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Health & Fitness

Circling The Square Intersection: Calming Guilford Avenue

Guilford Avenue Is Getting a Calmer, Curvier Makeover

The straight ahead roadway known as Guilford Avenue between 33rd and 22nd Streets has likely seen its last motorist seeking a swift, stoplight-free path to downtown Baltimore.  Thanks to circles, speedhumps and a marked bicycle lane this often used route will dramatically change in character.  Slow rolls around several intersections, calm climbs over speedhumps and yielding to cyclists will make the journey calmer, curvier and, hopefully, kinder.

The circles are already here and, though not yet complete, are already having an impact.  Contractor Dwight Byrd, pictured here, told me that each circle is raised six inches above street level, is formed out of concrete and is just large enough to allow one car to slowly enter the intersection at a time. The circles are strategically placed at 32nd Street near the Abell Green Space, at 24th Street near a church and at 23rd Street, near the Probation Building.  With large centers ample enough to accomodate plantings, I'm hopeful that foliage and flowers will be added.

I've actually enjoyed circling these formerly square intersections.  Having learned to drive in Washington, D.C., a city full of circles, it's been fun watching neighbors trying to figure out just how exactly they're to navigate the rounds.  I'm also far more mindful of my own speedy tendencies and, I admit it, annoyance at not making the light at 25th and Guilford.  And that's what these changes are all about. I'm just hoping that the Baltimore Running Festival will continue to include Guilford Avenue in the route.  I don't mind the daily slow down but would hate to miss out on the Festival's fast runners and all of the hoopla that comes with them!

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