Harford County Proposes Sidewalk Improvements

HarfordCountyGovernment
DRAFT BICYCLE and PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN

JANUARY 2013
TableofContents
Introduction...............................................................................................................................................1 Setting ...................................................................................................................................................1 . ConsistencywithMasterPlan,elementplans,andotherregionalefforts...........................................3 PlanningandPublicParticipationProcess...............................................................................................5 HarfordCountyBicyclistSurvey............................................................................................................5 MarylandStatewideTravelPolicySurvey.............................................................................................5 SafeRoutestoSchool............................................................................................................................6 Walk&BiketoSchoolDay....................................................................................................................6 CommunityandStakeholderParticipation...........................................................................................7 MunicipalInitiatives............................................................................................................................11 GoalandGuidingPrincipals....................................................................................................................13 WhyWalkingandBicycling.....................................................................................................................15 Health..................................................................................................................................................15 EnvironmentalSustainability...............................................................................................................15 EconomicandSocialBenefits..............................................................................................................16 The5Es...................................................................................................................................................17 Bicycle,PedestrianandMultiUseTrailNetworkAnalysis....................................................................19 OverviewofExistingConditions..........................................................................................................24 ProjectRecommendations......................................................................................................................33 RecommendedWalkwayImprovements............................................................................................33 RecommendedBicycleImprovements................................................................................................38 RecommendedMultiUseTrailandRegionalLongDistanceBikewayImprovements.......................40 RecommendedStudies........................................................................................................................43 PoliciesandStrategies............................................................................................................................45 BicycleandPedestrianNetworks........................................................................................................45 SupportFacilities.................................................................................................................................48 WayfindingandSignage.....................................................................................................................50 Programs.............................................................................................................................................52 Implementation.......................................................................................................................................57 APPENDIXA:BicycleandPedestrianMasterPlanAdvisoryCommittee.................................................65 APPENDIXB:CommunityWalkMunicipalComments............................................................................67 APPENDIXC:CompleteStreetsGuidelines.............................................................................................69 APPENDIXD:BicycleParkingFacilities....................................................................................................71 APPENDIXE:EducationandEncouragementPrograms..........................................................................75
ListofFigures
Figure1 Figure2 Figure3 Figure4 Figure5 Figure6 Figure7 Figure8 Figure9 Figure10 Figure11 Figure12 Figure13 Figure14 Figure15 Figure16 Figure17 Figure18 Figure19 Figure20
LocationMap...................................................................................................................2 CommunityWalkMap.....................................................................................................9 NetworkNeedsAnalysisMap........................................................................................21 CorridorEvaluationsMap..............................................................................................23 FieldSurveyData...........................................................................................................24 DesignatedGrowthAreasMap .....................................................................................25 . MDStateBicycleRoutes................................................................................................26 SidewalkPrioritizationCriteria......................................................................................28 BicycleProjectCriteria...................................................................................................30 TollgateRoadAnalysisMap..........................................................................................34 924/EmmortonRoadAnalysisMap...............................................................................35 JoppaFarmRoad/TrimbleRoadAnalysisMap..............................................................36 PedestrianProjects............................................................................................37and38 BikeProjects..................................................................................................................39 TrailNetworksMap.......................................................................................................41 MultiUseTrailandLongDistanceBikewayProjects ....................................................40 . Ma&PaTrailMap.........................................................................................................42 RecommendedStudies..................................................................................................43 ProposedStudyAreasMap ...........................................................................................44 . ImplementationMatrix..................................................................................................57
Introduction
Bicyclingandwalkingarefun,healthy,andnonpollutingformsoftransportation.Theyaresustainable choicesbecausetheydonotconsumenaturalresources,andfacilitiesneededforthemcanlargelybe providedbymodifyingexistinginfrastructure.Increasingthelevelsofbicyclingandwalkingcanhelpto alleviatetrafficcongestion,improveairquality,andimproveoverallcommunityhealthwhilealso providinganefficientoptionforshorttrips.Nevertheless,theautomobileremainsapreferred transportationoptionforthemajorityofthetripsintheCounty. HarfordCounty,likemostofitsneighbors,hasseenitsruralagrarianbasedroadwaysevolveintoa networkofmajorroadsthatcrisscrosstheCounty.Oftenthedesiretoaccommodatecarshasresulted inobstaclestosafe,efficient,andpleasurablewalkingandbicycling. WhilebicyclingandwalkingarepopularrecreationalactivitiesinHarfordCounty,therearemanyplaces intheCountywheretravelbybicycleoronfootaredifficult.Destinationsareoftenseparatedbymajor roadwaysandmanydevelopmentsdesignedaroundculdesacsprecludeeasyconnectionsto neighboringcommunities.Thesepatternsleavepeoplelittlechoicebuttousetheirautomobileswhen runningerrands,takingtheirchildrentovariousactivities,orcommutingtowork. InHarfordCounty,walkingandbicyclingareenvisionedaspartofacommunityscharacteraswellas partofitsmultimodaltransportationnetwork.CommunitiesthroughouttheCountywillbeareaswhere adultsandchildrencanchoosetowalkorridetheirbicycleswitheasetoavarietyofdestinations shoppingcenters,work,thelibrary,schools,anearbypark,thefarmersmarket,oraneighborshouse. TheprimaryfocusofthisPlanistoincreasepedestrianandbicycleactivitythroughouttheCountyby providingimprovementsthatofferdesirablelevelsofaccessibility,mobility,convenience,andsafety.By supportingwalkingandbicyclingforutilitarian,recreational,andcommutingpurposesHarfordCounty residentswillexperiencetheenvironmental,economic,health,andsocialbenefitsthatcomefrom increasedbicycleandpedestrianactivity. ThePlanexplainshowlocal,regional,StateandFederalplansandpoliciesinfluencebikeandpedestrian planning.Italsolooksatthebenefitsthatsupportingactivetransportationoptionshaveonthe environment,communityhealth,andsustainability.Itexaminesexistingconditions,itevaluatesfuture needs,anditidentifiesprojectsandstudiestoimprovetheCountysbicycleandpedestriannetwork. Buildingonthese,thePlanestablishespoliciesandstrategiestoaddressbicycle,pedestrian,andtrail needs,anditincludesanimplementationsectiontohelpprovidedirectionandaccountabilityforthe strategiesincludedinthisPlan.Alsoincludedisaseriesofappendicesintendedtoprovideadditional informationaboutitemsandprogramsmentionedinthePlan. Setting HarfordCountyislocatedinthenorthcentralportionofMarylandattheconfluenceofthe SusquehannaRiverandtheChesapeakeBay.ItisboundedbyBaltimoreCountyonthewest,the CommonwealthofPennsylvaniaonthenorth,theSusquehannaRiverontheeast,andtheChesapeake Baytothesouth(Figure1).
LOCATION MAP
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TheCountyhasalandareaof440squaremilesor235,676acres,anditisthe11thlargestcountyin Maryland.HarfordCountyisbisectedbytwophysiographicprovinces,thePiedmontPlateauandthe CoastalPlain,withtheFallLineroughlyfollowingInterstate95(I95).ElevationsintheCountyrange fromjustover800feetintherollingtopographyofthePiedmontthroughthegentleslopesofthe CoastalPlaintosealevel. TherearethreeincorporatedmunicipalitiesinHarfordCounty,theCountyseatintheTownofBelAir, andthecitiesofAberdeenandHavredeGrace.Eachofthemunicipalitiesidentifiesbicycleroutesand pedestrianconnectionsintheircomprehensiveplans. Asofthe2010Census,HarfordCountyhadapopulationof244,826.Thereareslightlymorefemales thanmalesintheCounty,51%and49%respectively.ThemedianageintheCountyis39.4yearswith 12.5%oftheCountyresidentsbeing65yearsofageorolderand25%beingunder18years.According totheAmericanCommunitySurvey(20062010),oftheworkingpopulationinHarfordCounty,83% drivealonetowork,9%carpooled,1.6%usepublictransit,andjustunder2.5%useanothermeansof transportation.Therearealso3.6%thatworkathome. ConsistencywithMasterPlan,ElementPlans,andotherregionalefforts TheHarfordCountyCharterrequirestheDepartmentofPlanningandZoningtoprepareandpropose MasterPlans.Italsorequirestheinclusionofaseriesofelementsorcomponentswhichfurther advancesthepurposesoftheMasterPlan.Eachoftheseelementsneedstodescribehowitrelatesto theotherelementsinachievingtheoverallgoalsoftheMasterPlan.TheBicycleandPedestrianMaster PlanwaspreparedpursuanttotheMasterPlanandaddressescurrentbicyclistandpedestrianconcerns andservesasapolicyguidetoincreasingbicycleandwalkingactivitythroughouttheCounty.ThePlan providesstrategiesthatinvolvethefiveEsEngineering,Education,Encouragement,Enforcement, andEvaluation,anditidentifiesandprioritizesbicycleandpedestrianfacilityimprovements. OtherplansadoptedbytheCounty,whichareintricatelyrelatedtotheBicycleandPedestrianMaster Plan,arethe2010TransportationElementPlan,the2013LandPreservation,Parks,andRecreationPlan, andthe2012LandUseElementPlan.The2010TransportationElementPlanrecognizedtheimportance ofimprovingopportunitiesforwalkingandbicyclingaspartofatrulymultimodaltransportationsystem andcallsforthedevelopmentofaBicycleandPedestrianMasterPlan.TheLandPreservation,Parks, andRecreationPlanrecognizesthevalueoftrailsandsupportsthecreationofatrailsystemthat includesconnectionsbetweenactivitycentersschools,employmentcenters,andshoppingareas.It alsorecognizestheimportanceofgreenways,whichenhancethecharacteroftheCountybyproviding opportunitiesforphysicalactivity. TherearemanypublicbenefitsassociatedwithhavingaBicycleandPedestrianMasterPlan. Investmentsinbicyclingandwalkingfacilitiescanhelptoalleviatetrafficcongestionandreducevehicle emissions,whilealsoprovidingrecreationalandhealthbenefits.Theimportanceofprovidingwalkable andbikeablecommunitieswasalsoemphasizedinthe2012MasterPlanandLandUseElementPlan. ProvidingfacilitiesthatofferactivetransportationoptionssupportsthePlansemphasisonsustainability andoverallcommunityhealth.Inaddition,communitieswherehighlevelsofbicyclingandwalking occurareconsideredtobeattractiveandfriendlyplacestoliveandwork,andthiscontributestothe overallqualityoflifeexperiencedbyCountyresidents. TheseplansrecognizetheimportanceofhavingaBicycleandPedestrianMasterPlanasapartof addressingtransportation,environmental,health,andsustainabilityissues.Theycallforestablishinga builtenvironmentthatencouragesandsupportsactivetransportationchoices.Trails,bikewaysand 3
sidewalksshouldprovidesafeandconvenientconnectionstotransit,andtheyshouldcreatelinkages betweenresidential,commercial,employment,recreational,andinstitutionaluses. WiththedevelopmentofaBicycleandPedestrianMasterPlan,HarfordCountyjoinsotherjurisdictions throughoutMaryland,andparticularlywithintheBaltimoremetropolitanregion,inrecognizingthe benefitsthatcanbederivedfromincreasedlevelsofbicyclingandwalking.Inadditiontotheselocal efforts,bicycleandpedestrianplanningissupportedbyeffortsattheStatelevel. TheMarylandDepartmentofTransportation(MDOT)completedits20YearBicycleandPedestrian AccessMasterPlanin2002.ThePlanisacomprehensiveguidetodeveloping,improving,and maintainingbicycleandpedestriantravelinMarylandoveratwentyyearperiod.ThePlanlargely addressestheconditionsforbikingandwalkingalongStatehighways.Yet,italsoservesasguidance andacalltoactiontootherStateandlocalagenciesthatoverseelocal,federalandrelatedsystemsthat canfosterbetterbicycleandpedestriantravelinMaryland. Thiswasfollowedbythe2009MarylandTrails:StrategicImplementationPlanAGreenerWaytoGrow (TSIP).TheTrailsStrategicImplementationPlanisMarylandscoordinatedapproachtoplana connectedstatewidesharedusetrailnetworkthatservestheneedsofallMarylanders.Thepurposeof theTSIPisto:communicateavisionfortraildevelopmentinMaryland;toprovidepolicydirectionfor partneragenciesandlocalgovernment;andtooutlineacoordinatedandstrategicapproachforclosing gapsintheexistingsystemoftrails,forimprovingexistingtrailsandsupportingecoandheritagetourism opportunities,andforensuringsmartplanningforfuturetraildevelopment." TheMarylandStateHighwayAdministration(SHA)isfinalizingadraftBicyclePolicyandDesign Guidelinesdocument.Thisdocument,whencompleted,willprovideguidancethatwillbebeneficialto HarfordCountydecisionmakers. TheseStateplansandinitiativesimpactHarfordCountysBicycleandPedestrianMasterPlanbecausea largeportionofHarfordCountysroadnetworkconsistsofStatehighways,andbecauseoftheState ParksandtrailnetworkssuchastheLowerSusquehannaHeritageGreenwayandtheMaandPa HeritageTrailthatarelocatedintheCounty.
PlanningandPublicParticipationProcess
Recognizingtheimportanceofencouragingbicyclecommuting,HarfordCountyhasparticipatedin nationalBiketoWorkDaysince2003.ThisannualeventdrawscyclistsfromthroughouttheCounty,and helpstodrawattentiontocyclistsaslegitimateusersoftheroadway.Eachyearaspartofthisevent, cyclistsidentifytheircommutingroute.Thisinformationwascombinedwithsurveysconductedin2005 and2010toserveasastartingpointforunderstandingbicyclingandpedestrianneeds.Alsoin2010the MarylandDepartmentofTransportationcontractedwithTooleDesignGrouptoconducttheMaryland StatewideStudentTravelPolicyStudy.Completedin2011,thisstudyprovidedvaluableinsightintowhy moreofMarylandsstudentswerenotwalkingorridingtheirbikestoschool.Theinformationobtained fromtheseeffortswasusedbyPlanningandZoningstafftoinitiatethedevelopmentofthisPlanandthe publicparticipationprocessthatisacriticalelementofplanninginHarfordCounty. HarfordCountyBicyclistSurvey BuildingonaBicyclistSurveyconductedin2005,theDepartmentofPlanningandZoningpartneredwith HealthyHarfordandHarfordCountyCommuterAssistancein2010toconductanotherbicyclesurveyin anefforttobetterunderstandcyclingactivitieswithintheCounty.Thesurveywasdesignedtogather informationfromcyclistsonwhattheyusetheirbicyclefor,whatroutestheyuse,whatissuestheyface, andthegeneralconditionsofcyclingintheCounty.Thesurveyidentifiedgeneraltrendsandprovideda profileofthecyclingcommunity,aswellaskeyissuesforfutureplanning. The2010BicycleSurveyidentifiedsomeclearopportunitiesforincreasingbicycleridershipinHarford County.Significantfindingsincluded: 95%ofsurveyrespondentsrideforrecreationandnearly60%ofthesecyclistsleavetheCounty toriderecreationally; 82%ofthesurveyrespondentsdrivealonetoworkeveryday,however42%ofthemindicated thattheywouldconsidercyclingtowork; 90%ofrespondentsthinkthatbuildingmorebikewayswouldencouragemorecycling Countywide; 60%ofrespondentswouldconsiderallowingtheirchildrentowalkorridetheirbiketoschoolif therewereadequatefacilities; Only9%and13%ofrespondentshaveheardoftheWalkingSchoolBusProgramandtheSafe RoutestoSchoolProgram,however70%wouldconsiderallowingtheirchildrentoparticipatein theseprogramsiftheywereavailable;and Only23%ofrespondentswereawarethatHarfordTransitsLinkbusesaccommodatedbicycles.
MarylandStatewideTravelPolicySurvey TheprincipalobjectiveoftheprojectwastoprovideStateofficialswithanunderstandingofwalkingand bicyclingpoliciesandpracticesatindividualschoolsandtorecommendstrategiesforaddressing concerns.Thestudyconcludedthatstatewidetherewerenodirectprohibitionsagainstbicyclingor walkingtoschool.Approximately60%ofschoolssurveyedneitherdiscouragenorencouragewalking andbicycling.Theremaining40%weresplit;halfindicatingtheyencouragewalkingandbicycling,and theotherhalfreportingtheydiscourageorprohibitthepractice.Surveyrespondentscitedlackof infrastructure,traffic,andliabilityasreasonsfornotsupportingwalkingorbicycling.Thestudy recommendedprovidingeducationaloutreachtoschoolofficialsincludingpromotingtheSafeRoutesto
SchoolProgram,identifyingstrategiesforaddressinginfrastructureconcernsinareasnearschools,and assistinginthedevelopmentofpoliciesthatsupportwalkingandbicyclingtoandfromschool. SafeRoutestoSchool TheSafeRoutestoSchool(SRTS)program,administeredbytheFederalHighwayAdministration (FHWA),wasestablishedinAugust2005toprovidetechnicalassistanceandfundstostatestoimprove andincreasetheabilityofstudentstowalkandbicyclesafelytoschool.TheSRTSprogrampromotes walkingandbicyclingtoschoolandaddressessafetyconcernsbyeducatingparentsandchildrenandit partnerswithlocallawenforcementtomakesaferstreets.Thepurposesoftheprogramare: Enableandencouragestudentstowalkandbiketoschool; Tomakebikingandwalkingtoschoolsaferandamoreappealingtransportationalternative therebypromotingahealthyandactivelifestyle;and Facilitateprogramstoimprovesafety,reducetraffic,fuelconsumptionandairpollutionnear schools.
