The Big Jump is a Pilot Temporary Multi-use path that connects neighbors to jobs and recreation.
It allows people using mobility devices to cross I-83 safely and easily for the first time since the highway was built.
About the Project
The Big Jump is a temporary multi-use path that took the place of one lane of traffic on a wide, high speed road with little existing infrastructure for people walking, biking or using mobility devices.
It allows people to cross a bridge that was previously inaccessible if not in a car, connecting neighbors to stores, jobs, and resources. And it improves accessibility to Druid Hill Park, a large adjacent park.
The project was completed in partnership with the Baltimore City Department of Transportation, neighbors, neighborhood organizations, the local synagogue, local Council People, and the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory committee, with support from PeopleForBikes.
The orange highlight in the areial image above shows a section of the path of the Big Jump.
Historic Context
Until the 1940s, Druid Hill Park and surrounding neighborhoods were easily accessible on foot, surrounded by small residential roads. When the highway and connecting large arterials were built to help suburban commuters get downtown for jobs, it meant these working class Black and Jewish communities were now cut off from the park and many other parts of the city.
Danielle’s Role
In addition to being part of the core team helping to advocate for and set the direction of the project, Danielle played a key role in the project communications and celebratory block party.
Danielle led the branding and visual components of the project, in collaboration with local resident and public artist, Graham Coreil-Allen, neighbors and the Department of Transportation. Danielle designed the logo, with icon input from Coreil-Allen, and used the branding to design t-shirts and event signage. Coreil-Allen adapted the logo to serve as pathway signage and wayfinding.
Danielle also led the event planning for the block party with 700+ attendees, coordinating with the site owner, neighbors, numerous participating community groups, and volunteers.
Project Recognition + Press
Baltimore’s “Big Jump” path aims to bridge highways and historic wrongs
Alex Holt, Greater Greater Washington | Nov 21, 2019
Op-Ed: Right a past wrong by opening access to Druid Hill Park
Dr. Daniel Hindman, Baltimore Sun | October 17, 2018
Op-Ed: Pikkett: We must make Druid Hill Park accessible
Leon Pinkett, Afro | July 20, 2018
Op-Ed: Asphalt arteries cut off communities from Druid Hill Park
Davin Hong, Baltimore Sun | June 8, 2017
Change is hard. But I imagine it was equally hard, if not harder, for the residents who had invested in this neighborhood when these beautiful homes lined the park to witness their front yard become a six or eight lane thoroughfare for suburbanites.
— Councilman Leon F. Pinkett, Baltimore Sun
Photos courtesy of Anastasia Tantaros and Brian O’Doherty. Danielle worked on this project while employed by Bikemore.