News Summary
The Maryland Cycling Classic will take place on September 6, 2025, in Baltimore, featuring professional cyclists from over 30 countries. The event will cause significant road closures, raising concerns among local businesses about potential customer traffic declines. Store owners are calling for better communication with event organizers as they navigate the disruptions while hoping for long-term promotional benefits from hosting such an event.
Baltimore will host the Maryland Cycling Classic on Saturday, September 6, 2025, a significant event featuring professional cyclists from over 30 countries. For the first time, the race will take place entirely within the city limits, beginning at Harbor Point Central Plaza and concluding on East Pratt Street along the Inner Harbor. The total race distance will cover 17.9 miles, and road closures and traffic disruptions are anticipated throughout the day, raising concerns among local businesses regarding potential decreases in customer traffic.
In the Hampden neighborhood, many businesses are voicing their worries about the event’s impact. Local shop owners, such as Melissa Salzman from Lovelyarns, have expressed frustration over the road closures, fearing that it will deter their regular customers, many of whom travel from outside the city. To adapt to the changes, Salzman has had to reschedule classes she offers, aiming to minimize disruptions for her students. Meanwhile, Cloud 9 Clothing, located on “The Avenue,” plans to remain open during the event, although they also anticipate a drop in foot traffic.
Megan McCargish from Cloud 9 noted that, despite the immediate concerns, there may be long-term benefits as city events like the Cycling Classic could serve as promotional opportunities for local businesses. However, business owners emphasized that they feel excluded from the planning process, and there is a growing call for improved communication from event organizers concerning future events of this scale.
Another significant concern is raised by the Maryland SPCA, which is set to close on race day—a decision that poses a challenge as it typically ranks as their busiest day for pet adoptions. The SPCA learned about the road closures too late to effectively prepare, leading them to hastily arrange access for staff to ensure adequate care for the animals.
The Maryland Cycling Classic is set to feature two main races: the women’s race starting at 8:30 AM, which will cover 71.6 miles in four laps, and the men’s race beginning at 12:30 PM, with a total distance of 107.4 miles run over six laps. Both races will feature routes that highlight Baltimore’s historic neighborhoods and landmarks, including the 18th-century cobblestones in Fells Point and Patterson Park.
On race day, roads along the cycling route will be closed to vehicular traffic from 5:30 AM to 6 PM, with parking restrictions along the route commencing the evening prior, on September 5, at 8 PM. Vehicles found parked within the designated road closures will be ticketed and towed. In light of these developments, the Charm City Circulator will modify its services until 8 PM on race day, while the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) will implement bus diversions and change mobility pick-up and drop-off points during the event.
As the Maryland Cycling Classic approaches, the Baltimore Police Department is recognizing the need for additional support, as it faces understaffing issues. Road and lane closures are expected to begin on the evening of September 4 and extend through September 7, creating access restrictions for several key corridors and intersections throughout the city.
Local businesses are voicing their desire for greater notice and involvement in the planning processes for significant events like the Maryland Cycling Classic. As the city moves forward with this event, the ongoing dialogue between local business owners and organizers is essential in addressing their concerns and ensuring that future occurrences are inclusive and supportive of the Baltimore community.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Maryland Cycling Classic 2025 Route
- CBS News: Local Businesses Voice Concerns
- WBAL: JFX Southbound Closure
- Outside Online: How to Watch Maryland Cycling Classic
- Baltimore Fishbowl: Maryland Cycling Classic Fan Guide
- Wikipedia: Maryland Cycling Classic
- Google Search: Maryland Cycling Classic
- Google Scholar: Maryland Cycling Classic
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Maryland Cycling Classic
- Google News: Maryland Cycling Classic
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