EachstateadministersitsownSRTSprogramanddevelopsitsownprocedurestoseekandselect projectsforfunding.Theprogramestablishestwodistincttypesoffundingopportunities:infrastructure projects(engineeringimprovements)andnoninfrastructurerelatedactivities(suchaseducation, enforcementandencouragementprograms).Infrastructureprojectscanincludelighting,trafficsigns andsignals,turninglanes,shoulderimprovements,trafficcalming,medians,pavementmarkings,and roadwayrealignments.InHarfordCounty,theSafeRoutestoSchoolprogramhasbeenadministeredby theSheriffsOffice.SeveralrecentlocalSafeRoutestoSchoolprojectsincludeconstructionofanew sidewalksegmentatEdgewoodElementarySchoolandconstructionofaraisedcrosswalkwithsolar reflectorsatJoppatowneElementarySchool. Walk&BiketoSchoolDay NationalBiketoSchoolDaybuildsonthepopularityandsuccessoftheInternationalandNationalWalk toSchoolDay.IntheUnitedStates,NationalWalktoSchoolDay,originallycalledWalkOurChildrento SchoolDay,wasfoundedin1997.ItiscelebratedeachOctoberasawaytobringcommunityleaders andchildrentogethertobuildawarenessoftheneedforcommunitiestobemorepedestrianfriendly. BuildingonthesuccessesofNationalWalktoSchoolDay,thefirsteverNationalBiketoSchoolDaytook placeonMay9,2012,aspartofNationalBikeMonth.TheeventwasorganizedbytheNationalCenter forSafeRoutestoSchool,inpartnershipwiththeLeagueofAmericanBicyclistsandencouragesand celebratesbikingtoschool. Manycommunitiesandschoolshavebeenjoiningtogethertoholdwalking andbikingeventsforyears,however,the2012eventwasthefirstopportunityforcommunitiesacross thenationtojointogethertobicycletoschoolonthesameday.Schools,cities,bicyclegroups,and publichealthorganizationsorganizedeventstohighlightandcelebratethebenefitsofwalkingand bicyclingandtoencouragestudentstowalkorbicycletoschool.ElevenoftheCountys34elementary schoolshaveparticipatedinBiketoSchoolandWalktoSchoolactivities.Mostnotably,RedPump ElementarySchoolhadover300participantsintheirinauguralBiketoSchoolDayeventin2012, accommodatingparticipantsbystoringbikesinthegymnasiumfortheday.
CommunityandStakeholderParticipation BicycleandPedestrianMasterPlanAdvisoryCommittee TohelpguidethedevelopmentoftheBicycleandPedestrianMasterPlanatechnicaladvisory committeewasformed.ThecommitteewasappointedbytheCountyExecutivein2011(AppendixA). TheHarfordCountyBicycleandPedestrianMasterPlanAdvisoryCommittee(BPAC)wascomprisedof technicalstafffromCounty,Stateandregionaldepartmentsandagenciesaswellasbicycleand pedestrianadvocates.TheroleoftheCommitteewastoassistintheidentificationofimportant destinations,connections,andneededbicycleandpedestriannetworks.Theywerealsoaskedto indicatewheresafetyimprovementswereneeded,andwhereadditionalbikeandpedestrianamenities shouldbeprovided.TheCommitteealsoreviewedthedraftPlantoensurethatitwasareasonableand implementableplan.Inaddition,theCommitteewaschargedwithencouragingpublicparticipationto helpensurethatabroadrangeofcitizeninputwasreceived. FollowingtheadoptionofthisPlan,aformalBicycleandPedestrianAdvisoryGroup(BPAG)willbe appointed,asrecommendedinthe2010HarfordCountyTransportationElementPlan.Thisadvisory groupshouldconsistofcitizenvolunteersrecommendedbytheCountyExecutiveandappointedbythe CountyCouncil.ThisgroupwillbechargedwithadvisingtheCountyExecutiveonpedestrianand bicyclingissues. TheBicycleandPedestrianAdvisoryGroupwillsupporttheCountyscommitmenttomakingbicycling andwalkingsaferandmoredesirable,anditisasteptowardgettingBicycleFriendlyrecognitionbythe LeagueofAmericanBicyclists.TheBicycleandPedestrianAdvisoryGroupshouldbecomposedof representativesfromallbicycleandpedestrianstakeholdergroups,includingbutnotlimitedtoroad cyclists,walkersseniors,peoplewithdisabilities,astudentrepresentativefromawalkablehighschool, runners/joggers,mountaincyclists,andmunicipalrepresentatives. ThechargeoftheBPAGcouldincludesomeofthefollowing: DevelopandmonitorgoalsandindicesrelatedtobicyclingandwalkingintheCounty; Participateintheimplementation,evaluation,andupdateoftheCountysBicycleand PedestrianMasterPlan; ReviewandcommentonupdatestotheDevelopmentRegulationsandlongrangeplanning documentsastheyrelatetobicycleandpedestrianmatters; Serveaspublicliaisonbetweenlocalgovernmentstaffandthepublic; Promotebicyclingandwalkingincludingsafetyandeducationprograms; PromoteandparticipateinBiketoWorkDay,WalktoSchoolDay,CarFreeDayandother similarevents;and IdentifyandparticipateinothereventstopromotewalkingandcyclingthroughouttheCounty.
PublicWorkshop BuildingontheinformationprovidedbytheBicycleandPedestrianAdvisoryCommittee,thepublic inputprocessforthe2012BicycleandPedestrianMasterPlanbeganwithanOpenHouse/Workshop conductedinMarch2012.Atthisworkshopparticipantslearnedaboutwhybicyclingandwalking shouldbeencouragedandsupported,whataBicycleandPedestrianMasterPlanshoulddo,andwhat conditionssupportbicyclingandwalking.ParticipantswerealsoabletolearnabouttheCountys
existingbikewaysandtrailsandwherecommunityfacilitiesarelocated.Theywerealsoaskedtoprovide informationonwhereandhowcommunitiesshouldbeconnected. ParticipantswerealsointroducedtoCommunityWalk,aninteractivemappingsitethatallowsusersto designatedesirableroutes,roadwaysofconcern,andalsocommentonavarietyofissuesrelatedto encouragingsafeandconvenientwalkingandbiking.Thepubliccommentperiod,includingthe CommunityWalksite,wereopentothepublicforaperiodoftwoweeksfollowingtheworkshop.Over 150commentswerepostedonthesiteandthesearereflectedinFigure2. CommentspostedontheCommunityWalksiteincludedchallengingintersections,missingsidewalks, enforcementconcerns,maintenanceissues,bicycleparking,etc.Thisonlineinteractivemapenabled participantstoidentifyspecificgeographiclocationswherethesecommentsapplied.Participantswere alsoabletocommentoneachothersposts.Informationfromthesitewasdownloadedtoanexternal databaseforanalysisandfieldwork.Itwassortedbytopic,location,andcommunityarea.Manyofthe routes,missingsidewalks,anddifficultintersectionswereevaluatedduringthefieldworkefforts. Inaddition,theDepartmentmaintainedawebsitespecificallyfortheBicycleandPedestrianMaster Plan.InformationabouttheworkoftheAdvisoryCommitteewaspostedalongwithinformationfrom thepublicinputprocess. AdraftPlanwasreleasedforpublicreviewinJanuaryof2013.ThePlanwasavailableonlineandfrom theDepartmentofPlanningandZoning.CommentsonthedraftPlanweresolicitedthrougha combinedonlineandpublicworkshopprocess.ApublicworkshopwasconductedinJanuary2013. Participantswereprovidedwithanopportunitytovisitaseriesofstationswheretheycoulddiscussthe proposedPlananditsprojectswithstaff.Theinformationprovidedattheworkshopwasalsomade availableontheDepartmentsonlinecommunitysite.Onthissite,citizenswereabletocommenton thePlan.ThisprocessencouragedcitizenstoidentifywhattheythoughtwasbestaboutthePlanand whatitemsweremissingorinsufficientlyaddressed.Alloftheinformationandmaterialspresentedat thepublicmeetingwerealsoavailableontheDepartmentswebsite. InteragencyandInterjurisdictionalCooperation ThisPlanwasdevelopedincooperationwiththemunicipalities,andregionalandStateentities interestedinbicycleandpedestrianplanning.StafffromtheBaltimoreMetropolitanCouncilservedon theAdvisoryCommitteeandhelpedwithfieldworkefforts.Likewise,arepresentativefromthe MarylandDepartmentofTransportationalsoservedontheAdvisoryCommittee. Coordinationwiththemunicipalitieswasalsoimportanttoensurethatopportunitiestoprovide continuousconnectionsandconsistentsignagewereidentifiedandincludedinthePlan.Aspartofthe planningprocess,meetingswereheldwiththemunicipalitiestohelpunderstandwhatfacilitiesand serviceswereavailableineachofthemunicipalities,whatadditionalimprovementswerebeingplanned, andwhereandhowtheywouldliketoseethemunicipalityandCountyfacilitieslinked.Establishingand maintainingstrongworkingrelationshipswithalloftheentitiesinvolvedwillfacilitatethe implementationofthestrategiesandprojectsidentifiedinthisPlan. Whileeachofthemunicipalitiesaddressesbicycleandpedestrianplanningintheircomprehensive plans,theyarealsoinvolvedinothereffortsthatrelatetothestrategiesputforthinthisPlan. Interjurisdictionalcoordinationwillplayamajorroleinthesuccessoftheseefforts.Commentsreceived duringtheCommunityWalkprocess,whichapplytolocationswithinthemunicipalities,havebeen includedinAppendixBalongwithmapsofmunicipalbicycleandpedestrianroutes. 8
COMMUNITY WALK MAP

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MunicipalInitiatives TheCityofAberdeenisoneofsevendesignatedTransitOrientedDevelopment(TOD)locationsinthe State,anditisrecognizedasaSustainableCommunity.ThesedesignationsmakeAberdeenapriorityfor considerationforprojectsthataddresssidewalkretrofitsandbikeways.TheCity,County,andtheState workedtogethertocompletetheAberdeenStationSquareFeasibilityStudyasafirststeptowardthe designandengineeringfortheAberdeenStationSquare.AnimportantcomponentofthisTODproject willbetheincorporationofbicycleandpedestrianfacilities.Inadditiontoprovidingsafeanddirect accessforpedestriansandcyclists,bicycleparkingandstorageneedtobeaddressed.Another componentthatcouldcontributetothissitessuccesswouldbetheprovisionofabikesharefacility. ThiswouldbeofparticularbenefittocommutersaccessingAberdeenProvingGround. TheTownofBelAirwillbeinitiatingaBicycleandPedestrianPlanforareasinsidethecorporatelimitsin 2013.ThisprogramwillbedesignedtocloselyfollowthisPlan.Itwillbuildontheresearch,evaluations, andpublicinputdevelopedduringtheCountysplanningprocess. TheTownwillcoordinateconnectionsofpedestriantrails,bicyclefriendlyroutes,transitlinkagesand otheralternativetransportationnetworkingopportunitiestocreateaseamlessandsynchronizedplan forthefuture.Connectivity,safety,andawarenesswillbethegoalsoftheTownsplanandcontinued closecoordinationwiththeCountyisamusttoachievetheseobjectives. InHavredeGrace,theCitysGreenTeamispartneringwithalocalbikeshoptoidentifywaystoimprove bicyclinginHavredeGrace.Theyareworkingtoidentifylocationswherebicycleparkingisneeded, alongwithroutesthatwouldimproveconnectionstoAberdeenProvingGroundandSusquehannaState Park.TheyarealsoconcernedwithimprovingthesafetyofpedestrianandcycliststhatcrossU.S.Route 40whichdividestheeasternandwesternportionsoftheCity.
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GoalandGuidingPrinciples
GOAL:Createanenvironmentwherepeoplewillchoosetomakeridingabicycleorwalkingpartof theireverydaylife. Inherentinthisgoalarecertainguidingprinciplesthatwillbeincorporatedintothepoliciesand strategiesincludedinthisPlan.Theyareanimportantpartofcreatinganactivetransportationnetwork thatsupportsmobilityandahealthylifestyle.Residentsandvisitorsshouldbeabletowalkandride withasenseofcomfortandsecuritywhetherforrecreationordailyactivities.Newandenhanced facilitieswillhelptomakethesetripsmoreconvenient,andsignagewillhelpguidecitizensandvisitors astheymovethroughouttheCounty. ImprovemobilityItshouldbeeasierandmoreefficientforbicyclistsandpedestrianstomove throughouttheCounty.Mobilityshouldbeenhancedforallusersandalltypesoftripscommuting, recreationandutilitarian.Facilitiesshouldalsoimproveconnectionstotransit,asallHarfordLinkbuses areequippedwithbicycleracks.Qualityintegrationamongtravelmodesisbeneficialinextendingthe reachandcatchmentareaoftransitservicesparticularlyinlowerdensityareas.Italsowillhelpto increasethedistancethatcanbecomfortablytraveledbyapedestrianorbicyclist. IncreasephysicalactivityandprovidehealthbenefitsWalkingandbicyclingprovidemanyhealth benefitsincludingenhancedcardiovascularfitness,reducingbodyfat,reducingstresslevels,improving braincognitivefunction,andhelpingtofightobesity.ByprovidingHarfordCountyresidentswithmore opportunitiestowalkorridetheirbikes,theCountywillbetakingasteptohelpitscitizensandvisitors optforahealthierlifestyle.Formanyadultsandchildren,walkingorbikingtoschoolorworkisaviable optionandcanbeasteptowardachievingrecommendedexerciselevels. Provideanaesthetic,pleasantandmorecomfortablewalkingandbicyclingexperienceProvidinga convenientandsafebicycleandpedestriannetworkisthefirststepinimprovingtheoveralluser experience.However,amenitiesthatsupportcyclingandwalkingtendtoencourageuserstotravel furtherdistances,andtheyhelptoencouragenewornonwalkersandcycliststoconsideractive transportationasanalternativetotheirmotorvehicleforshorttrips.Convenientandsafebicycle parking,signage,andstreetscapeimprovementscanbedecidingfactorswhentryingtoencourage citizenstoutilizethebicycleandpedestriannetwork. MonitorthenumberofpedestriansandcyclistsCentraltothedevelopmentofaBicycleand PedestrianMasterPlanisthegoalofincreasingthenumberofwalkersandcyclists.BecauseHarford Countyhasneverconductedbicycleorpedestriancountsthereisnobaselinefortrackingbicyclingand walkingtrendsovertime,orforevaluatingtheimpactofprojects,policies,andprograms.However,the availabilityofautomatedbicycleandpedestriancountingequipmentnowmakesgatheringthisdata feasible.Systematiccountsundertakenforcyclistsandpedestrianscanprovideafoundationfor monitoringchangesinthecyclingandwalkingcommunity,andtheycanprovideaframeworkfor establishingfuturebenchmarks. SafetyAlltransportationprojectsshouldtakeintoconsiderationthesafetyofpedestriansandcyclists. Anemphasisshouldbeplacedoncorrectingconditionsatidentifiedhotspotintersections. Awarenessoftherulesoftheroadandrecognitionofbicycleandpedestrianactivityshouldbe emphasizedthrougheducationalprogramsandmediaoutreach.Theseeffortsshouldbedirected towarddrivers,cyclistsandpedestrians,andtheyshouldhighlightwalkingandbicyclingasviableforms oftransportationwhilereinforcingsafetyforallroadusers. 13
ImproveinterjurisdictionalconnectionsImprovementstotheCountysbicycleandpedestrian networkneedtoincludeconnectionstofacilitiesplannedbythemunicipalities.Countyandmunicipal representativesneedtocontinueanactivedialogueaboutplanningforbicycleandpedestrianactivity. TheyalsoneedtocoordinatewithStateandregionalentitiestomaximizethepotentialfornon motorizedinterjurisdictionaltravel.Consistencyinsignageandmapping,combinedwiththeprovision ofothersupportingamenities,willmakeiteasierforvisitorsandresidentstobikeorwalkthroughout theCountyandregion. RecognizewalkingorbicyclingasviablemodesoftransportationEffortsshouldbemadetobalance theneedsofpedestriansandbicyclistswiththeneedsofmotorvehicles,transit,andfreight.Walking andcyclingshouldbeintegratedintotheCountysothertransportationmodes.Thesafecoexistenceof pedestrians,cyclists,andmotoristsonroadsandbridgesisanissuethatneedstobeaddressed.Harford CountyisintheuniquepositionthattheSusquehannaRiverpresentsabarriertobicycleandpedestrian traveltotheeast.Itisanissuethathasbeendiscussedandstudiedforyears,andaddressingitisa cruciallinkinassuringthattheEastCoastGreenwayisabletotraverseHarfordandCecilcountiesasit providesatravelrouteforcyclistsandwalkersfromMainetoFlorida. CommunitysupportBicycleandpedestrianfacilitiesshouldbeanamenityforthecommunity.The establishmentofnewpaths,lanes,sidewalks,ortrailsshouldconsidercommunityinputandshouldbe respectfulofpropertyrights.Theyshouldbeplannedanddesignedtoprovideconvenientconnections thatlinkneighborhoodsandencouragecommunityinteraction.Wellplannednetworksformthe foundationforSafeRoutetoSchoolprograms,WalkingSchoolBuses,andwalkableandbikeable communityschools,allofwhichrequirecommunitysupporttobesuccessful. Cost/BenefiteffectivenessProjectsidentifiedinthisPlanshouldconsidercost,potentialuse,and need.Whileformulascanbeappliedtodetermineanestimatedcostforprovidinganeeded improvement,theintrinsicvalueofprovidingabicycleand/orpedestrianamenityismoredifficultto determine.Latentdemandandlevelofcomfortinformation,whichisincludedinthe2010 TransportationElementPlan,providesastartingpointfordeterminingneed.Thepotentialimpactthat proposedimprovementswillhaveoncitizensqualityoflifeandassociatedhealthbenefitscannotbeas clearlydetermined. Whenconsideringthecosteffectivenessofaproposedproject,considerationneedstobegivento capitalcostsandmaintenance/operationalcosts.Providingbicycleandpedestrianfacilitiesgenerallyis lessexpensivethanmotorizedfacilities,andtheytendtobemorecostefficientinthelongrunbecause theydonotexperiencethehighlevelofwearassociatedwithroadways.Wheneverpossible, opportunitiestoincludenonmotorizedimprovementsintoscheduledroadprojectsshouldbe considered,andbothpublicandprivatefundingpartnershipsshouldbeconsideredandsupported. EnvironmentalbenefitsReducingthenumberofvehiclemilestraveledhelpstoreducecongestionand theresultinggreenhousegasemissions.Italsohasanimpactonwaterqualitybyreducingoiland petroleumproductcontaminantsthatenterthewatersystem,anditreducesourdependenceonnon renewableresources.Reducingthenumberofvehiclemilestraveled,however,requiresajurisdictionto offeritscitizensviabletransportationoptions.Sidewalksandpedestrianrouteshelppeoplegetfrom theirhomestotheirdestinationsandtransitstops.Hiker/bikertrails,bikeways,andbicyclelanesalso providecitizenswiththeoptionoftakingtheirbikeinsteadofdrivingtheircarformanytrips.
