BERLIN – A representative from a statewide bicycle program encouraged Berlin officials to expand the town’s biking options this week.

Bike Maryland’s Emily Ranson praised the efforts the town had already taken to promote bicycling but put forth even more ideas the town could explore during a presentation at Monday’s town council meeting.

Berlin Mayor Gee Williams said that with the town’s strategic planning process underway, it was the perfect time to consider more biking options.

“The multimodal approach I think is going to be critical to Berlin’s continuing success,” he said. “We don’t want to make the downtown any bigger we just want to continue to thrive.”

Ranson discussed the measures already in place in Berlin to aid those riding bicycles, such as the markings in the street. She said some municipalities had gone even farther, with the addition of painted “bike boxes” to allow bicyclists to go through intersections before cars.

“It’s all about making it safe and convenient for the novice and more timid bicyclist,” Ranson said.

She went on to say that town officials could encourage more interest in biking by hosting events like bike rodeos or a bike to work day.

“Encouragement is all about creating a strong bike culture,” she said.

Ranson praised the town’s Walkable Bikeable Berlin plan, which outlines the municipality’s commitment to creating safe walking and biking paths throughout town.

“This is one thing you guys have done a really good job with,” she said. “That is a huge step.”

Aside from the fact that biking is a cheap, healthy activity local residents can engage in, Ranson pointed out that biking, as exhibited by the Seagull Century, could have a substantial economic impact for an area.

“It helps tourism,” she said. “It’s not just a vacation extender. It’s a season extender.”

Matt Wempe from the Maryland Department of Transportation added that his organization was available to help towns like Berlin secure funding for biking projects.

“We’re looking forward to working with you on that,” Wempe said. “We’re excited for what Berlin has in store.”

Williams said he wanted to see Berlin become a “multimodal” community and that he hoped to see interest in bicycling expand in town.

“From an economic standpoint, it certainly makes sense,” he said. “Tourism is the number one driver of our economy. Biking checks off a lot of boxes.”

He said the strategic plan process would allow the town to take a thoughtful approach to all of its priorities and interests, including biking. He added that he would be surprised if it wasn’t mentioned at the community input sessions scheduled in the coming weeks.

“We’re very excited,” he said. “We’re trying to be a model for smaller communities in a lot of different areas.”

Councilmember Lisa Hall thanked Berlin resident Kate Patton, executive director of the Lower Shore Land Trust, for her work on the Walkable Bikeable Berlin initiative.

“She was very instrumental in guiding us,” Hall said. “That’s why we’re so successful — we have such great citizens.”