have personal experience but I know down where we are the side roads are really narrow. There is barely enough room to walk down some of them much less ride a bike. My husband has tried to bike down to Lake Montebello a few times and each time was nearly hit by a car.

Heather said...

Sue, I see the 6:30 AM biker too! I am always afraid for him. I would love to ride my bike down to the lake and take a few laps... but I am way too scared.

Sue J said...

Downs, I don't think there need to be bicycle lanes on the side streets, but riding on Harford Road should be something we cam do safely.

Rachel, it's in the space of the old Golden Key. I think it's called "Lost in the 50s"?

Heather, 6:so guy worries me so much! I think at that hour I would ride the sidewalks. Morning commuters are such an impatient bunch -- except for you and me, of course!

Megan said...

I walk because I've got young kids and there's no way I'd let them ride bikes on Harford Rd (We live in Lauraville, just below Echodale) Even walking we have to be super-cautious at all the crosswalks. I don't see very many cyclists, and I don't wonder why. It's a perilous road for sure! Even so, there's this one kid who sometimes skateboards down Harford Road! I see him between Echodale and Cold Spring/Moravia just whizzing along, oblivious to the danger.

Anonymous said...

I tried out the diner with my parents the other day. the sevice was a little slow but overall we had a great experience. they seem to be working out the kinks but they were very friendly and the prices just right. food was basic diner fare and good. Sidenote. aparently they've been getting grief for not having Zeke's coffee. I love Zeke's but it doesn't have to be everywhere. They buy fom Eagle roasters wich has been a Baltimore company for over 80 years.

Anonymous said...

Yes I agree Zeke's doesn't have to be every where. There are other local roasters.!

Shame on Zeke for pressuring them...

LS

Anonymous said...

Yes I agree Zeke's doesn't have to be every where. There are other local roasters.!

Shame on Zeke for pressuring them...

LS

Anonymous said...

i don't think Zekes was pressuring them. i think it was just customers.