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WhyWalkingandBicycling
Therearenumerousbenefitsthatcanbederivedfromprovidingawalkableandbikeablecommunity. Walkingandbicyclingarehealthyandnonpollutingformsoftransportation.Theyaresustainable transportationoptions,plusthereareeconomicbenefitstomakingcommunitiesmoreconduciveto bicyclingandwalking.ItisinthebestinterestofHarfordCountytopromotetheseformsofactive transportation,notonlyasapracticalnecessitybutalsoinordertoenjoythehealth,social, environmental,andeconomicbenefitsthatareassociatedwithbicycleandpedestrianactivity. Health Plannersandpublichealthprofessionalshavebecomeprogressivelymoreconsciousthatagrowing portionofthenationspopulation,includingmanychildren,lackregulardailyexercise.Walkingand bicyclingareeffectivewaystoincreasephysicalactivityforpeopleofallagegroups.Physicalactivity doesnotneedtobeverystrenuousforanindividualtogarnerconsiderablehealthbenefits.Evensmall increasesinlighttomoderateactivitywillproducemeasurablebenefitsamongthoseindividualswho areleastactive.Improvingactivetransportationoptionsandpromotinganactivelifestylemayhelp reversechronichealthconditions,highobesityrates,andimprovetheoverallhealthofHarford Countycitizens. Withobesitybeingarecognizednationalhealththreatandamajorpublichealthchallenge,providing theseopportunitiesshouldbeapriority.InHarfordCounty,theneedforincreasedphysicalactivityhas beensubstantiatedbytheworkofHealthyHarford,anonprofit501c3foundedin1993.Themissionof HealthyHarfordistoimprovethehealthofHarfordCountycitizensbyhelpingpeopleleadmoreactive lifestylesandimprovingtheirdailydiet.Since1996HealthyHarfordhascontinuallysponsoredthe CommunityHealthAssessmentProgram(CHAP),acommunityhealthsurveyaimedatidentifyingand prioritizingthehealthneedsofHarfordCounty.Thesestudieshaverepeatedlyshownthatasa communitywelackadequatedailyphysicalactivity. Inaddition,areportpreparedbytheHarfordCountyObesityTaskForcein2012showedthatHarford County,similartotheStateandnation,hasexperiencedanoveralldeclineinthehealthofthelocal community.Manyofthehealthproblemsarerelatedtopoordietandphysicalinactivity,and supportingthiswasthefactthattheobesityrateinHarfordCountyincreased130%goingfrom11.4%in 199597to26.2%in200608.ThefinalreportoftheObesityTaskForcereleasedinOctober2012 recognizestheroleofthebuiltenvironmentasacomponentofahealthycommunityandhighlightsthe importanceofprovidingconvenientandaccessiblepedestrianandcyclistsnetworks. ProvidingwalkingandbikingopportunitiescouldhaveapositiveeffectontheoverallhealthofHarford Countyresidentsbyimprovingtheiraccesstohealthyfoodsandrecreationalfacilities,andincreasing theirphysicalactivitylevels.OneobjectiveofthisPlanistoimprovethehealthofHarfordCounty citizensbymakingiteasier,saferandmoreconvenientforcitizenstobemorephysicallyactiveby walkingandbicycling.Thehealthbenefitsofregularphysicalactivityarewelldocumentedandinclude reducedriskofcoronaryheartdisease,stroke,hypertension,diabetes,obesity,andotherchronic diseases;lowerhealthcarecosts;andimprovedqualityoflife. EnvironmentalSustainability Reportsshowthatmotorvehicleemissionsaccountfor41%ofthetotalnitrogenoxideemissionsand 32%ofthetotalvolatileorganiccompounds(VOC)produced.Walkingandbicycling,ontheotherhand, 15
arecleanmodesoftransportation.Theycanyieldareductionintransportationrelatedairpollution emissionsandtrafficcongestionwhilealsoincreasingmobility.Landusesandconnectivityplayan importantroleindeterminingtheemissionreductionbenefitsassociatedwithsidewalksandbicycle facilities.Byconstructingbicycleandpedestrianfacilitiesthatconnecthouseholdstodestinationpoints suchasschoolsandparks,analternativetravelmodechoicecanbeprovidedforshorttrips.Thus providinganopportunitytoreducethenumberofvehiclemilestraveled(VMT). Pedestrianandbicyclefacilitiesalsosatisfysustainabilitygoalsbyreducingenergyconsumptionand greenhousegasemissions.Inmostcases,utilizingbicycleandpedestrianfacilitiesforutilitarian purposeswillimpactVMT.Whiletheeffectsonemissionsaregenerallymodestforpedestrianand bicycleprojects,someresearchsuggeststhatpedestrianinfrastructureaswellastransitandurban formlandusemaybethemosteffectivemeansofreducinghouseholdVMTandrelatedCO2. EconomicandSocialBenefits Theeconomicbenefitsofprovidingsafeandconvenientpedestrianandbicycleaccesstocommercial centersisselfevident,buttherearequalityoflifebenefitsassociatedwithenhancedbicycleand pedestrianactivitythatarealsolikelytogenerateotherindirecteconomicbenefits.Easeofaccessto schoolsandrecreationalfacilitiesandopportunitiestobikeorwalktoworkallcontributetothequality oflifethatbusinessesconsiderwheninvestinginalocation.Streetswherepeoplearevisiblecreates vibrancyandincreasestheperceptionofsafety.Propertyvaluesalsotendtobehigherinwalkableand bikeablecommunities,andhouseslocatedneartrailshaveahigherresalevaluethanthosenotlocated neartrails.Communitiesthatofferthishighqualityoflifeareoneswherepeoplewanttolive. Bicycletourismcanalsocontributetothelocaleconomy.WhilemanyCountyresidentsride recreationally,thepotentialexiststoincreasethenumberofrecreationalridersthroughsupportforthe EastCoastGreenwayandtheLowerSusquehannaHeritageGreenway,asbothofthesetrailnetworks attractvisitorsfromotherareas.BicyclingandwalkingshouldbeanimportantpartofHarfordCountys imageasafriendlyandwelcomingcommunity,anditshouldbemarketedthroughitstourismprograms. Atthecommunityandregionallevel,bicycleandpedestrianinfrastructurecostsafractionoftotal roadwaycosts.Bicycleparking,forexample,canbeprovidedatalowercostthanparkingfor automobilesandcanoftenbeincorporatedintocurrentlyunusedspaces.Employeeswhobicycleto workreduceparkingcostsandleavemoreparkingavailableforcustomers. Onapersonallevel,bicyclingandwalkingcanbeacostsavingoptionforHarfordCountyresidents. Theyprovideflexibleandinexpensivetransportationoptions.Bikescanrequirelessmoneytoownand operateascomparedtoautomobiles,andbothwalkingandcyclingcanprovideafamilywithlower transportationcostsintightereconomictimes.Botharefreetooperateandbicyclingrequiresminimal maintenancecost.Mostpeoplecaneasilyacquiretheskillsnecessarytomaintainabicycle. Makingimprovementstothepedestriannetworkisespeciallybeneficialtoseniors,peoplewith disabilitiesandotherswhoaretransitdependent.Approximately27%ofHarfordTransitsLinkridership iselderlyordisabled.Ridershipamongthesegroupshasincreasedover18%since2010soprovidingor improvingconnectionstotransitservicewillhelpresidentsmaintaintheirindependenceandmobility.
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The5Es
InorderforactivetransportationtobecomeaneffectiveandcomprehensiveoptionforCounty residentstheBicycleandPedestrianMasterPlanmustbecenteredonthe5EsEngineering, Education,Enforcement,Encouragement,andEvaluation.Increasingcyclingandwalkingforutilitarian reasonsandrecreationrequiresthattheconstructionofqualityfacilitiesbecombinedwitheducation, enforcement,andencouragementactivities.Thesuccessoftheseinitiativesshouldbemonitoredby evaluationwhichtracksprogressbeingmade. Engineeringdealswithbringingaboutchangestothebuiltenvironmentthroughthedesignand constructionofphysicalfacilities.Itrelatestocreatingasafeandefficientactivetransportationnetwork. Theseprojectscaninvolvemakingnewandexistingroads,trailnetworks,andcommunitiesbikeableand walkable.Itinvolvescreatinganenvironmentwherecitizensfeelcomfortablecyclingorwalkingtotheir destinationsthroughtheeliminationofhazardsandbarriers,andbyprovidingtheamenitiesthat encouragetheseactivities. Educationshouldinvolvetrainingformotorists,bicyclists,andpedestriansonthesafeuseoffacilities alongwithraisingawarenessthatallarelegitimateusersoftheroadnetwork.Itisalsoimportantto reducingthenumberandseverityofaccidents.Especiallyimportantforcyclistsiseducationaloutreach thatpromotestheuseofhelmets,adequatelighting,reflectivegear,andtherulesoftheroad. Publicperceptionmustbemanagedsothatmotoristsrecognizetherightsofbicyclistsandpedestrians, however,cyclistsandpedestriansmustalsobeawareoftheirresponsibilitieswheninteractingwith motorizedvehicles.Byteachingpedestrians,bicyclists,andmotoriststopracticesafebehavior,asafer, morewelcomingactivetransportationnetworkcanbecreated.TheStreetSmartcampaign,which focusesoneducationthroughmassmedia,isanexcellentexampleofaprogramdesignedtochange driver,pedestrian,andcyclistbehavior.Inaddition,theMarylandDepartmentofTransportationhas developedaSafeBicyclinginMarylandbrochurealongwithavideogearedtoadultriders. Whileitisimportanttoeducatecitizensaboutsafewalking,biking,anddriving,theremustalsobe effectiveenforcement.Enforcementisvitallyimportanttocreatingasafeactivetransportation network.Aneffectiveenforcementprogramwilltakeabalancedapproachtoimprovingthebehaviorof motorists,cyclists,andpedestrians.Whileapolicepresencecanservetoreinforcesafebehaviorby motorists,itisalsoimportantthatbicyclistsandpedestriansfollowtrafficrules. Encouragementaddressesthepromotionofbikingandwalkingasameansoftransportation.Itis directlylinkedtoengineering,butitcanalsoinvolvesignage,maps,banners,incentives,andeventssuch asBiketoWorkDayorNationalWalktoSchoolDay.Whileengineeringaddressestheprovisionof networkfacilities,itcanalsoinvolveprovidingendoftripfacilitiessuchasconvenientandsecurebicycle parking,showersandchangingrooms.Forthosecombiningwalkingorcyclingwithbus/train commuting,coveredwaitingareasandassurancethattheycaneithertaketheirbikeonthebusortrain orstoretheminlongtermparkingfacilitiesisalsoimportant. Evaluationinvolvesathoroughanalysisofexistingconditionsandanongoingmonitoringofchanges.In addition,thestrategiesincludedintheBicycleandPedestrianMasterPlanshouldbemonitoredand evaluatedtodetermineifthePlanisachievingitsobjectivesandwhatstepsneedtobetakento improvetheprograminthefuture.Regulardiscussionswithlocalbicyclingandwalkingclubsandother stakeholdersalongwithaprogramtoconductbicycleandpedestriancountswillhelptoevaluateand monitorthesuccessofthisPlansstrategies. 17
18
Bicycle,Pedestrian,andMultiUseTrailNetworkAnalysis
CommunityfacilitiesandcommercialservicesinHarfordCountytendtobeconcentratedandcentered ontheI95/U.S.Route40andMDRoute24corridorsbecausetheCountyhassupportedadesignated growthareasince1977.Ideally,residentslivinginthesecorridorsshouldbeabletotaketheirbikesor walktotheseservices.However,developmentpatternshaveoftenresultedinalegacyofculdesac communities,disconnectedroadways,andhighvolume/highspeedhighwaysthatmakewalkingand bicyclingchallenging. Totryanddeterminehowtoencouragemorenonmotorizedtravel,anodemapwasdeveloped.On themapaquartermileradiuswasplacedaroundidentifiedcommunityfacilitiesandservices.Asthe circlesoverlapped,thecolordarkenedindicatingaconcentrationofservicesandfacilities.Theresultsof thisanalysisarereflectedinFigure3. AspartoftheCommunityWalkprogram,citizenswereaskedtoidentifylocationswhereadditional bicycleandpedestrianfacilitiesorimprovementswereneededtolinktheirneighborhoodstothese services.ThisinformationwasthencombinedwiththeNetworkNeedsAnalysisMapandavailable bicycleandpedestrianaccidentdatafortheperiod20062010.Utilizingthisinformation,aseriesof corridorswereidentifiedthatwouldbethefocusareasforfieldwork.AlloftheStatedesignatedbicycle routeswerealsoevaluated.AmapdepictingtheareasevaluatedisprovidedinFigure4. Overthecourseofseveralweeksstaffworkedinthefieldsurveyingandphotographingthesecorridors. ExamplesofthedataevaluatedaredetailedinFigure5.
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FieldSurveyData FieldSurveyDatatoEvaluate(asappropriate) Roadwayvehicletrafficvolumes; Intersectiondesign,roadwayandroadshoulderwidths,andpavementconditions; Availableaccidentdata; Specialhazardstowalkingandcycling(potholes,draingrates,etc.); Crosswalk,sidewalk,andpathconditions(width,surfaceconditions,sightdistance,etc.); Curbcuts,ramps,andotheraccessfacilities; Presenceofparkedcarsadjacenttothetrafficlane; Bicycleparkingfacilitiesandotherservicesalongtrailsandbikeroutes; Security,cleanliness,vandalism,litter,andaestheticconditions; Presenceofactivityandservicecenters(schools,parks,shopping,etc.);and Landuses. Figure5 Thesefindingswerealsocomparedtotransitroutesandotheravailableinformationsuchasbicycle comfortlevelsandlatentdemanddata. OverviewofExistingConditions Thepurposeofthissectionistopresentanoverviewofexistingfacilitiesasafoundationforfuture improvements.ThemajorityofthepedestrianfacilitiestendtobelocatedintheCountysdesignated growtharea.(Figure6).OutsideoftheDevelopmentEnvelopetherearelimitedsidewalknetworks,with mostoftheseoccurringwithintheRuralVillages.Thereisacleardemarcationbetweentheruralareas oftheCountyandDevelopmentEnvelopeasitrelatestopedestrianinfrastructure. ThemajorityofthedesignatedbikeroutesintheCountyoccuronStateroads.Withtheexceptionof U.S.Route40andasmallsegmentofMDRoute155,alloftheStatedesignatedroutesarelocatedinthe ruralareasoftheCounty(Figure7).OtherStateroadssuchasMDRoute22andMDRoute543areused bycyclists,andscatteredSharetheRoadsignshavebeenaddedtotheseroadsandothersthatarenot includedintheofficialStateBicycleMap.Therearethreesectionsofdesignatedbikelanesinthe County.ThesearelocatedonShoreDrive,TollgateRoad,andMDRoute22,butridersalsouseother CountyroadsespeciallyinthemoreruralportionsoftheCounty. MultiusetrailswithintheCountyarealsolimitedbuthavethepotentialtobepartofanactive transportationnetwork.WhiletheDepartmentofParksandRecreationoversees17trails,mostof thesearesmalllocaltrailsdesignedforrecreationalpurposes.Some,suchastheMaandPaHeritage CorridorandtheLowerSusquehannaHeritageGreenway,connectdifferentareasoftheCountyand havethepotentialtobeutilizedforbothrecreationandutilitarianuses.Others,liketheRiverside CommunityTrail,providerecreationalopportunitiesforitscommunitymemberswhilealsoprovidingan offroadlinktoshoppingandcommunityservices.In2012theHarfordCountyDepartmentofPublic WorksandtheStateHighwayAdministrationinitiatedaprojectfortheextensionofthistrailnetwork.
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MARYLAND STATE BICYCLE ROUTES

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PedestrianFacilities Withinthemunicipalities,sidewalksgenerallyfollowagridpatternandconnecttothemunicipalcenter. However,asdevelopmentmovesawayfromthedowntownareacommunitiestendtobecomemore isolatednolongerdirectlylinkingresidentstoamenitiesandservices. Outsideofthemunicipalities,sidewalkshavegenerallybeendesignedtoservelocalizedcommunity needs.Manycommunitiesareinterconnectedandhavethepotentialtobecomeneighborhoodswhere familiescouldwalktheirchildrentoschool,playgrounds,ortovisitfriends.Therearealsootherareas wherecommunitiesareisolatedfromeachother,andthereisnosafeordirectwaytoaccess neighborhoodorcommunityservices.Inadditiontoaddressingthesemissinglinksandprovidingmore sidewalks,thereareotherareasthatneedtobeimproved.Roadwayswithhighvolumesoftrafficand dangerousintersectionsneedtobeaddressedwithfacilitiesthatsupportsafepedestrianactivity. Addressingneededimprovements,however,canbecomplicated,timeconsuming,andcostly.Insome placeswheresidewalksareneeded,therightofwayendsandadditionallandacquisitionsarerequired. Therefore,strategiesshouldbedevelopedtoobtaincooperationfrompropertyownerstocontinue publicaccess.Inotherlocations,thetopographymakesitdifficultifnotimpossibletoprovidea continuoussidewalkwithoutsignificantgrading,ortheconstructionofretainingwalls,roadculverts, bridges,orelevatedwalkways.Utilitypoles,trees,fences,andmailboxescanalsointerferewitha desiredsidewalklocation.Theredesign,relocationorevenremovaloftheseitemscanbeexpensive.In addition,maintenanceissuesmustbeaddressedandthesecanrangefromvegetationtrimming,litter andsnowremoval,tosidewalkrepairs.Buildingcommunitysupportforanyoftheseprojectsis important,andcommunityoutreachwillbeincludedforproposedimprovements. Aviablepedestrianplanseekstoaddresstheneedsandpreferencesofallwalkerscurrentand potentialablebodiedanddisabled.Pedestrianneedstendtobelocalizedbecausewalkingtrips generallyinvolveshorterdistancesthanbicycletrips. Whenidentifyingprojectstoaddresspedestrianneeds,considerationshouldbegiventoblocklength androadwaycrossingdistance.Otheritemstobeconsideredshouldincludethedirectnessofthe connectiontoadestination,sidewalkwidth,pedestrianscaledlighting,streetfurniture,curbramps, crosswalks,andpedestriancrossingsignals.Commentsreceivedthroughthepublicinputprocess focusedonmissingsidewalksectionsandtheneedforcrosswalksorcrosswalkimprovements(see Figure2). AspartofthedevelopmentofthisPlan,theDepartmentofPlanningandZoningcompletedasidewalk inventorybasedonaerialphotography.Thisinformationwascombinedwithdatacollectedbythe DepartmentofPublicWorks,publiccommentsreceivedattheworkshopandonline,andinformation providedbythemunicipalitiestohelpgeneratethefieldworkprojectlist.Asetofcriteriawas combinedwiththefieldworktoevaluateandfurtherrefinetheprojectlist.Thecriteriausedisshownin Figure8.
