Ellicott City, MD December 12, 2018

More than 35 helmet-clad Howard Countians attended Dr. Calvin Ball’s first budget hearing as Howard County Executive. We were there showing our support for safer cycling in the county and hoping that Dr. Ball would find more money for our cause in this year’s budget.

I came with two of my neighbors to show our support for cycling. Neither had participated in Howard County bicycling advocacy, so they witnessed the whole spectacle with fresh eyes. We were impressed at the bicycling presence at the hearing.

We were particularly taken with Howard Bank’s many arguments for funding cycling infrastructure in Howard County. In particular, we were struck by the comparison of Howard versus Montgomery and Ann Arundel funding levels for biking. Also, the argument (especially coming from a banker) that spending to make our streets more walkable and bikeable is a proven wise investment really hit home. Several speakers proposed increasing spending to at least $3 million for the bikeway.

We were impressed mostly by the turnout, both by those in the audience with helmets and those speaking in favor of bicycling. Speakers included representatives from the Horizon Foundation, the Heart Association, Howard Bank, NAACP of Howard County, as well as a woman with children from the Netherlands and a small business owner who needs to ride to slow down the progress of a disease which affects his balance. I do not know how Dr. Ball will react to the display of support but both my friends (and I) left excited and want to do more for this great cause. 

After the hearing, several of us headed down to the Judge’s Bench in historic Ellicott City for a cold one. On the drive from the George Howard, Ellicott Mill’s Drive was closed at Main Street so we opted for parking in the lot behind the Wine Bin and walking to the Judges Bench. 

It was a good crowd at the Judge’s Bench, a good sign for a Wednesday night. Honestly, I’ve never had food at this EC pub having only ever come there for the beer. Their exceptional beer list is hand drawn and a challenge for me to read so I asked the friendly bartenders for help. I found a table and ordered a Bell’s Double Cream Stout. I loved the creamy taste and cocoa/coffee flavor. Chris joined us and had a Brewer’s Art Saint Festivus. The creamy head on this beer memorable and the spiced winter warmer is unusual and tasty. I will look for this ginger and spice beer next time I’m out.

Want to know more about bicycling in Howard County, please consult the Bikeway, Bike HoCo or the Baltimore Sun’s article about the budget hearing. Also, the Judge’s Bench is located at 8385 Main Street, Ellicott City, MD.

Cheers!
Warren