Feedback map and public meetings will help planners identify new bikeways and facilities
Silver Spring, MD – The Montgomery County Planning Department, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, launched its Bicycle Master Plan with community meetings in September so the public can learn more about the goals and methods of this Countywide effort.
The first public meeting was held on September 8 in Burtonsville, MD and the second event was held on September 9 in Germantown. Three subsequent meetings will take place during September and October in Silver Spring, Wheaton and Bethesda.
The different locations allow County residents to pick the one that is most convenient for them so they can more easily participate in the planning process. Visit the Bicycle Master Plan web page for more information about these kickoff meetings.
Digital Feedback Map Unveiled
In addition to the community meetings, the public can comment on bicycling concerns and route conditions through a new digital feedback map that was presented to the Planning Board on Thursday, September 10. The “Cycling Concerns” map can be accessed through an interactive GIS map at: http://mcatlas.org/cyclingconcerns/.
After pinpointing a location, the community can record concerns over difficult crossings, excessive speed, insufficient bike parking, poor pavement and connections, and more. These comments will be used to guide the planners during their work on the Bicycle Master Plan.
“The interactive map will help us better understand current conditions in the County so we can plan the right bikeways and facilities, and meet the needs of residents,” says Planning Director Gwen Wright. “Our goal is to be at the forefront of bicycle planning for suburban jurisdictions in the country.”
The Bicycle Master Plan Scope of Work and the State of Bicycling in Montgomery County report were also presented to the Planning Board on Thursday, September 10.
Background on Bicycle Master Plan
The Countywide Bicycle Master Plan will consider the newest types of bikeways, such as separated and buffered bike lanes and bicycle boulevards, as well as secure bicycle storage facilities at transit stations. The network will be developed using an evaluation of the varying levels of stress imposed by traffic on cyclists along each roadway in the County.
On Thursday, September 10, the planning team presented the Scope of Work for the Bicycle Master Plan, with a summary of goals for the Plan, to the Montgomery County Planning Board for its approval.
Bicycle Master Plan Meeting Schedule:
All meetings will be held from 7 to 9 pm. Meeting RSVPs are encouraged but not required. Register to attend each of the Bicycle Master Plan Kick-Off meetings listed below.
Tuesday, September 15 – Meeting 3 at the Planning Department headquarters, 8787 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD.
Monday, September 21 – Meeting 4 at the Wheaton Library, 11701 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD.
Tuesday, October 6 – Meeting 5 at Walter Johnson High School, 6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD.
Questions or Comments?
Contact: David Anspacher, Planner and Project Manager
Email: David.Anspacher@montgomeryplanning.org
Telephone: 301.495.2191