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SidewalkPrioritizationCriteria Criteria LandUses Roadway Classification Demand Transit BicycleFacilities WhilecyclistsridethroughoutHarfordCounty,onlytwotypesofonstreetfacilitiesexist.Bikeroutes, whicharesignedroutesonroadways,andbikelaneswhichareastripedlanewithmarkingsonthe roadwaydesignatingthelaneforpreferentialorexclusiveusebybicyclists. Alongsomebikeroutes,thetravellaneissharedwithmotoristswhileothershavewideshouldersthat riderscanuse.Signagedenotesroutesanddestinationsalongtheapproximately54milesofdesignated bicycleroutesinHarfordCounty. AddingmoreSharetheRoadorBicyclesMayUseFullLane(R411)signagewouldbeafirststepin improvingconditionsalongtheseroutes.Theywouldhelptoincreasetheawarenessofdriversabout thepotentialofcyclistsontheroadway,whilealsowarningmotoriststhatbicyclesmaybeoperating anywherewithinatrafficlane.ThenewR411signsremindroadusersthatbicyclistsmayrideinthe centerofatravellanewhenthelaneistoonarrowtosharewithmotorvehicles.Thisisimportant becausemanydriverslearnedtodrive(andbike)backwhencyclistweresupposedtokeeptotheright. Whilesharrowsorsharedroadmarkingsinthetravellanesisanotheroption,withoutappropriate drivereducationthemarkingshavethepotentialtobemisunderstood.Asawarenessaboutsharingthe roadimproves,considerationshouldbegiventoinstallingsharrowsinappropriateareassuchasthe municipalitieswheretrafficspeedsarelower. ThereareapproximatelytwomilesofbikelanesdesignatedintheCounty,andtheselanesarelocatedin JoppatowneonRumseyIsland,onTollgateRoadinAbingdonandasmallsectiononMDRoute22in Churchville. Measurement Within1/8mileofaschool,park,ordestination(includeshospitals, libraries,andotheruses) Projectwithinmileofschool,park,ordestination Projectwithinmileofschool,park,ordestination Projectfurtherthanmiletoaschool,park,ordestination Principalarterial Minorarterial Collector Existingdemandpath Noexistingdemandpath Within1/8mileofabusrouteorrailstop Projectwithinmileofabusrouteorrailstop Projectwithinmileofabusrouteorrailstop Projectfurtherthanmileofabusrouteorrailstop Figure8
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Designatedexclusivelyforbicycletravel,theselanesareseparatedfromvehiclelaneswithstriping,and theyaredenotedbypavementmarkingsandsigns.Whiletheyhelptoseparatebicyclistsfrommotor vehicletraffic,thephysicalconstraintsoftryingtofitbikelanesintoexistingrightsofwaycanbea limitingfactorduringretrofits.Theleastexpensiveandintrusivemethodistonarrowvehiculartravel lanesandrestripetheroadwithbikelaneswherepossible. Toencouragemorecycling,HarfordCountyshalldevelopacomprehensiveapproachtoimprovingits bikewaynetwork.Considerationshouldbegiventoexaminingthepossibilitiesofestablishinganinter connectedsystemofonroadandoffroadbikeways.Signageandpavementmarkingsareanimportant step,butlongertermimprovementsthatarepartofacomprehensivenetworkshouldbeaddressed. WhileStatelawgivesbicycliststherighttorideonmostroadways,thedesignofroads,intersections, andinterchangescombinedwiththevolumeandspeedoftrafficcandiscouragebicycling.Toencourage bicycleuse,ahigherlevelofbicycleaccommodationisrequired.Theimprovementthatismost appropriatewillbebasedonacost/benefitanalysis,alongwithconsiderationofthepatternof developmentinthearea. IntheruralareasoftheCounty,mostcyclistsrideforrecreationalpurposes.Theseareasoftenattract experiencedcycliststhatappreciatethechallengingtopographyandlowervolumesoftraffic.These samefactors,however,tendtoencouragedriverstotravelatspeedsexceedingthepostedlimits,thus presentingchallengesforcyclists. Alsointheseareasmanyoftheroadshavenarrowornoshouldersforcingriderstosharetheroadwith motorvehicles.IntheruralportionoftheCounty,mostoftheimprovementswillbeachievedvia signageandeducation.Insomeplaces,however,theneedforlanewidening/shoulderswillbe identifiedandprovidedwheredeemedappropriate.Tobestdeterminetheapproachtotake,itwould behelpfultoconductbicyclecountsandtoevaluatecrashandinjuryrecordstoseewhetherornot higherthanexpectedincidentsoccurontheCountysruralroadways.Thesestudiescouldprovide insightintothemostappropriatewaytoaccommodateallusers. WithintheDevelopmentEnvelope,signageandeducationarealsoimportant.Initialimprovementsto thebikenetworkshouldfocusonsafety,fillinggapsinthesystem,formalizingroutesusedbycyclists, andimprovingaccessbetweenresidential,employment,civic,andcommercialdestinations.The impactsoftrafficvolumeandspeedalongwithidentifieddifficultintersectionsshouldalsobe considered.CommentsreceivedontheCommunityWalksiteverifiedthesepoints(seeFigure2). Inadditiontothephysicalnetwork,bicycleneedsandpreferencesalsovarybasedonskilllevelsand triptypes.Thetendencytobicyclevariesfrompersontopersonandcanprovideinsightintohowto potentiallyincreasebicyclingrates.Generally,bicyclinglevelsareclassifiedintofourcategories: Peoplewhowillrideonalmostanyroadwaydespitethetrafficvolume,speedandlackof bikewaydesignation.Studiesindicatethisisthesmallestpercentageofriders. Peoplewhowillrideonmostroadwaysiftrafficvolumesandspeedsarenothigh.Theseriders areconfidentinpositioningthemselvestosharetheroadwaywithmotorists.
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Peoplewhowillrideifbicyclefacilitiesareprovidedonroadwayswithlowtrafficvolumesand speeds.Theseridersaretypicallynotconfidentcyclingwithmotorists.Studiesindicatethisis thelargestpercentageofriders. Peoplewhowillnotconsidercyclingaspartoftheirtransportationorrecreationaloptions.1
Implementationofengineeringimprovementsalongwitheffectiveeducationalandencouragement programscanconvertnoncyclistsintobicycleridersandlessskillednoviceridersintocompetentand confidentbicyclists. Designatedbikeroutes,suggestionsmadethroughtheCommunityWalkprocess,andinformation providedbythemunicipalitieswerecombinedandthenevaluatedagainstaccidentdata,latentdemand information,levelofcomfortdata,andtheDepartmentsnodeanalysistoidentifyareaswherebicycle improvementshadthepotentialtoprovidethemostbenefits.Thisanalysiswasusedtogeneratea fieldworkprojectlist.Asetofcriteria,alongwithfieldwork,werethenusedtoevaluateprojects.The criteriausedareshownbelowinFigure9. BicycleProjectCriteria
Criteria System Connectivity Measurement Projectwithinmileofexistingbicyclefacilities Projectwithinmileofexistingbicyclefacilities Projectprovidespartialconnectionwhereno facilitiesexist Projectfurtherthanamilefromexisting facilitiesordoesnotconnecttotheexisting system Projectwithinmileofschool,parkor destination Projectwithinmileofschool,parkor destination Projectfurtherthanmilefromaschool,park, ordestination Providesconnectiontocommunityservicesand facilities,transit,orneighboringcommunity Providesconnectiontoamunicipality Providesconnectionwithincommunity Doesnotprovidecommunitybenefits Sufficientspaceforabikeroute Otheronstreetfacility(additionalreview required) Offstreetfacility TechnicalNotes Usedradialdistanceforall determinations Usedradialdistanceforall determinations Visualanalysisoflocationswhere streetconnectivityispoor Visualanalysisoflocationswhere streetconnectivityispoor BasedonNodeMapanalysis BasedonNodeMapanalysis BasedonNodeMapanalysis Basedonmapreview Based onmapreview Basedonmapreview Basedonmapreview Basedonproposedprojecttype Basedonproposedprojecttype Basedonproposedprojecttype
LandUses Benefit Cost Effectiveness
Figure9
1
Roger Geller, Bicycle Coordinator, Portland Oregon in The Transportation Agency for Monterey County Bike/Pedestrian Master Plan 2011
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MultiuseFacilities TrailsinHarfordCountyaregenerallyconsideredrecreationalamenities;however,theycanbean integralpartoftheCountysbicycleandpedestriannetwork.Thepresenceofthesefacilitiestendsto increasethecommunitysinterestinwalkingandbicycling,andtheabilityofadditionalfacilitiesto attractnewusersishigh.Ideally,multiusetrailsshouldbeplannedtoservemultiplegoalsrecreation, transportation,andeconomicdevelopmentwhilealsobeinganamenityforthesurrounding neighborhoods. WhiletrailplanningisincorporatedintotheLandPreservation,Parks,andRecreationPlan,itsroleasa componentofanactivetransportationnetworkcannotbeoverlooked.The2010Transportation ElementPlanrecognizesthisfactandincludesspecificpoliciesandstrategiestoaddressfuturetrail needs.TheLowerSusquehannaHeritageGreenwayforexample,supportstheEastCoastGreenway network,andtheMaandPaHeritageCorridorcouldprovideanoffroadrouteintoBelAir,thereby providingaccesstolocalservices,andCountyandcommuterbusservices. Planningforandultimatelyconstructingthesefacilities,however,isoftendifficult.Manytimesthe corridorsthatappearsuitableformultiusetrailsdonotprovidethemostdirectroutesbetween populationcentersandindemanddestinations.Inaddition,oncealocationisidentifiedthenland acquisitionshavetooccuroftenfrommultipleowners,andenvironmentalissuesmustbeaddressed. Anothermajorissuethatfrequentlyarisesiscommunityopposition.Whilestudieshaveshownthat propertiesadjacenttoorinproximitytotrailnetworkshaveincreasedinvalueandareconsideredan attractionbyhomebuyers,winningcommunitysupportcanbedifficultandtimeconsuming. InputreceivedduringtheCommunityWalkprocessemphasizedtheneedforthecompletionoftheMa &PatrailinBelAirandtheestablishmentofanorthernsectionintheWhitefordarea.Alsoidentified wereotherareaswheretrailnetworksweresuggested.LocatedinsideandoutsideoftheCountys designatedgrowtharea,allofthesetrailscouldprovideopportunitiesforphysicalactivityandserveasa connectiontoservices.
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ProjectRecommendations
Evenwhenbicycleandpedestrianinfrastructurecanbeincorporatedintoaproject,maintenanceand possiblyretrofittingofthebuiltenvironmentremainasissuesneedingtobeaddressed.Maintenance requiresanongoingcommitmentbyallparties,andretrofittingfacilitiestobetteraccommodate bicyclistsandpedestriansrequirescarefulplanningandtheconsiderationofwhereuserswanttogo, howfartheyarewillingtowalkorbike,andthefeasibilityofprovidingmissingconnections.Citizen inputmustalsobeconsidered,andtheDepartmentsofPublicWorksandPlanningandZoningwillwork togethertosolicitinputasappropriate. Withtheseconsiderationsandtheanalysisdiscussedintheprevioussection,thissectionidentifiessome initialstepsforimprovingtheCountyssystemofwalkwaysandbikeways.Therecommendedprojects builduponexistingconditionsandongoinglocalandregionalplanningefforts,andtheyreflectthe inputreceivedfromtheBicycleandPedestrianAdvisoryCommittee(BPAC)andthecommunityduring thepublicinputprocess(Figures10,11and12).Whilethisisnotacomprehensivelistofneeded improvements,itdoesprovideastartingpointforaddressingbicycleandpedestrianneeds,andit focuseson: Connectingneighborhoodstotransit,adjacentactivitycenters,andclosinggapsbetween existingfacilities;and Facilitatingtravelbetweenresidentialneighborhoodsandkeyemployment,recreation,and educationalfacilities. Inputtingtogetheralistofprojectsforthisplan,itwasnotpossibletospecificallyidentifyneeded improvementsinsomeareas.Asaresultofthescopeofthepotentialprojectsandthemultipleparties thatwouldneedtobeinvolved,aseriesofstudiesarealsorecommended.Inaddition,AppendixB includesalistofcommentsandrelatedprojectneedswithinthemunicipalitiesthatwereidentified duringthepublicinputprocess. RecommendedWalkwayImprovements TherecommendedimprovementsforthepedestriannetworkbuildupontheCountyandmunicipal systemofsidewalksandfocusoncreatingpedestrianfriendlycommunitiesthatsupportanactive lifestyle.Theprojectsincludenewconstructionwheresidewalksarelackingandindividualspot improvementssuchascrosswalks,signage,pedestriansignals,curbcuts,pedestrianrefugeislands,or transitpads(Figure13).Thepedestrianprojectlistshouldbereevaluatedandreprioritizedeverytwo yearstoensurethatneededimprovementsandprojectsarebeingaddressed.
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Tollgate Rd. (from Rt. 1 to Rt. 24) Conduct a corridor study to reconfigure the road to better accomodate bicyclist.
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Complete sidewalk along MacPhail Road from Rt. 924 to Edgehill Drive.
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Study: MacPhail Road (from Route 924 to Route 24) as a potential bicycle/pedestrian path.
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Complete crosswalk improvements at Rt. 924 and Wheel Road & Bel Air South Parkway.
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Make pedestrian improvements at Rt. 924 and Singer Road to ensure intersection meets ADA regulations.
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Complete crosswalk improvements at Rt. 924 and Box Hill Center.
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Ensure intersection at Joppa Farm and Trimble Rd. meets ADA regulations. Make pedestrian improvements to encourage students to safely walk to school (at Hinton and Joppa Farm intersection).
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Place Pedestrian Crossing signage on Trimble Road at Copenhaver Park.
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Complete a corridor study to improve walking and cycling opportunities along Joppa Farm Road (from US Rt. 40 to Haverhill.)
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Intersection of Kearny & Joppa Farm Rd- Paint a crosswalk and place Pedestrian Crossing signage.
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Location TollgateRoad TollgateRoad SingerRd.toAshtonLane
CrisfieldDr.toConstant FriendshipBlvd. MacphailRoad TrimbleRoad TrimbleRoadatCopenhaver Park VanguardandTodd MD543Hendersonto Leeswood MDRoute755 Route543 JoppaFarmRoadandHinton USRoute40andBataBlvd. RiversideCommunityTrailat GreysRunCircle RiversideDeclarationWayat playground ChurchCreekRoadand BaneburyDrive StaffordRoad MD136fromMainSttoMD 165(Whiteford) MD440(DublinRoad)and MD136 MDRoute22 BerettaWayandRedfield Road WeatherbyandDerringer BoxHillSouthParkwayto BoulevardatBoxHill Route40atBataBlvd.
PEDESTRIANPROJECTS ProjectDescription Throughoutcorridoraddmissingsidewalksegmentsand update/improvepedestriancrossings(ex.MelroseWay,Singer,etc.) ImprovemultiusepathatAbingdonLibrarybycorrectinguneven surfacesandrealigningcrosswalks Constructapproximately1500linearfeetofsidewalkontheeastsideof TollgateRoadandapproximately1700linearfeetofsidewalkonthe westsideofTollgateRoadtoserveAbingdonElementarySchool Constructapproximately1500linearfeetofsidewalkontheeastsideof TollgateRoadandapproximately1600linearfeetofsidewalkonthe westsideofTollgateRoad. Constructapproximately600linearfeetofsidewalkfromRoute924to EdgehilltoserveHomestead/WakefieldElementarySchool Constructapproximately900linearfeetofsidewalkontheeastside fromMD152toMagnoliaElementary Addcrosswalkimprovements(signage,markingsorsignals) Establishawalkwayalongtheexistingpathtoshoppingcenter Constructapproximately2000linearfeetofsidewalkontheeastsideto serveC.MiltonWrightHighSchool ConstructsidewalkfromWilloughbyBeachRoadtoMARCstation Constructapproximately1400linearfeetofsidewalkfromGilmerWay toChurchCreekRoad Addcrosswalkimprovements(signage,markings,orsignals)toserve JoppatowneHighSchool Add/improvecrosswalkandprovidetransitstopwaitingareaonRt.40 Addcrosswalkimprovements(signage,markings,orsignals) Addcrosswalkimprovements(signage,markings,orsignals) Addcrosswalkimprovements(signage,markings,orsignals)toserve ChurchCreekElementarySchool Addcrosswalkimprovements(signage,markings,orsignals)toserve DarlingtonElementarySchoolandFrancisSilverPark Constructapproximately1400linearfeetofsidewalkonthenorthside Improvecrosswalk(signage,markingsorsignals)andconstructmissing sidewalklink AddpedestrianimprovementsasnotedinRoute22CorridorStudy Improvecrosswalk(signage,markings,orsignals)toserveFountain GreenElementarySchool Addcrosswalkimprovements(signage,markings,orsignals)toserve FountainGreenElementarySchool Addcrosswalkimprovements(signage,markings,orsignals) Addcrosswalkimprovements(signage,markingsorsignals)toserve MTAcommuterbusservice 37
Location MDRoute24and USRoute1 Business1atAtwood Route924andBelAirSouth Parkway Route924andSinger Route924andWheelRd.
