The B&A Trail crossing of Jones Station Rd in Severna Park has long been just one of a series of road crossings. But as the Broadneck Trail nears completion, the B&A Trail at Jones Station Rd becomes an important and unique junction for local, regional and national trail networks. Read on to learn more about these trail networks, or better yet, stop at the new Jones Station Crossroads Sign placed on the trail in memory of Arthur Carter Jr, avid cyclist, adventurer and trail lover.
The Baltimore & Annapolis Trail is a 13 mile paved rail trail that runs from Glen Burnie, MD near BWI Airport nearly to Annapolis, the state capital and home to the U.S. Naval Academy, historic City Dock and sailing capital of the U.S. The B&A Trail is also a vital part of the envisioned Anne Arundel County Trail Network and a segment of national trail networks including the East Coast Greenway (3,000 miles Maine to Florida) and the 911 Memorial Trail (1,300 miles linking the three Sept. 11 sites). The Broadneck Trail is about halfway done with the remaining segments in construction. Upon completion it will connect Sandy Point State Park on the Chesapeake Bay with, you guessed it, the B&A Trail at Jones Station Rd. Upon completion, the Broadneck Trail will be a segment of the 4,750 mile American Discovery Trail from the Atlantic to Pacific Ocean!
The B&A Trail attracts about 2 million users annually and among the regulars was Arthur Carter Jr., an avid trail and road cyclist, international adventurer, Air Force vet and beloved husband, father, grandfather, son and friend. In March, 2020 Arthur was tragically killed on the road by an impaired driver during a group ride with 6 friends. The group had crossed the Jones Station Rd on the B&A Trail and then continued on via roads to Sandy Pt. State Park for a brief and scenic rest stop. As the group rode back towards Jones Station Rd to rejoin the trail, the impaired driver crossed the double yellow line, striking and killing lead cyclist Arthur, seriously injuring the second cyclist and causing other injuries and serious trauma to the others. The consequences and recovery were made even more difficult as the Covid restrictions went into effect just days after the crash.
Kathleen Hayes was rider #3 in the line that fateful day. Kathleen is a strong cyclist and a professional landscape architect and graphic designer with experience in trail signage and other active transportation infrastructure. Jon Korin, president and a founder of BikeAAA was rider #7 and Nigel Samaroo, rider #4 had become an active advocate for bike safety after being struck and seriously injured by a driver in 2017. Nigel is on the board of Bike Maryland and a member of the Maryland Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Board. Jon and Nigel met while testifying together on a vulnerable road user safety bill and continue to work closely together on other legislation and initiatives to advance safety for people walking, biking and others travelling without being inside a vehicle.
The global bicycling community has a rich history and commitment to bringing good from tragedy. In this case, the loss of Arthur, the generous donors, BikeAAA and it’s partners and Kathleen’s expertise and creativity all came together to design and fabricate this beautiful new Jones Station Crossroads Sign which was installed on April 11, 2024. We are grateful for the support of Anne Arundel County Recreation & Parks for approving the design and site as well as providing installation. We also worked with partner Jack Keene at Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails on the site.
The Carter family graciously designated Bicycle Advocates for Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (BikeAAA) for donations in Arthur’s memory to develop a tribute to their beloved husband, father, grandfather and son. As we developed ideas for a fitting memorial we converged on the idea of this Crossroads Sign. The concept had been around and discussed with local, regional and national trail network advocates but the tragic loss of Arthur and the passion and skills of the other riders became the catalyst for bringing the idea to reality.
We hope this beautiful addition to our B&A Trail provides inspiration for people to walk, bike and roll more often and over greater distances for both recreation and transportation. It highlights the importance of trails as a safe alternative to driving in order to promote health, protect our environment, reduce traffic and provide affordable and equitable mobility options. It is a place of reflection for everyone, especially those that knew Arthur and we hope a reminder to drivers to drive safely and with extra caution near people on foot or bike.
Please take the time to stop and read the signs and be sure to post your selfie or bike pictures with the beautiful Jones Station Rd Crossroads Sign located at the B&A Trail and Jones Station Rd., Severna Park, MD.
What is that white brick building next to the trail? The following is an excerpt from a story about the area written by Sharon Tegler.
The 108-year-old Baltimore Annapolis Railroad Powerhouse building near the northern boundary of Arnold is now home to Ann Arundell Historical Society’s Shop at Jones Station.
The Baltimore Annapolis Railroad Powerhouse sits at the corner of Jones Station Road and B&A Boulevard next to the B&A Trail.
Erected in 1907 as a midpoint electrical substation between Baltimore and Annapolis, it channeled 22,000 volts of current through three 300-kilowatt transformers to lower it to 6,600 volts and feed it directly to overhead lines. In 1933, the former powerhouse became an ice house for Miss Etta’s Store & Rustic Inn and later for the Wagon Wheels restaurant. Briefly the building housed the historic society’s headquarters before moving to the Benson Hammond House.