Politics & Government

Making Maryland Safe for Bicycles: What Needs to Improve?

State officials are asking for public comment on an updated plan to expand biking networks, improve safety and promote biking in Maryland.

What does the state of Maryland need to do to improve the culture of bicycling?

The Maryland Department of Transportation is seeking comments from the state's residents on a draft Twenty-Year Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, according to a news release.

After the deaths of two teachers on bicycles this summer, many Patch readers said it is difficult for cyclists and motorists to coexist, especially on the many Maryland roads with no designated bike lanes.

Beloved Severn School Latin teacher Thomas Heslin was killed when his bicycle collided with a dump truck on Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard in July. Police said Heslin, 57, failed to stop at a stop sign.

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In August, cyclist Patricia Cunningham, 50, from Annapolis, collided with a minivan in Davidsonville. Police said the cause of that crash was driver error. Cunningham was a teacher and coach at Annapolis High School.

The draft plan can be found online at www.mdot.maryland.gov/bikewalkplan. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan establishes a vision and policy framework for advancing biking and walking for transportation in Maryland. 

Goals for the plan include:
  1. Build Connected Networks: Expand walking and bicycling networks, remove barriers, and enhance connections with transit and travel destinations.
  2. Improve Safety: Enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety to reduce injuries and fatalities and to make walking and biking comfortable and inviting.
  3. Plan and Design for Everyone: Effectively balance the needs of all transportation users to promote travel choices, ensuring that bicyclists and pedestrian needs are prioritized in appropriate locations.
  4. Strengthen Communities: Partner with local governments to support walkable and bikeable communities to achieve sustainability, livability, health, and economic benefits.
  5. Promote Walking and Biking in Maryland: Support walking and biking as everyday modes of transportation and recreation and vital elements of a livable community through encouragement, marketing, and information.
The public comment period for the draft runs through Dec. 10. Send MDOT your thoughts on the plan by email to ksylvester@mdot.maryland.gov, or by mail to: Office of Planning and Capital Programming, Maryland Department of Transportation, 7201 Corporate Center Drive, P.O. Box 548, Hanover, MD 21076.

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