PEDESTRIANPROJECTS ProjectDescription Addcrosswalkimprovements(signage,markingsorsignals) Improvecrosswalk(signage,markingsorsignals) Addcrosswalkimprovements(signage,markingsorsignals)toserve MTAcommuterbusservice Addcrosswalkimprovements(signage,markingsorsignals) Addcrosswalkimprovements(signage,markingsorsignals) Figure13
RecommendedBicycleImprovements ManyoftheroadwaysinHarfordCountycanbemodifiedtobemorebicyclefriendly.Severaloptionsto consideraremarkingshouldersforbikeuse,bikelanestripping,sharedlanemarkings,andother signage.Wheretheexistingpavedshouldersarewideenoughtoaccommodatecyclistsitmaybe feasibletoidentifytheseareasasbicycleroutes. WithintheDevelopmentEnvelope,HarfordCountyhasalargenumberoflowervolumestreetswith postedspeedlimitsof25mph.Withtheadditionofsomerelativelysmallscaletreatments,manyof thesecouldbecomecyclistfriendlytherebyprovidingopportunitiestoconnectneighborhoodsand communitieswithnearbyservicesandfacilities. AnotheroptionforimprovingtheCountysbicyclenetworkwouldinvolvededicatedmultiuseside paths.Whilethisplantendstofocusonthedevelopmentofanonstreetnetwork,insomelocationsan offroadoptionwouldbeideal.Thiswouldbeareaswherethevolumeandspeedoftrafficaretoohigh tosafelyaccommodatecyclists. Inruralareas,theCountyshouldevaluateroadsfortheadditionofsharetheroadsignage.Aspartof thisevaluation,theCountyshoulddevelopcriteriathattakeintoconsiderationavarietyoffactorssuch asroadspeed,width,andtheusefulnessofthisdesignation.Routesbeingconsideredshouldgenerally belowvolumeandlowspeedroads.Theymayalsoberoadwaysthatareconstrainedbyotherfactors suchastopographyortheirproximitytostreamsorotherenvironmentallysensitiveareas,thusmaking wideningimpractical.Asmaintenanceworkisdoneontheroads,designationstosupportbicycleuse shouldberetainedandenhancedtothemaximumdegreepossible. BecausethepotentialofconstructingnewroadwaysintheCountyislimited,bicyclefacility improvementsaremostlikelytooccurinconjunctionwithanupgradeorotherimprovementproject. Theprovisionofbikelanesshouldalsobeconsideredaspotentialmitigationforneededlevelofservice improvementsinareaswherestudieshaveidentifiedaneedforbicycleimprovementsaspartofa multimodalapproachtoreducingvehiclemilestraveled. TheprojectsidentifiedinFigure14provideaninitialstepforimprovingtheCountysbicyclenetwork. Theybuilduponexistingconditionsandongoinglocalandregionalplanningefforts,andtheyreflectthe inputreceivedfromtheBPACandthecommunityduringthepublicinputprocess.Theprojects recommendedaddresstwoperspectivesimprovingconditionsforutilitariantripsandrecreational riding.Aswiththepedestrianprojectlist,theseprojectsshouldbereevaluatedandreprioritizedevery twoyearstoensurethatneededimprovementsandprojectsarebeingaddressed.
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Location TollgateRoadfromRoute1to Route24 ToddRoadfromBrierhillto Brunswick BrierhillDr/EastMacPhailfrom MD22toMD924 EconDrivefromAgoraDriveto MooresMillRoad ThomasRunRoad ProspectMillRoad RuffsMillRoad ChapelandRobinhoodRoad CastletonRdbetweenPaddrick andDay PleasantvilleRoadbetween MD152andMD23 JohnsonMillnearBowerLane MD146andSchusterRd MD543St.AnneDr.to HighlandRoad Rt.23andJollyAcres MDRoute22 WilloughbyBeachRoad MD755fromRoute24to WilloughbyBeachRoad MD755fromWilloughby BeachRoadandMARCstation Rt.40atWoodbridgeCenter Way MarylandStateBicycleRoutes
BIKEPROJECTS ProjectDescription Reconfigureroadtoaccommodatebicyclistsbyprovidingminimum bikelanewidths,improvedroundabouts,reducedvehiclelane widths,etc. Consideraddingedgelinestripping Consideraddingedgelinestripping Consideraddingedgelinestripping EvaluateforR411orShareTheRoadsignageandaddasappropriate EvaluateforR411orShareTheRoadsignageandaddasappropriate EvaluateforR411orShareTheRoadsignageandaddasappropriate EvaluateforR411orShareTheRoadsignageandaddasappropriate EvaluateforR411orShareTheRoadsignageandaddasappropriate EvaluateforR411orShareTheRoadsignageandaddasappropriate EvaluateforR411orShareTheRoadsignageandaddasappropriate EvaluateforR411orShareTheRoadsignageandaddasappropriate EvaluateforR411orShareTheRoadsignageandaddasappropriate EvaluateforR411orShareTheRoadsignageandaddasappropriate AddbikewayimprovementsasidentifiedinRoute22CorridorStudy AddBicyclesMayUseFullLane(R411)orShareTheRoadsignwhere thepaintedshoulderdividerends AddR411orShareTheRoadsignage AddbikelaneasidentifiedinStateplans Conductroadsafetyauditandidentifysafetyimprovementsneeded Improvesignageandmaintenance;reevaluateMDRt.161 Figure14
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RecommendedMultiUseTrailandRegionalLongDistanceBikewayImprovements TheCountysLandPreservation,Parks,andRecreationPlanistheprimarydocumentguidingthe provisionoftrailsinHarfordCounty.TheprojectrecommendationsincludedinthisPlanaremeantto supportandcomplementtheinitiativesidentifiedbytheDepartmentofParksandRecreation.In additiontotheprojectslistedbelow,thereareothertrailprojectsandrecommendationsfortrail networksthatshouldbeconsideredduringtheupdateoftheLandPreservation,Parks,andRecreation Plan. TheevaluationofpotentialtrailandregionalandlongdistancebikewayprojectsforinclusioninthisPlan werebasedoncommentsreceivedfromcitizensandtrailnetworksidentifiedinotherCountyplansand communityplans.TheserecommendationsareidentifiedinFigure15.Therecommendedprojects includenewconstructionalongwithupgradesdesignedtoimprovethesafetyandusabilityofexisting networks.ImplementationoftheseprojectswillrequirecooperativeeffortsinvolvingtheCounty,SHA, themunicipalities,communitygroups,andnonprofitorganizations. AnexampleofthisisthecompletionoftheMaandPatrailintheTownofBelAir.Currently,theMaand Patrailexistsastwoseparatesectionsof3.3and1.7mileseach.Thecompletionoftheidentified sectionwillprovidetheTownandtheCountywithmorethananeightmilelongtrailfromForestHill FriendsParktoEdgelyGroveinBenson(Figures16and17).Thistrailprovidesforrecreationalwalking andbikingandconnectsdestinationsinandaroundBelAir.Itisanticipatedthatthecompletionofthe trailwillgenerateagreatdealofusagenotonlyforrecreationandleisureactivities,butalsoenable userstowalkandbiketowork,shopping,andschool. TheEastCoastGreenway,ontheotherhand,ispartofaregionaltrailnetworkthatstretchesfrom MainetoFlorida.ItspassagethroughHarfordCountyincludesthecrossingoftheSusquehannaRiver, andprovidesanopportunityforconnectionswithothercountiesandmetropolitanregions. Aswiththeotherprojectlists,theseprojectsshouldbereevaluatedandreprioritizedeverytwoyearsto ensurethatneededimprovementsandprojectsarebeingaddressed.
MULTIUSETRAILANDLONGDISTANCEBIKEWAYPROJECTS LocationProjectDescription MaandPaTrailCompletesectionbetweenWilliamsStreetandBlakesVenture RiversideCommunityTrailExtendtoChurchCreekRoad MDRoute165trail(Whiteford)Conductfeasibilityandalignmentstudies EastCoastGreenwayInstallsignageandneededamenities SusquehannaRiverCrossingContinuetoinvestigatepossiblesolutions WintersRunTrailExtendtoHarfordGlen Figure16
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TRAIL NETWORKS
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Church Creek Trail East Coast Greenway Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway Ma & Pa Trail BALTIMORE Whiteford Trail (Proposed) CITY Winters Run Greenway
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Figure 15
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Figure 17
RecommendedStudies Forsomecorridors,suchasalongJoppaFarmRoad,additionalstudiesandcommunityinputwouldbe neededtoensurethatcertainprojectsmeetcommunityneedsandhavecommunitysupport.Insome instances,specificneedswereidentifiedbutascertainingtheprojectdetailscouldnotbecompletedin timeforinclusioninthisPlan.Therefore,alloftheseprojectswerelistedasneedingadditionalstudyso thatprogresscouldcontinuetobemade,andtheimprovementsidentifiedinthestudiescouldbe includedinfutureupdatesoftheprojectlist(Figures18and19). RECOMMENDEDSTUDIES Location ProjectDescription JoppaFarmRoadfrom Initiateacorridorstudytoimprovewalkingandcyclingconditions USRoute40to HaverhillRoad MD152fromHess Initiateacorridorstudytoimprovewalkingandcyclingopportunities RoadtoMagnolia Road Conductacorridorstudytoprovideanalternativebicycle/pedestrianroute TownofBelAirto offofRoute22toincludeabicycle/pedestriantrailfromProspectMillto HarfordCommunity ThomasRunRoadandtoconnecttheeastandwestcampusesofHarford College CommunityCollege MacPhailRoadfrom Initiateastudytoprovideabicycle/pedestrianroute Route924toRoute24 TollgateRoadto MD924 Conductastudytodetermineabicycleandpedestrianroutethatwould providebetteraccesstoschools,services,andfacilitiesandtheTownofBel Airviaaneast/westconnection Figure18
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PROPOSED STUDY AREAS

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Figure 19
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PoliciesandStrategies
Identifyingspecificneedsandprojectsisanimportantpartofabicycleandpedestrianplan.However, policiesandstrategiesshouldalsobeincluded.Policiesandstrategiesformthefoundationofa comprehensiveapproachtoensuringthattheCountybecomes,andcontinuestobe,aplacewhere peoplewanttowalkandridetheirbicycles.Theyhelpguidetheselectionoffutureprojectswhilealso ensuringthattheseprojectsareadequatelydesigned.Theyalsoprovidespecificcriteriathatcanbe monitoredovertimetoensurethatthePlansgoalisbeingachieved. Developingandmaintainingacomprehensivenetworkofonandoffroadfacilitiesdoesnot automaticallymeanpeoplewillusethenetwork.Thenetworkneedstobepromoted,usersneedtofeel comfortableandsafe,andtheyshouldhaveaccesstoadequatetripendfacilitiesatstrategiclocations. Thereforethe5Esofengineering,education,enforcement,encouragement,andevaluationhave beeninterwoveninthepoliciesandstrategiespresentedinthissection.Thestrategiesincludedinthis Planstrivetoaddressthesebyfocusingonfourareasthebicycleandpedestriannetwork,thesupport facilitiesthatsustaindoortodoortravel,wayfindingandsignage,andprogramsthatpromote education,awareness,andsafety. BicycleandPedestrianNetworks Policy:ImprovebicycleandpedestrianmobilitythroughouttheCountybyprovidingasystemthatis suitableforallusersandoffersaccesstomajordestinationareas. ToensurethattheBicycleandPedestrianMasterPlanisimplemented,itmustcontainprojectsand strategiesthatcanbeincorporatedintothedaytodayactivitiesoftransportationandlanduseplanning inHarfordCounty.Likewise,theymustbeincorporatedintotheStatesandCountysdesign,funding, construction,andmaintenanceprocess.Alternativefundingsourcesmustalsobepursued.Completing bicycleandpedestrianprojectsisastepinrecognizingtheirroleincontributingtotheCountysoverall health,sustainability,andeconomy. Eachlinkinthesenetworksshouldserveoneoracombinationofpurposes:recreation,fitness, commuting,andotherutilitarianuses.Onstreetfacilitiesshouldbecontinuousanddirect,andoff streetfacilitiesshouldhaveaminimumnumberofarterialcrossingsanduncontrolledintersections. Crosswalksshouldconnectsidewalksusingwellpositionedcurbrampsthatallowalluserstostay entirelywithintheboundsofthesidewalkandcrosswalk.Appropriatesignageandsignalcrossings shouldalsobeprovided.Specialattentionshouldbegiventoprovidingadequatecrossingtimefor seniors,children,andthosewithspecialneeds. Establishingacomprehensivebicycleandpedestriannetworkwilltaketime.Improvementstothe networkwillbecompletedinphases,withtheinitialfocusbeingonimprovingconnectionsbetween neighborhoodnodesandlinkingcommunitiestoserviceswiththegoalofreducingthenumberof vehiclemilestraveled.Manyofthesidewalksandcurbcrossingshavebeeninplaceforyears,and becauseofthistheCountyshouldevaluatethebenefitofestablishingatransitionplanforreplacing substandardareas.WhiletheCountyandtheStatehaveanongoingprogramtoretrofitcurbcutsaspart ofroadprojects,atransitionplanwillhelptoensurethattheseimprovementsareprovidedinatimely andconsistentmannerwhilestilltakingintoconsiderationrequestedupgrades. Toensurethatneededimprovementsrelatedtobicyclingandpedestrianconditionsareidentified,all roadwaysshouldbeevaluatedusingCompleteStreetsguidelines.ByfollowingCompleteStreets 45
guidelinesroadwayswillconsistentlybedesignedwithallusersinmind(AppendixC).Creating CompleteStreetsdoesnotmeanprovidingseparatebikelanesandotherfacilitiesinallcases.Rather itwillrequirechangestothepoliciesandpracticesofthedepartmentsandagenciesresponsiblefor StateandCountyroadways.Thisapproachshouldtakeintoconsiderationlocalcontextandneeds. AnotherfocusofimprovingtheCountysbicycleandpedestriannetworkwillbeonprovidingfacility improvementsthatencourageCountyresidentstoincreasetheirlevelsofphysicalactivitybecausethe networkisconvenientforthem.Convenienceappliesnotonlytolocationanddirectness,butalsotothe qualitiesthatmakeanetworkcomfortableandeasytouseisitrelativelyflat,isitfreeofobstaclesor gaps?Inconvenientorpoorlyconnectedfacilitiescancauseuserstochoosealternativelesssaferoutes orothermodesoftransportation. Animportantconsiderationofnetworkplanninginvolvesprovidingaccesstoandfromtransitproviders. Improvingthecycling/pedestriantransitlinkcanhelpmakewalkingandcyclingapartofdailylife.In areassuchasHarfordCountythepopulationdensitiesareoftentoolowtooffercomprehensivetransit, whichisservicewithinthetypicalwalkingdistanceformosttransitusers.WhileHarfordLinkbusesare fittedwithbikeracks,moreresidentscouldutilizetheserviceifthestopswerewithineasycycling distance.Likewise,theMTAshouldbeencouragedtoprovidebikeracksontheircommuterbusesand providesecurebikelockerstoencourageriderstocycleversusdrivingtothestops. Toimproveaccesstotransit,sidewalksshouldconnectbusstopswithintersectionsorotherlanduses, andthestopsshouldalsobefullyaccessibletoallpassengers.Considerationalsoneedstobegivento ensurethatappropriatepedestriancrossingsareprovided,especiallyifstopsarelocatedinmidblock. Bussheltersorpadsshouldbeprovidedatthebusstops,whereappropriate.Caremustbetakento makesurethattheseamenitiesdonotposehazardstopedestriansnorsightlineobstructionsfor vehiculartraffic. ImplementationStrategies 1. Reviewandupdatetheprojectslisteverytwoyears,prioritizingprojectsthatconnect destinationssuchasschools,neighborhoods,parks,andothercommunityservices. 2. DevelopacomprehensiveapproachtoimprovingtheCountysonroadbikenetworkincluding developmentofcriteriafordesignatingsharetheroadroutes. 3. WorkwiththeCommunityCouncilstoidentifyareaswhereRoadSafetyAuditsareneededand usethisinformationtoidentifypotentialbicycleandpedestrianprojects. 4. DevelopandimplementaprocessforworkingwiththeState,themunicipalitiesandthe DepartmentofPublicWorkstoensurethatbicycleandpedestrianfacilitiesareprovided consistentwiththeprioritiesestablishedinthisPlan. 5. ContinuetoworkwiththeStateHighwayAdministrationtoaddbicycleandpedestrianfacilities asidentifiedintheMDRoute22CorridorStudy. 6. Pursuecapitalimprovementfundingorgrantfundingforpedestrianandbicycleimprovements andfacilitymaintenance.
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7. Ensurethatalltransportationprojects,whereappropriate,areplannedutilizingaComplete Streetapproachtothemaximumextentpossible. 8. Ensurethatnewdevelopmentsincludepedestrian,bicycle,andtrailfacilitiesthatconnectto adjoiningproperties. 9. Evaluateredevelopmentprojectsimpactonbicycleandpedestriantravel,andrequirethat sufficientrightofwayfacilitiesareprovidedinareaswhereaneedhasbeenidentified. 10. MaintaintheCountysdigitalinventoryofsidewalks. 11. DevelopaninterdepartmentalteamofCountystafftofocusontheimplementationofthefive Eseducation,encouragement,engineering,enforcementandevaluation. 12. Developatransitionplantobringcurbcuts,sidewalks,andstreetcrossingsintoADA compliance. 13. Addorupgradecrosswalkmarkingsandsignagetoimprovepedestriansafety. 14. ContinueworkingwiththeStateandtheEastCoastGreenwaytoensurethatfacilitiesand roadwayimprovementsareprovidedtoaccommodatecyclistsandpedestriansasappropriate. 15. Ensurethattransitstopsareservedbysidewalksandthatpedestriancrossingsignageis provided. 16. ContinuetoworkwiththeStateandtheCityofAberdeenontheprovisionofbicycleand pedestrianneedsaspartofthedevelopmentoftheAberdeenStationCenter. 17. ContinuetocoordinatewithHarfordTransitLinktoprovidepedestrianandcyclingoptionsfor crossingareassuchastheSusquehannaRiverandtheI95/MDRoute24interchange. 18. ContinueeffortstodesignateabicycleroutebetweenAberdeenProvingGroundandBelAirthat bypassestheI95/MDRoute24interchange. 19. DevelopanetworkofbikewaysonCountyandmunicipalroadwaystocomplimentandconnect withStatedesignatedbikeways.
