News Summary
Hampden small business owners are voicing significant concerns over planned road closures for the Maryland Cycling Classic, which they believe will severely affect local commerce. Key streets, including Falls Road and Roland Avenue, will restrict access and parking, prompting some businesses to consider closing on a peak retail day. With a police shortage also impacting public safety measures, local owners are advocating for better communication and support from the community amidst the challenges posed by this large-scale event.
Baltimore – Hampden small business owners are raising concerns regarding significant road closures scheduled for Saturday due to the Maryland Cycling Classic, an event that they claim will severely disrupt local commerce. The closures will impact Falls Road and Roland Avenue, two vital streets for Hampden, which are expected to restrict access and parking, leading some businesses to contemplate closing during a typically busy retail day.
Business owners have expressed that the circumstances surrounding the cycling event present a considerable hardship. Service Photo’s owner highlighted that missing out on business revenue on a Saturday could have financial repercussions that are difficult to recover from. Similarly, other local business owners have indicated that the anticipated disruption is expected to repel customers, particularly those from outside the city, which form a large part of their clientele.
The Baltimore Police Department is currently facing a shortage of approximately 500 officers and has formally requested additional resources through the Maryland Intrastate Emergency Management Compact to adequately manage public safety during the cycling event. Despite this situation, the city’s Mayor and the Governor oppose the idea of deploying the National Guard, believing it is unnecessary for the successful execution of the event.
The Maryland Cycling Classic will cover an extensive distance of 17.9 miles fully within Baltimore City, commencing at Harbor Point Central Plaza and concluding along East Pratt Street. This year’s event is unique, featuring athletes from over 30 different countries, along with the introduction of a women’s version of the race for the first time. The women’s race is set to start at 8:30 a.m. and is expected to conclude by 11:30 a.m., while the men’s segment will commence at 12:30 p.m. and finish around 4:20 p.m.
Local business owners, such as those from Lovelyarns, have articulated frustrations regarding their operational realities due to the road closures. The Maryland SPCA, located on Falls Road, is also expected to close on race day, affecting their usual high volume of adoptions. Meanwhile, the agency has made last-minute arrangements to ensure proper animal care amid the ongoing disruptions.
In light of these developments, Hampden business owners are advocating for improved communication and an active role in the planning stages of city events that may impact their operations. They are also encouraging locals to support their establishments despite the challenges imposed by the cycling event.
A representative from the Maryland Cycling Classic has acknowledged the concerns voiced by local business owners, asserting that the event aims to showcase Baltimore and create a safe atmosphere for the participating cyclists. However, the implementation of the racing event, coupled with road closures, poses substantial challenges to the Hampden businesses that rely on foot traffic and customer visits.
As the Maryland Cycling Classic approaches, business owners in the Hampden neighborhood are caught between the allure of a major sporting event and the harsh realities of limited access to their establishments. They remain hopeful for community support as they navigate one of the busiest retail days of the week amidst the race preparations.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Fox Baltimore: State Police Called in for Cycling Classic
- Wikipedia: Maryland Cycling Classic
- Baltimore Fishbowl: Maryland Cycling Classic Fan Guide
- Google Search: Maryland Cycling Classic
- CBS News: Baltimore Business Owners Frustrated
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Maryland
- WBAL TV: 2025 Maryland Cycling Classic Winners
- Google News: Maryland Cycling Classic 2025
- Outside Online: Sandy Dujardin Wins 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.