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SupportFacilities Policy:Ensurethatfeaturesandamenitiesthatsupportbicycleandpedestrianactivityareprovidedin amannerthatsustainsdoortodoortravel. Whileaconvenientandwellmaintainedbikeandpedestriannetworkencouragespeopletochoosean activetransportationoption,thereareotherfeaturesandamenitiesthathelptoattractandretaina morediversepopulationofusers.Walkersandcyclistsshouldfeelcomfortablewiththeirsurroundings. Crosswalksshouldbeclearlymarkedandhighervolumeorhotspotintersectionsshouldhave appropriatecrossingsignals.Inaddition,theprovisionofnetworkamenitiesisoftenakeyelementthat isoverlooked. Litteranddebris,alongwithstormdrainsandutilitycovers,canbepotentialobstructionstocyclists. Bicyclefriendlygratesshouldbeused,andgratesandcoversshouldbelocatedinamannerwhichwill minimizesevereand/orfrequentmaneuveringbythecyclist.Conflictswithgratesmayresultinserious damagetothebicyclewheelorframeaswellasinjurytothecyclist.Likewise,walkwaysshouldbe obstaclefreewithgoodsightvisibility.Streetfurniture,shadetrees,andlightingshouldalsobe providedtoenhancethepedestriannetwork,buttheyshouldbelocatedinamannerthatdoesnot impingeontheaccessiblepathwayrequiredforuserswithdisabilities. AlongregionaltrailnetworksandbicycleroutessuchastheEastCoastGreenway,restareasshouldbe provided.Interpretivestations,restaurants,museumsandotherattractionsorservicesarelogical locationsforrestareas.Forthetrailnetworks,stagingareasshouldbeprovided.Potentialamenities mightincluderestrooms,smallpicnicareas,andparkingforrecreationalusersandParkandBike commuters. Withoutadequatebicycleparking,peoplemaynotfeelencouragedtobicycletoadestination.Thisis especiallytruewhentryingtopromoteerrandtypeuseorfamilytripstoshoppingcenters,restaurants, librariesorparks.Thefearofleavingabicycleunattended,evenforshortperiods,caneasilybecomethe reasonpeopleopttonotridetheirbike.Inaddition,installingtheappropriatetypeofbicycleparking facilityisalsoimportant.Ingeneral,bicycleracksareappropriateforshorterparkingperiods,and ideallysecuredandprotectedbikeparkingshouldbeprovidedforlongerdurations,suchasthose associatedwithleavingabikeatacommuterstoporaplaceofemployment.Informationonthetypes andlocationrequirementsforbicycleparkingareprovidedinAppendixD. ForspecialeventssuchasFirstFriday,AberdeensEarthDayFestival,theMarylandStateBarbeque Bash,ortheHavredeGraceSeafoodFestivalbikevaletparkingcouldbeoffered.Localgovernment officialsshouldworkwiththelocalbikeclubsorotherserviceorganizationstoprovidethisservice. AsafirststeptoincreasingtheavailabilityofbicycleparkinginHarfordCounty,theHealthDepartment, HarfordCountyGovernment,andHarfordCountyPublicSchoolshavepartneredtoutilizefunding availablefromaCommunityTransformationgranttopurchasebikeracksatkeylocationsinthe community.InMay2012,35bikerackswerepurchased,andtheywillbeinstalledthroughoutthe communityatschools,parks,recreationalsites,andgovernmentbuildingstopromotehealthier lifestyles.Basedupontheusage,andthesuccessofthesebicyclefacilitiestoencouragecycling,the SustainabilityOfficeandtheDepartmentofPlanningandZoningwillevaluatetheexpansionand developmentofabicycleparkinginfrastructureprogram. Endoftripfacilitiesarealsoanimportantpartofthebicycleandpedestriannetwork.Showersand changingfacilitiesaccommodatecyclistsandwalkerswhoneedtofreshenupaftertheirtriporlunch 48
houractivity.Lockerscanbeusedtostorepersonalbelongingssuchasachangeofclothesandcycling accessories.Whileitmaynotbeimmediatelyfeasibleforallbusinessestoofferthesefacilities, opportunitiesshouldbeexploredtofindwaystosharefacilitiesthatmightbeavailableinadjoiningor nearbyathleticclubsorothervenuesthatwouldtendtoalreadyprovidethesefacilities.Incentivesfrom employerstoutilizethesefacilitiesshouldalsobeconsidered.Intheinterim,educationalprogramscan helpinstructridershowtobesttravelbybicycleinallweatherconditions. Inadditiontothefeaturesandamenitiesdiscussedabove,considerationshouldalsobegivento improvingthecyclingwalkingtransitlink.Thiscanbeanimportantstepinhelpingtomakewalkingand cyclingpartofdailylife.HarfordTransitisdevelopingaQuickResponse(QR)codeprogramandoncea bicyclemapisdevelopedthetwoshouldbelinked. ImplementationStrategies 1. WorkwithStateandCountyagenciestoensurethatcrossingsignalsaretimedtoallowallusers tosafelycrosstheroad. 2. Routinelymaintainbicyclefacilitiessotheycanprovideusable,safe,andcomfortableconditions forbicyclists. 3. Identifyandprioritizeshortandlongtermbicycleparkingneedsandworkwiththeappropriate entitiestoprovidetheneededfacilities. 4. Developandimplementaprogramtoprovidebicycleparkingonpublicproperties. 5. Adoptabicycleparkingordinancethatestablishesguidelinesforbicycleparkinglinkedtoland uses. 6. Workwiththemunicipalitiestodevelopavaletbikeparkingprogramforspecialevents. 7. Workwiththebusinesscommunitytoprovideshowersandchangingroomsaspartofthe CountysHealthyWorkplaceinitiative. 8. Developaprogramthatprovidesfortheregularinspectionandmaintenanceofpedestrian facilities. 9. Establishahotlineorwebsiteforthereportingoffacilitymaintenanceandrepairissues specificallyrelatedtobicycleandpedestrianfacilities. 10. Improveaccesstoandprovideamenitiesalongpublictrailsasappropriate. 11. Improvethewalkingenvironmentbyprovidingdesignelementsthatincludeshadetrees, appropriatestreetfurniture,lighting,waterfountains,trashfacilities,andlandscaping. 12. LinktheCountysbicyclemaptoaQuickResponse(QR)codeandmakeitavailableatvarious locationsincludingtransitandMARCstops. 49
WayfindingandSignage Policy:Assistbicyclistsandpedestriansbyofferingsignageandmapsthatclearlyidentifydirections, destinations,andserviceswhilealsopromotingawarenessofbicycleandpedestrianactivity. Oneofthemosteffectivewaysofencouragingpeopletobikeorwalkisthroughtheuseofmapsand guidestoshowthattheinfrastructureexists,andtodemonstratehoweasyitistoaccessdifferentareas bybikeorbyfoot.Theycanalsobeusedtohighlightuniqueareas,shoppingdistricts,schoolsor recreationalareas.Mapswillbemadeavailableonlineanddistributedatcommunityeventsandat storesthatsupportbicyclingandwalkingactivities.However,mapsarejustpartoftheprocessandtobe trulyeffectivetheymustbeaccompaniedbygoodsignageaspartofacomprehensivewayfinding program. Wayfindingisdefinedasallofthewaysinwhichpeopleorientthemselvesandnavigate fromplacetoplace.Italsoincludeshowtheyinterprettheirsurroundings.Signageisan importantpartofwayfinding,anditshouldhaveauniformlookthatallowsforeasy navigationhighlightingdestinationsandprovidingdistanceinformation.Itshouldalso helptoimprovedriverawarenessofbicycleandpedestrianactivity. Signsalongthepedestrianandbicyclenetworkcancommunicatevariouskindsof information.Thisincludesregulations,warnings,andinterpretive information.Bicyclerouteandpedestriansignscanbeusedtobrandor identifytheroutesthatmakeuptheCountysnetwork. Fortrailnetworks,wayfindingsignsshouldincludethenetworklogoor brand,ifappropriate,andtheyshouldcommunicateinformationtousers suchasdirectionalarrowsanddistancestospecificlocationsorattractions.Thesesignsaregenerally locatedattrailheads,accesspointsorgatewaysoralongadesignatedroute.Interpretivesignsonthe otherhand,providespecificinformationaboutpointsofecological,historical,culturalandgeneral interests. Regulatorysignsaredesignedtocontrolparticularaspects oftravelandusealongtheroadoroffroadnetworksuchas whereabikeroutebeginsorendsorpedestriancrossings occur.Warningsignsareusedtohighlightconditionsthat poseapotentialsafetyorconvenienceconcerntonetwork users.ExamplesincludeSharetheRoad,Watchfor Pedestrians,PavementChanges,orSteepSlopes. Thesignsusedthroughoutthebicycleandpedestriannetworkshouldbeeconomical,adaptable, durableandidentifiable.TheyshouldalsofollowstandardsestablishedbytheMarylandManualon UniformTrafficControlDevices(MDMUTCD). ImplementationStrategies 1. DevelopacountywideBicycleMapandbrochurethatincludessafetyinformation. 2. Developandimplementaconsistentsystemofpedestrianandbicyclesignagetodirectusersto majorlandmarks,parks,andotherfacilitiesandservices. 50
3. SignCountyroadsforbicycleusewhereappropriate. 4. WorkwiththeStateHighwayAdministrationtoupdateandimprovesignagealongallState designatedbikeroutes. 5. WorkwiththeStateHighwayAdministrationtoaddbicycleandpedestriansignageasidentified intheMDRoute22CorridorStudy. 6. Ensurethatsignsarelocatedandmaintainedtoensuremaximumvisibility. 7. ContinuetoensurethatallschoolcrossingandpedestriancrossingsignagemeetsMDMUTCD coderequirements. 8. EstablishaRackswithPlaquesprogram.
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Programs Policy:Promoteeducationandawarenessaboutthevalueofbicycleandpedestriantraveland encouragesafebicycle,pedestrian,andmotorvehicleinteraction. Inadditiontoprovidinginfrastructuretosupportbicyclingandwalking,avarietyofprogramsare needed.Programsthatprovideandpromoteeducation,encouragement,enforcement,andevaluation incorporatethe5Esthatarecriticaltothesuccessofabicycleandpedestrianplan.Theseprograms assistpeopleinmakingthetransitiontowalkingandbicyclingafteryearsofbeingautodependent. Everyone,includingmotorists,canbenefitfromprogramsthatpromotesafepracticesandrulesofthe road.Ideallyprogramsandpoliciesshouldbeimplementedconcurrentlywithinfrastructure improvements.However,manyprogramscanbeinitiatedbeforeinfrastructureimprovementsare completed.ExamplesofsomeoftheprogramsaredetailedinAppendixE. SafeRoutestoSchool,WalkingSchoolBuses,orjusthavingschoolstaffthatencouragestudentstowalk orridetheirbikestoschoolareexamplesofeffortsthatcanbeinitiatedwhilenetworkimprovements arebeingcompleted.FormostschoolsintheDevelopmentEnvelope,walkingorcyclingisanoptionfor atleastaportionoftheschoolpopulation.However,anincreasingnumberofschooltripsinvolvethe automobilewhichcreatesanumberofproblemsincludingtrafficcongestion,reducedexercisefor children,andapotentialfordangerousconditionswherepedestrians,cyclistsandmotorvehicles interact. Toaddressthisproblem,HarfordCountyGovernment,HarfordCountyPublicSchools,HealthyHarford, andtheObesityTaskForcearepartneringtogethertodesignapilotbicyclingandwalkingprogramto improvetheoverallwellnessofHarfordCountystudents.Thepilotprogramselectedthreeschools:one elementary,onemiddleschool,andonehighschooltolaunchanewwellnessgoalbaseduponactively movingtoandfromschool.Thepilotprogramwillrequireinvolvementbymembersoftheschooland thesurroundingcommunitytomakeitasuccess.Inaddition,thispilotprogramwillrequire collaborationwiththeDepartmentofPublicWorkstoensurethatbicycleandpedestrianinfrastructure improvementprogramssupportsafeandhealthyroutestoschool.Asanotherpartofthiseffort,the BoardofEducationshouldincorporatesafewalkingandbicyclingprogramsintotheirphysicaleducation curriculum. Tofurthersupportwalkingandbicyclingtoschool,theCountyshouldestablishacommitteethatwould beresponsibleforcoordinatingandmanagingthevariouscomponentsoftheSafeRoutetoSchools grantprogramthatisnowpartofthetransportationalternativessectionofMovingAheadforProgress inthe21stCentury(MAP21)program.Ataminimum,thecommitteeshouldincluderepresentatives fromtheBoardofEducation,theDepartmentofPublicWorks,theSustainabilityOffice,theSherriffs OfficeandtheHealthDepartment.Alistofpotentialprojectsshouldbepreparedforfuturegrant opportunitiestherebyassuringthatfundingopportunitiesarenotmissed. Inadditiontoprogramsforschoolagedchildren,thereisaneedforprogramsthateducateadultusers pedestrians,cyclists,andmotorists.Adultsneedtheskills,knowledge,confidence,andmotivationto setagoodexampleforchildren.ThesecanbeobtainedthroughclassesateitherattheCommunity CollegeorthroughtheLeagueofAmericanBicyclistsandbyworkingwithlocalcyclingorganizations. TheMarylandDepartmentofTransportationhasalsodevelopedadultbicycleeducationmaterialswhich includeabrochureandvideo,andvariousotherStateagenciesincludingtheMarylandVehicle Administrationarepromotingeducationalmaterialsaboutbicycle,pedestrianandmotorvehiclesafety andinteraction. 52
Cooperationandrespectbetweenmotoristsandcyclistsandpedestriansisanimportantpartof reducingthenumberofconflictsandcollisionsthatoccur.Asthenumberofcyclistsandpedestrians increases,abetterunderstandingoftherulesoftheroadbyallusersmustbeemphasized.Safety campaignssuchasStreetSmartcanbeusedtoreachallsegmentsofthepopulation.Thiscampaign usesavarietyofmediumsalongwithpersonalcontacttospreadasafetymessage.Thecampaignis gearedtoallusersoftheroad.Publicservicemessagesalongwithdrivereducationtrainingcanalso helptoexpandawarenessofwhatvariousbicycleandpedestrianroadmarkingsandsignsmean. EquallyimportanttopromotingawarenessaboutroadusersrightsandregulationsisenforcementThe MarylandStatePoliceandtheMarylandDepartmentofTransportationhavepartneredtoproducea trainingvideoforMarylandlawenforcementofficersonbicycleandtrafficsafetyenforcement.This videoisexpectedtobecompletedin2013,anditwillbesubjecttoMarylandPoliceTraining Certification.Localenforcementagenciesshouldincorporatethisvideointotheirinserviceandentry leveltraining. Speedingandfailuretoobeytrafficlawsoftenresultinconflictsbetweenmotoristsandotherusers. Whilecrashdatalocationscansupplyastartingpointforenforcementefforts,areaswithhigher pedestrianvolumescouldbeafocalpointforfutureenforcementandeducationefforts.Safetyexperts recommendtargetingthefollowingviolations: Motoristsfailuretoyieldorstopforpedestriansandcyclistswhenrequiredbytrafficlaw; Excessivemotorvehiclespeed; Intoxicateddrivers; Distracteddriversandwalkers; Cyclistsfailuretoyieldwhenrequiredbytrafficlaw; Cyclistridinginthewrongdirectionagainsttraffic; Cyclistridingatnightwithinadequatelighting.2
Betterdocumentationofviolationscombinedwithimprovedreportingonbicycleandpedestrian accidentscanhelptodirectfutureeducationandenforcementefforts.Thisinformationcanalsobe usedtohelpidentifypossiblesafetyinterventionssuchasadditionalpedestrianandbicyclefacility improvements,andtrafficmanagementandcalmingmeasuresthathelptoreducevehiclespeedsand volumes. ImplementationStrategies 1. Provideeducationalopportunitiesforchildrenandadultstolearnaboutsaferidingandwalking behaviors. 2. WorkwiththeBoardofEducationtodevelopabicycleandpedestriansafetycurriculumand includebicycleandpedestrianinformationinthedriverseducationcurriculum. 3. CoordinatewiththeBoardofEducationtoestablishabaselinecountofstudentsandfaculty walkingorbicyclingtoschool,andusethisdataasastartingpointformonitoringthesuccessof aWalkable/BikeableSchoolprogram.
NHSTA, Resource Guide on Laws Related to Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
2
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4. WorkwiththeBoardofEducationtodevelopSafeRoutestoSchoolsaswellassafeunloading andloadingareas. 5. EstablishacommitteetoapplyforandmanageSafeRoutetoSchoolgrants. 6. EncouragecyclingandwalkingforseniorsthroughpilotprogramsatSeniorCenters. 7. BecomearecognizedBicycleFriendlyCommunity. 8. EncouragethemunicipalitiestobecomeWalkFriendlyCommunities. 9. EstablishaHarfordCountyBicycleandPedestrianWebpage. 10. Workwiththemunicipalitiestoholdcycloviaevents. 11. ContinuetosupportBiketoWorkDay,WalktoSchoolDayandothernationaleventswhich promotebicyclingandwalking. 12. ContinuetoworkwithHealthyHarfordtoexpandoutreachactivitiesassociatedwithwalking andbicyclingaspartofahealthylivinginitiative. 13. WorkwithHarfordCommunityCollegeandAberdeenProvingGroundtodevelopand implementabikeshareprogramandacommuterbikeprogram. 14. Workwiththebusinesscommunitytopromoteandsupportbicycleuseandwalking. 15. Encouragecorporations,institutions,andprivatedonorstosupportexistingandproposed bikeway,multiusetrails,andwalkwaysystems. 16. Developandpromoteapublicawarenesscampaigntoincreasepublicrecognitionandto educatethegeneralpublicabouttherightsandresponsibilitiesofbicyclists,pedestrians,and motorists. 17. Developabilingualeducationalcampaignforbicycleandpedestriansafetymessages. 18. Sponsordesigncontestsforpostersandwebmaterialspublicizingwalkingandcyclingasmeans oftransportation. 19. ExpandtheAdoptaTrailprogramincoordinationwiththeDepartmentofParksand Recreationandothertrailrelatednonprofitorganizationstoensurethatexistingandnewtrails continuetobeincorporatedintheexistingprogram. 20. Providebicycleandpedestrianeducationforlawenforcementpersonneltopromotebicycle safetyandreduceconflictsbetweenmotorists,pedestrians,andcyclists. 21. Increaseenforcementoftrafficlawsformotorist,pedestrians,andcyclistsespeciallyasafollow uptosafetycampaigns. 54
22. Compileandanalyzereportedbicycleandpedestriancollisionstatisticsonanannualbasis. 23. WorkwiththeCountyCounciltoenactlegislationthatallowsbicycleuseonsidewalkswithina threemileradiusofschools.
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IMPLEMENTATION
The2012BicycleandPedestrianMasterPlanestablishesaseriesofstrategiesthatserveasthe frameworkforimplementation.ThestrategiesoftheBicycleandPedestrianPlanincludeimprovements tothebicycleandpedestriannetwork,theprovisionofsupportfacilitiesthatsustaindoortodoor travel,wayfindingandsignageimprovements,andprogramsthatpromoteeducation,awareness,and safety.SuccessfullyimplementingthesewillrequirethecooperationoflocalandStateagenciesand officials,communityleaders,andcitizens.HarfordCountywillstrivetoaddressthesestrategiesina fiscallyresponsiblemannerwhilealsosupportingtheCountyssustainabilitygoals. Aworkprogramhasbeendevelopedthatprioritizestheseinitiativesandidentifiestheprimary departmentsresponsiblefortheimplementation.Finally,itidentifieswhichoftheimplementation measuresinvolvecapitalbudgetexpenditures. TohelpprovidedirectionandaccountabilityfortheimplementationstrategiesincludedinthisPlan,an implementationmatrixwasdeveloped.Thismatrixaddresseseachofthestrategiesidentifiedinthe Planandassignsatimeframetothetask.Thetimeframeisintendedtoindicatethegeneralinterval duringwhichthestrategyistobecompleted.Threetimeframesareused:shortterm(03years), intermediate(36years),andlongtermeffortsthatmustbeaddressedonanongoingbasisthroughout thelifeofthisPlan.Thetimeframeandextenttowhichaparticularactionitemiscompletedis dependentonmanyfactors,includingbutnotlimitedto,availableresources,includingpersonneland finances,publicsupport,andrequiredcoordinationandsupportfromStateagenciesforprojectsthat involvetheirrightsofway.TheabbreviationsincludedinFigure20belowareusedinthe ResponsibilitycolumnoftheImplementationMatrix. Allofthestrategiesincludedinthematrixwillbereviewedannually,andtheDirectoroftheDepartment ofPlanningandZoningshallprepareanannualreportidentifyingaccomplishmentsandrecommended revisionstothetimeframesassigned.ThiswillbeincludedintheDepartmentsannualreporttothe CountyCouncil. ADMINHarfordCountyAdministration/SustainabilityOffice APGAberdeenProvingGround BOEBoardofEducation DCSDepartmentofCommunityServices DPWDepartmentofPublicWorks HCCHarfordCommunityCollege HDHealthDepartment Figure20 HHHealthyHarford MUNMunicipalities OEDOfficeofEconomicDevelopment P&RDepartmentofParksandRecreation P&ZDepartmentofPlanningandZoning SHAStateHighwayAdministration SHOSheriffsOffice
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=LeadRole
Strategy BicycleandPedestrianNetworks Policy: Improve bicycle and pedestrian mobility throughouttheCountybyprovidingasystemthat issuitableforallusersandoffersaccesstomajor destinationareas. 1. Reviewandupdatetheprojectslistevery twoyearsprioritizingprojectsthat connectdestinationssuchasschools, neighborhoods,parks,andother communityservices. 2. Developacomprehensiveapproachto improvingtheCountysonroadbike networkincludingdevelopmentofcriteria fordesignatingsharetheroadroutes. 3.
ImplementationPartner
=SupportRole Timing
Admin
MUN
DPW
P&R
OED
APG
SHO Shortterm Shortterm Intermediate Shortterm Longterm Longterm Longterm Longterm Longterm Longterm
BOE
P&Z
WorkwiththeCommunityCouncilsto identifyareaswhereRoadSafetyAudits areneededandusethisinformationto identifypotentialbicycleandpedestrian projects. 4. Developandimplementaprocessfor workingwiththeState,themunicipalities andtheDepartmentofPublicWorksto ensurethatbicycleandpedestrian facilitiesareprovidedconsistentwiththe prioritiesestablishedinthisPlan. 5. ContinuetoworkwiththeStateHighway Administrationtoaddbicycleand pedestrianfacilitiesasidentifiedinthe MDRoute22CorridorStudy. 6. Pursuecapitalimprovementfundingor grantfundingforpedestrianandbicycle improvementsandfacilitymaintenance. 7. Ensurethatalltransportationprojects, whereappropriate,areplannedutilizinga CompleteStreetapproachtothe maximumextentpossible. 8. Ensurethatnewdevelopmentsinclude pedestrian,bicycle,andtrailfacilitiesthat connecttoadjoiningproperties. 9. Evaluateredevelopmentprojectsimpact onbicycleandpedestriantravel,and requirethatsufficientrightofway facilitiesareprovidedinareaswherea needhasbeenidentified. 10. MaintaintheCountysdigitalinventoryof sidewalks.
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SHA
HCC
DCS
HD
HH
=LeadRole
Strategy Admin BOE APG
ImplementationPartner MUN DPW P&R OED P&Z HCC HD HH
=SupportRole Timing SHO Shortterm Shortterm Longterm Longterm Intermediate Longterm Longterm Intermediate Longterm Longterm SHA
11. Developaninterdepartmentalteamof Countystafftofocusonthe implementationofthefiveEs education,encouragement,engineering, enforcement,andevaluation. 12. Developatransitionplantobringcurb cuts,sidewalks,andstreetcrossingsinto ADAcompliance. 13. Addorupgradecrosswalkmarkingsand signagetoimprovepedestriansafety. 14. ContinueworkingwiththeStateandthe EastCoastGreenwaytoensurethat facilitiesandroadwayimprovementsare providedtoaccommodatecyclistsand pedestriansasappropriate. 15. Ensurethattransitstopsareservedby sidewalksandthatpedestriancrossing signageisprovided. 16. ContinuetoworkwiththeStateandCity ofAberdeenontheprovisionofbicycle andpedestrianneedsaspartofthe developmentoftheAberdeenStation Center. 17. ContinuetocoordinatewithHarford TransitLinktoprovidepedestrianand cyclingoptionsforcrossingthe SusquehannaRiverandI95/Rt24 interchange 18. Continueeffortstodesignateabicycle routebetweenAberdeenProvingGround andBelAirthatbypassestheI95/MD24 interchange. 19. DevelopanetworkofbikewaysonCounty andmunicipalroadwaystocompliment andconnectwithStatedesignatedroutes. SupportFacilities Policy:Ensurethatfeaturesandamenitiesthat supportbicycleandpedestrianactivityare providedinamannerthatsustainsdoortodoor travel. 1. WorkwithStateandCountyagenciesto ensurethatcrossingsignalsaretimedto allowalluserstosafelycrosstheroad. 2. Routinelymaintainbicyclefacilitiesso
DCS
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=LeadRole
=SupportRole Timing SHO Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Shortterm Longterm Shortterm Shortterm Intermediate Longterm Shortterm Shortterm SHA
theycanprovideusable,safe,and comfortableconditionsforbicyclists. 3. Identifyandprioritizeshortandlongterm bicycleparkingneedsandworkwiththe appropriateentitiestoprovidethe neededfacilities. 1. Developandimplementaprogramto providebicycleparkingonpublic properties. 2. Adoptabicycleordinancethatestablishes guidelinesforbicycleparkinglinkedto landuses. 3. Workwiththemunicipalitiestodevelopa valetbikeparkingprogramforspecial events. 4. Workwiththebusinesscommunityto provideshowersandchangingroomsas partoftheCountysHealthyWorkplace initiative. 5. Developaprogramthatprovidesforthe regularinspectionandmaintenanceof pedestrianfacilities. 6. Establishahotlineorwebsiteforthe reportingoffacilitymaintenanceand repairissuesspecificallyrelatedtobicycle andpedestrianfacilities. 7. Improveaccesstoandprovideamenities alongpublictrailsasappropriate. 8. Improvethewalkingenvironmentby providingdesignelementsthatinclude shadetrees,appropriatestreetfurniture, lighting,waterfountains,trashfacilities, andlandscaping. 9. LinktheCountysbicyclemaptoaQuick Response(QR)codeandmakeitavailable atvariouslocationsincludingtransitand MARCstops. WayfindingandSignage PolicyAssistbicyclistsandpedestriansby offeringsignageandmapsthatclearlyidentify directions,destinations,andserviceswhilealso promotingawarenessofbicycleandpedestrian activity. 1. DevelopacountywideBicycleMapand
DCS
60
=LeadRole
=SupportRole Timing SHO Intermediate Shortterm Longterm Longterm Longterm Longterm Shortterm Longterm Shortterm Longterm Longterm SHA
2.
3. 4.
5.
brochurethatincludessafety information. Developandimplementaconsistent systemofpedestrianandbicyclesignage todirectuserstomajorlandmarks,parks, andotherfacilitiesandservices. SignCountyroadsforbicycleusewhere appropriate. WorkwiththeStateHighway Administrationtoupdateandimprove signagealongallStatedesignatedbike routes. WorkwiththeStateHighway Administrationtoaddbicycleand pedestriansignageasidentifiedintheMD Route22CorridorStudy.
DCS
6.
Ensurethatsignsarelocatedand maintainedtoensuremaximum visibility.
Continuetoensurethatallschool crossingandpedestriancrossingsignage meetsMDMUTCDcoderequirements. 8. EstablishaRackswithPlaquesprogram. Programs Policy:Promoteeducationandawarenessabout thevalueofbicycleandpedestriantraveland encouragesafebicycle,pedestrian,andmotor vehicleinteraction. 1. Provideeducationalopportunitiesfor childrenandadultstolearnaboutsafe ridingandwalkingbehaviors. 2. WorkwiththeBoardofEducationto developabicycleandpedestriansafety curriculumandincludebicyclingand pedestrianinformationinthedrivers educationprogram. 3. CoordinatewiththeBoardofEducation toestablishabaselinecountofstudents andfacultywalkingorbicyclingtoschool, andusethisdataasastartingpointfor monitoringthesuccessofa Walkable/BikeableSchoolprogram. 4. WorkwiththeBoardofEducationto developSafeRoutetoSchoolsaswellas safeunloadingandloadingareas.
7.
61
=LeadRole
=SupportRole Timing SHO Shortterm Longterm Intermediate Intermediate Shortterm Shortterm Longterm Longterm Shortterm Longterm Longterm Longterm Shortterm Intermediate Longterm SHA
5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
Establishacommitteetoapplyforand manageSafeRoutetoSchoolgrants. Encouragecyclingandwalkingforseniors throughpilotprogramsatSeniorCenters. BecomearecognizedBicycleFriendly Community. Encouragethemunicipalitiestobecome WalkFriendlyCommunities. EstablishaHarfordCountyBicycleand Pedestrianwebpage. Workwiththemunicipalitiestohold cycloviaevents. ContinuetosupportBiketoWorkDay, WalktoSchoolDay,andothernational eventswhichpromotebicyclingand walking. ContinuetoworkwithHealthyHarfordto expandoutreachactivitiesassociated withwalkingandbicyclingaspartofa healthylivinginitiative. WorkwithHarfordCommunityCollege andAberdeenProvingGroundtodevelop andimplementabicycleshareprogram andacommuterbicycleprogram. Workwiththebusinesscommunityto promoteandsupportbicycleuseand walking. Encouragecorporations,institutions,and privatedonorstosupportexistingand proposedbikeway,multiusetrails,and walkwaysystems. Developandpromoteapublicawareness campaigntoincreasepublicrecognition andtoeducatethegeneralpublicabout therightsandresponsibilitiesofbicyclists, pedestrians,andmotorists. Developabilingualeducationalcampaign forbicycleandpedestriansafety messages. Sponsordesigncontestsforpostersand webmaterialspublicizingwalkingand cyclingasmeansoftransportation. ExpandtheAdoptaTrailprogramin coordinationwiththeDepartmentof ParksandRecreationandothertrail relatednonprofitorganizationstoensure
DCS
62
=LeadRole
=SupportRole Timing SHO SHA
20.
21.
22.
23.
thatexistingandnewtrailscontinuetobe incorporatedintotheexistingprogram. Providebicycleandpedestrianeducation forlawenforcementpersonnelto promotebicyclesafetyandreduce conflictsbetweenmotorists,pedestrians, andcyclists. Increaseenforcementoftrafficlawsfor motorists,pedestrians,andcyclists especiallyasafollowuptosafety campaigns. Compileandanalyzereportedbicycleand pedestriancollisionstatisticsonan annualbasis. WorkwiththeCountyCounciltoenact legislationthatallowsbicycleuseon sidewalkswithinathreemileradiusof schools.
DCS
Shortterm
Longterm
Longterm
Shortterm
63
64
AppendixABicycleandPedestrianMasterPlanAdvisoryCommittee
WalterBillerBillersBikes,HavredeGrace RobertBuchananHarfordVelo;LeagueofAmericanBicyclistscertifiedinstructor ErinFerriterSustainabilityCoordinator,HarfordCountySustainabilityOffice;Pedestrianadvocate MatthewHellerChesapeakeSpokes MichaelJacksonDirector,BicycleandPedestrianAccess,MarylandDepartmentofTransportation PaulMagnessChiefofCapitalPlanningandDevelopment,HarfordCountyDepartmentofParksand Recreation HudsonMyersDeputyDirector,HarfordCountyDepartmentofPublicWorks GinnyPopiolekSupervisor,Elementary/MiddleSchoolPhysicalEducationandK12HealthEducation Curriculum,Instruction,andAssessment,HarfordCountyPublicSchools BariKleinRubinoffGrantsCoordinator,HarfordCountyHealthDepartmentandUpperChesapeake Health SidSteelmanHarfordVelo HeatherStrassberger Bicycle,Pedestrian&CoordinatedMobilityPlanner,BaltimoreMetropolitan Council JeanVettelAberdeenProvingGroundbicyclecommuter KeithWarnerHarfordCountySheriffsDepartment
65
66
APPENDIXBCommunityWalkMunicipalComments
ABERDEEN LOCATION MullinsPark W.BelAirAve.&Rt.22 BeardsHill&Rt.22 Rt.7&StepneyRd. BakerStreet
CSXRailwayCrossing
W.BelAirAve.
Rt.132&BushChapelRd. AberdeenTrainStation Providebicycleandpedestrianconnections,bikestorage,andbikeshare TOD program AberdeenThwy ExtendbikeroutetoAPG
PROJECTCOMMENT Pedestriantrailneeded Difficultintersectionforcyclists Difficultroute Difficultintersection Needpedestrianlinktoschools Pedestriansafetyimprovementsneeded NeedpedestriancrossingforFairbrookeSeniorApartments Intersectionimprovementsneeded
BELAIR LOCATION Rt.22&BynumRunPark MooresMillRoad S.AtwoodRd.&MarketplaceDr. Rt.22&RockfieldManor Rt.924&MooresMillRoad Rt.22&LeeStreet S.HaysSt.&ChurchvilleRd.Ext. Courtland&Hickory PROJECTCOMMENT Narrowshoulderdangerousforcyclists Narrowshoulderdangerousforcyclists Missingsidewalkandcrosswalkneeded Pedestriancrosswalkneeded Pedestriancrosswalksneeded SidewalkneededforHarfordTransitLinkstop Crosswalkneeded Crosswalksignageneeded;stormgrateupgrade needed GilesStreet TrailconnectiontoRockfieldPark LinwoodAve. TrailconnectiontoRockfieldPark JacksonBlvd. TrailconnectiontoRockfieldPark S.MainStreetandRt.22 Difficultintersectionforpedestrians LinwoodRd.&Rt924 Difficultcrosswalkforpedestrians Rt.1&Tollgate(Mall) Bikeparkingneeded GatewayDrive TrailconnectiontoMa&Patrail Ma&PaTrail Completemissingtrailsegment MajorsChoice&MooresMillRd. ConnectiontoalternativeRt.22linktoHarford CommunityCollege
67
APPENDIXBCommunityWalkMunicipalComments
HAVREDEGRACE LOCATION St.John&FranklinSts. LewisLaneandGraceManor Dr. ChapelRd.&GraceManor OntarioSt.&St.JamesTerrace PenningtonAve.nearRRtracks OtsegoSt.&PearlSt. OtsegoSt.&FreedomLane OtsegoSt.&WaterSt. Bourbon&MarketSt. LewisLane(Rt.40toRt.7) LewisLanewestofRt.40 LewisLane BourbonSt.&S.JuniataSt. RevolutionSt.&S.JuniataSt. Market&GreenSt. Rt.155&BulleRockParkway BulleRockParkway BulleRockParkwaytoNorth ParkTrail PenningtonAve. NorthParkLoopTrail ClarkRoad PROJECTCOMMENT Bikeparkingneeded Bikeparkingneeded Bikeparkingneeded Bikeparkingneeded Bikerouteneeded Signageneededwatchforpedestriansandcyclists Signageneededwatchforpedestriansandcyclists Signageneededwatchforpedestriansandcyclists Bikeroutesignageneeded(EastCoastGreenway) Bikeroutesignageneeded(EastCoastGreenway) Bikeroutesignageneeded(EastCoastGreenway) Addbicycle/pedestrianlinkfromCommunityCentertoPennington Ave.&MarketSt. Bikeroutesignageneeded(EastCoastGreenway) Bikeroutesignageneeded(EastCoastGreenway) Bikeroutesignageneeded(EastCoastGreenway) Signageneededandlinktofuturehospitalcampus Signageneeded Linkageneeded Bicyclerouteneeded TrailtoLapidumRd. TrailconnectionneededtoSwanHarborFarm
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AppendixCCompleteStreetsGuidelines
TheNationalCompleteStreetsCoalitionhasidentifiedtenelementsofacomprehensivecomplete streetspolicy.Anidealpolicewould: 1. Includeavisionforhowandwhythecommunitywantstocompleteitsstreets. 2. Specifythatallusersincludespedestrians,bicyclists,andtransitpassengersofallagesand abilitiesaswellastrucks,buses,andautomobiles. 3. Encouragestreetconnectivityandaimstocreateacomprehensive,integrated,connected networkforallusers. 4. Isadoptablebyallagenciestocoverallroads. 5. Appliestobothnewandretrofitprojects,includingdesign,planning,maintenance,and operationsfortheentirerightofway. 6. Makesanyexceptionsspecificandsetsaclearprocedurethatrequireshighlevelapprovalof exceptions. 7. Directtheuseofthelatestandbestdesignstandardswhilerecognizingtheneedforflexibilityin balancinguserneeds. 8. Directsthatcompletestreetssolutionswillcomplementthecontextofthecommunity. 9. Establishesperformancestandardswithmeasurableoutcomes. 10. Includesspecificnextstepsforimplementationofpolicy. Completestreetspoliciesshouldresultinthecreationofacompletetransportationnetworkforall modesoftravel.Insteadoftryingtomakeeachstreetperfectforthetraveler,communitiescancreate aninterwovenarrayofstreetsthatemphasizedifferentmodesandprovidequalityaccessibilityforall users.Itisimportanttoprovidebasicsafeaccessforallandnetworksshouldnotrequiresomeusersto takelongdetours. Ratherthantreatingmultimodalstreetsasspecialprojects,completestreetsintentistoviewall transportationimprovementsasopportunitiestocreatesafer,accessiblestreets.Underthisapproach, evensmallprojectscanbeanopportunitytomakemeaningfulimprovements.Inrepavingprojects,for example,anedgestripecanbeshiftedtocreateroomforcyclists.Inroutineworkontrafficlights,the timingcanbechangedtobetteraccommodatepedestrianswalkingataslowerspeed.Astrong completestreetspolicywillintegratecompletestreetsplanningintoalltypesofprojects,includingnew construction,reconstruction,rehabilitation,repairandmaintenance.3
www.completestreets.org/changing-policy/policy-elements.
69
70
AppendixDBicycleParkingFacilities
Bicycleparkingisanimportantpartofabicycleplan.Itprovidessecurityforbicycleusersattheir destinations.Boththetypeofrackandwhereracksarelocatedmustbeconsideredwhenproviding thesefacilities.Parkingforbicyclescanbeeitherlongtermorshortterm. Longtermparkingisneededatemploymentcentersandtransportationterminalstosafelystore bicyclesforseveralhoursordaysatatime.Itmustbefullyprotectedfromtheweather,andenclosedin asecurespace.Thistypeoffacilitygenerallyincludeslockers,storagerooms,orfencedareaswith restrictedaccess. Shorttermparking,providedbyracks,isthemostfrequentlyusedformofbicycleparking.Itisneeded atcommercialandrecreationcentersandatschools,librariesandothersimilarfacilities.Itshouldbeas closetothedestinationaspossible.Atleastsomeshorttermbicycleparkingshouldbeprotectedfrom theweather(aportioncanbeunprotected,sincedemandtendstoincreaseduringdryweather),andit shouldbevisibletobypasserstodiscouragetheft. Agoodbikerackwillsupportthebicyclebyitsframeattwopoints.Itshouldpreventthewheelofthe bikefromtippingover,anditshouldprovidefortheframeandoneorbothwheelstobesecured.An invertedU,anAoraPostandLooprack,alsoknownasaPostandRingrackareacceptableoptions. Anotheroptionisartisticbikeracksthatcombineformandfunction.Thisconceptworkswellin municipalareasasavenueforartwork.Comb,Wave,andToastracks,whicharefrequentlyused,are discouragedbecauseofthepotentialofdamagetothebike,andtheirinabilitytoproperlysupportbikes withoutkickstands.Thelocationoftherackareainrelationtothebuildingitisservingisvery important.Racksshouldbelocatedascloseaspossibletotheentrancewithoutimpedingaccesstothe building.Effortsshouldbemadetolocatethemcloserthanthenearestautomobileparkingspace,and theyshouldbevisiblebypassersby.Rackslocatedawayfromtheentranceareperceivedtobe vulnerabletotamperingortheft,andtheytendnotbeusedbymostcyclists.Inadditiontoproximityto theentrance,thelocationshouldprovideforadequateroomforthecyclisttoapproach,dismount,and securetheirbike. Bicycleracksandlockersmustbewellanchoredtothegroundtoavoidvandalismandtheft.Theyshould belocatedwherecyclesalreadytendtopark,orwhererecommendedbybicycleadvisorygroups.Signs maybeneededtoindicatebikeracklocations.Thefollowingfactorsshouldbeconsideredwhenlocating bikeparkingfacilities: 71
VisibilityRacksshouldbehighlyvisiblesocyclistscanspotthemimmediatelywhentheyarrive fromthestreet.Theyalsoshouldbevisiblefromthebuildingentranceitisserving.Avisible locationdiscouragestheftandvandalism. SecurityAdequatelightingandsurveillanceisessentialforthesecurityofthebicyclesandthe users. WeatherProtectionWherepossible,coverageshouldbeprovidedtoprotectbicyclesfromthe weather.Recommendationsincludeusinganexistingoverhangorcoveredwalkway,or constructionofafreestandingroof. AdequateClearanceRacksshouldbelocatedsothatparkedbicyclesdonotblockthepedestrian path.Adequateclearancearoundtheracksisrequired,togivepedestrianclearanceandclearance fromthecurborparkedcars.Racksshouldnotbeplacedatloadingareas,nearafirehydrant,and shouldnotblockbuildingentrancesorobscuresightlines.
72
RackStyleExamples
Inverted U
One rack element supports two bikes
A
Post and Loop

Comb
One rack element is a vertical segment of the rack
Wave
One rack element is a vertical segment of the rack
Toast
One rack element holds one wheel of a bike 4
Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals. Bicycle Parking Guidelines www.apbp.org
73
74
AppendixEEducationandEncouragementPrograms
BicycleFriendlyCommunity
TheLeagueofAmericanBicyclistshasarespectedBicycleFriendly Communityprogram.Toberecognizedinthisprogram,acommunity mustcompleteadetailedapplicationthatcoversbikerelatedfacilities, plans,educationefforts,promotioninitiatives,andevaluationofwork thathasbeencompletedinthejurisdiction.AwardsaregiveninfourcategoriesBronze,Silver,Gold andPlatinum.InMaryland,Baltimore,Bethesda,Frederick,andRockvillehaveachievedbronzelevel BicycleFriendlyCommunitydesignation.Inaddition,theStateofMarylandreceivedbronzelevel recognitionin2011.OtherareassuchasAnnapolishaveidentifiedthattheywouldliketoachievethis goalaspartoftheirBicycleMasterPlanstrategies,andHarfordCountycanconsultwiththese communitiesandMarylandDOTforadviceonreceivingbicyclefriendlycommunityrecognition. Theprogramisdesignedtorecognizeprogressthatajurisdictionhasmade,aswellasassist communitiesinidentifyingpriorityprojectstoimprovebicyclingconditions.Thefirststepwouldbeto completetheBicycleFriendlyscorecardthatevaluatesthefiveEsEngineering,Education, Encouragement,Enforcement,andEvaluation.HarfordCountyshouldconsiderapplyingforbicycle friendlycommunitystatusafterseveraloftheimprovementsrecommendedinthisPlanhavebeen implemented.Thisprocesscanbeusedtohighlightbicyclinginitiativesandgetrecognitionfor implementingtheBicycleandPedestrianMasterPlan. BicycleandPedestrianSafety/AwarenessCampaign Amarketingcampaignthathighlightsbicyclistandpedestriansafetyisanimportantpartofcreating awarenessaboutbicyclingandwalkinginHarfordCounty.Ahighprofilecampaignisaneffectivewayto reachthegeneralpublic,highlightbicyclingandwalkingasviableformsoftransportation,andreinforce safetyforallroadusers. Awellproducedsafetycampaigncanbememorableandeffective.BecausetheBaltimoreMetropolitan CouncilsupportstheStreetSmartcampaignandhasutilizeditintheBaltimoreregionsince2009,the taglinealreadyhasestablishedsomedegreeofrecognitionamongCountyresidents.HarfordCounty,in cooperationwithHealthyHarford,introducedthecampaignlocallyinthefallof2012atthefirstannual HealthyHarfordDay.HarfordCountywillcontinuetopromoteStreetSmartthroughitsinclusionin theBaltimoreMetropolitanCouncils2013campaign.
StreetSmartpromotessmartwalking,driving,andcyclingthroughpublicawarenessandbehavioral change.Theprogramemphasizestheeducationofmotorists,pedestrians,andcycliststhroughmass 75
mediaandstreetteamsthatdistributeinformation.StreetSmartisalsoaimedtodirectlocal enforcementtolocationswhereenforcementcanraiseawarenessoftherightsandresponsibilitiesof drivers,pedestrians,andcycliststolookoutforoneanotherontheroadway. BicycleRodeo ABikeRodeoisasafetyclinicthatcanfeaturebicyclesafetyinspections,safetytalks,andtherodeo.Itis designedtoprovideopportunitiesforeducatingparentsandchildrenaboutthesafetyaspectsofriding abicycleonstreetsandroads.Thegoalisteachyoungchildrenthebasicskillsneededtocontroltheir bicycle. Becausethephysicalabilityofthechildreninvolvedvarieswidely,aseriesofstationshelpthechildren developtheircoordinationandreflexes.Participantsareusuallyescortedthroughthecourseby knowledgeableadultcyclistsand/orpoliceofficerswhopointouthazards,safetytips,andexplainhow toapplytherulesoftheroad.Stationscanincludemountinganddismounting,circlingandchanging direction,stopping,andslowspeedcontrol.Therepetitivenatureoftheprogramlecturefollowedby doingcombinedwithtakehomematerialshasproventobeaverygoodteachingmethod. BikeShareProgram Abicyclesharingprogramisaservicewherebicyclesaremadeavailableforshareduse.Thecentral conceptofthesesystemsistoprovidefreeoraffordableaccesstobicyclesforshortdistancetripsasan alternativetoprivatevehicles,therebyreducingtrafficcongestion,noise,andairpollution.Inabike shareprogram,userscheckoutabikeandthenreturnittothatlocationoranotherbikesharestation. InHarfordCounty,AberdeenProvingGround,theAberdeenStationSquare,andHarfordCommunity Collegearesiteswherethisprogramcouldprovebeneficial.Whilebikesharingsystemshavebeencited asawaytosolvethe"lastmile"problembyprovidingameansforthoseusingtransittoconveniently completetheirtriptoplacesofemployment,theprogramcanalsoprovideoptionsforlunchtime errandsorexercise. Bikesploration Bikesplorationiscyclingbasedprogramdesignedto introducehighschoolstudentstotheircommunity.The curriculumiscraftedtoallowstudentstosafelyexplore theircommunitybybicyclewhileencouragingthemto becomeactiveinshapingtheplacestheylive,workand play. Participantslearnhowpublicspaces,suchasparksand streetsareimportanttotheircommunity.Theyalso explorethepast,present,andconsiderthefutureof variouspublicspacesthroughbikerides,visitstocultural resources,andmappingexercises.Instructorswill encouragestudentstobecomeengagedcitizensandto advocateforchangestheywouldliketoseetakeplacein theircommunity.
76
CreateaCommuterProgram ACreateaCommuterProgramprovidesbasicbicyclesafetyeducationandoutfittedcommuter bicyclestolowincomeadultsstrivingtohelpthemconnecttowork,workforcedevelopment,ordo otherdailyneeds.Thepurposeoftheprogramistoprovideasafeactivetransportationoptiontolow incomeresidents. Bicyclescanbedonatedbymembersofthecommunityandrefurbishedwithvolunteerorlocal communitysupport.TheprogramcanworkwiththeCountysDepartmentofCommunityServicesor otherlocalsocialserviceagenciestoidentifypossiblecandidates.Candidatesshouldcompleteabicycle safetycourseandacommutingbasicscoursebeforereceivingtheirbicycles. Cyclovia CycloviaisaSpanishwordsignifyingthetemporaryclosingofaroadornetworkofstreetssothatthey canbecomeopentopeopleforwalking,running,ridingtheirbikes,orskating.OriginatinginBogota, Columbiatheconceptisincreasinginpopularityworldwide.Formosteventsaspecificdayandtimeare setasidefortheevent.Locally,acycloviawasheldinBaltimorealongRolandAvenue.Thegeneral goalsofsuchaneventaretopromoteanincreasedawarenessofcyclingandwalkingasacceptableand safemodesoftravelonpublicstreets,increasingawarenessofneighborhoodmobility,livability,and access,whileprovidingauniquefunexperiencethatsupportshealthyactivities.
HarfordCommunityCollege(HCC)BikeProgram Collegestudentsaretheidealcandidatesforbicyclingoutreachprograms,andtheHarfordTransitLink busesthatservicethecampusareequippedwithbikeracks.Aspreviouslymentioned,HCCisanideal siteforabikeshareprogram.Withsuchaprogram,studentscouldusebikestotravelaroundthe campus,includingtheproposedwestcampus,aswellastoleavethecampusforoffsiteservicesand facilities.Toimprovesafety,bikeeducationclassescouldbeaddedtothephysicaleducationcurriculum, andbikeclinicsandmentoringprogramscouldbeofferedincooperationwithlocalcyclingclubs.
77
NationalBikeMonthActivities HarfordCountyhasparticipatedinNationalBiketoWork Daysince2003.TheannualeventisheldinMay,and Countystaffwelcomesmorningcommuterswith energizingfoodanddrinks,giftsandprizes.Participants arealsoabletovisitavendorareawhereinformationon services,healthissues,andotherbicyclerelatedactivities arepresented.Partofaregionaleffortsupportedbythe BMC,registeredparticipantsreceivedcommemorativetee shirtsandfriendlyrivalriesexistamongthejurisdictionsto havethelargestnumberofparticipants.Mentorsare availabletoleadgroupsfromvariouspartsoftheCounty totherallypoint.AspartoftheBiketoWorkDayevent,abicycleparadeisconducted.Theparade travelsthroughdowntownBelAir,anditisdesignedtodrawattentiontothecyclistsaslegitimateroad users,astheroutefollowsmajorcommutingroadways.Alsopartoftheeventistheannualcommuter challenge,acontestwhichrecognizesthecompanieswiththelargestnumberofregisteredparticipants. Someyears,essayandpostercontestsaresponsoredtoexpandawarenessofNationalBikeMonthto theschoolagepopulation. ThefirstNationalBiketoSchooldayoccurredinMay2012,and RedPumpElementarySchoolwasthefirstHarfordCounty Schooltocelebratetheday.Thepurposeoftheeventistobuild enthusiasmforbikingtoschoolandinvolvingthecommunityto supportthisoption.Thiseventcanserveasthefoundationfor changingthebuiltenvironmenttobecomemoreamenableto activetransportation.Teachingstudentssafebikingskillsisalso anessentialpartofstartingabicycleprogram.Aspartofthe workofHarfordCountysObesityTaskForce,theBoardof EducationisworkingwithHarfordCountysOfficeof Sustainabilitytopromotemoreparticipationinthiseventaspartofanoverallefforttoimprovestudent health.Additionalbikeracksarealsobeingprovidedtoschoolstoencouragemoreridership. RackswithPlaques:BicycleRackDonationProgram
Similartoamemorialbrickprogram,theRackswithPlaques programwouldprovidenewbicycleparkingracksbyallowingthe donorsoftherackstobepermanentlyrecognized.Theprogram worksbyprovidingopportunitiesforadonortopurchasearack foraspecificlocation.Adedicationplaquewouldbeattachedto therackrecognizingthedonor.Donorspayfortherack,plaque, andinstallation.Thededicationplaqueisanexcellentwayto recognizepeople,organizations,orbusinessesinthecommunity. Therackswouldbeastandarddesignandcouldvaryinsizeto accommodatefromtwotoeightbikes.Whiletheprogramcould beusedanywhereintheCounty,initialeffortsmightbefocused withinthemunicipalities. 78
SafeRoutestoSchool ThepurposeofSafeRoutestoSchoolistoencourageandeducatestudentsandtheirparentsabout walkingandbikingtoschool.Theprogramsupportsprovidingphysicalimprovementsandprograms thatconnectthetriptoschoolwithsafety,health,communityandchoice.Helpingchildrenwalkand bicycletoschoolisgoodforchildrenshealthandcanreducetrafficcongestionandairpollution associatedwithparentsdrivingtheirchildrentoschool.AsoundSafeRoutestoSchoolprogram addressesallfiveoftheEsengineering,education,encouragement,enforcementandevaluation. Evenwithimprovedinfrastructuretherewillbeadefiniteneedtoeducateandencourageparentsabout thebenefitsofthisprogram.Programsthatteachchildrenhowtowalkandbicyclesafelyare important.Likewise,parents,theschool,andthecommunityneedtoworktogethertoensurethat childrenaresafeastheytraveltoschools. TobeasuccessfulSafeRoutetoSchoolapplicantandtomaintainanongoingprogramthatsupportsthis initiative,theCountyneedstoinvolvemultipleagencies.TheBoardofEducation,theSheriffsOffice, TheDepartmentofPublicWorks,andtheSustainabilityOfficeneedtoworktogethertoensurethat Countyhasanorganizedprocesstoapplyforandimplementgrantsassociatedwithprogram. SharetheTrailCampaign Conflictsbetweentrailuserscanbeamajorissueonpopulartrailnetworks.Communitiesthroughout thecountryhaveusedSharethePathorSharetheTrailprogramstoeducateusersaboutsafetyand courtesy.Theprogramcanberunbyagencies,nonprofits,orotherusergroup.Thepurposeofthe campaignistoeducateusersaboutexpectedbehaviorandhowtolimitconflicts.Volunteersoftengive outbrochures,andtheycanbetaughthowtoengageusersinanonconfrontationalwaywhen witnessingnonrespectfulbehavior.Anotherbenefitofthisprogramisthatthevolunteerscanalso reportbacktotheresponsibletrailagencyaboutmaintenanceissuesorsafety/securityissues.Media outreachabouttheprogramshouldalsobeconducted.Inadditiontoeducationalefforts,consideration shouldbegiventohostingspecialeventsthatpromoteconsiderateuseorthatrewardgoodpractices. ValetBikeParking Valetbikeparkingisaservicethatcanbeofferedat variousevents.Whenattendinganeventcyclistcanleave theirbikewithsomeonewhoisgoingtokeepaneyeonit ratherthanchainingittoapostorevenusingracksthat maynotbeclosetotheevent.Valetparkingnotonly ensuresthesafetyofthebike,butitcreatesacentralized gatheringpoint(akasocialspot)forallthecyclists attendingtheeventthisencouragespeopletoride.The eventitselfbenefitsbecauseofthedecreaseddemandfor carparkingandtheorganizationrunningthevaletbikeparkinghasgreatexposuretothelocalcycling population. WalkingandBicyclingMaps/Webpage Oneofthemosteffectivewaystoencouragebikingandwalkingisthroughtheuseofmapsandguides. Theseshowwherethefacilitiesexistandwheretheyareplanned.Theyhelptodemonstratehowusers 79
canaccessvariousservicesandareasoftheCountybywalkingorbiking.Themapshouldcontainclear symbolsandgraphics.Destinationsforservicesandattractionsshouldbehighlighted,andsafety informationshouldalsobeincluded.Inadditiontoprintedcopies,themapshouldbeavailableona walkingandcyclingwebpage. Awalking/cyclingwebpagewillmakeinformationeasiertofindbyplacingresourcesinonecentral place.Manycurrentandpotentialbicyclistsandpedestriansdonotknowwheretoaccessinformation aboutlaws,events,orgroups.Suchawebsitecouldcontaininformationaboutlocalgroupsincluding clubs,racingteams,andadvocacygroups,andthewebsiteshouldalsoconnecttotheCountysbicycle mentorprogram. WalkingSchoolBuses Awalkingschoolbusisaformoftransportation forschoolagedchildren.Thechildrenare chaperonedbytwoadultsadriverwho leadsandaconductorwhofollows.They walktoschoolinmuchthesamewaythata schoolbuswoulddrivethem.Likeatraditional bus,thewalkingschoolbusfollowsafixed routewithdesignatedstopsandpickuptimes. Awalkingschoolbuscanbeassimpleastwo familiestakingturnswalkingtheirchildrento schooloritcanbeneighborhoodbasedusinga rotatingscheduleoftrainedvolunteers. Becauseparentsoftencitesafetyissuesasareasontheirchildrencannotwalktoschool,providingadult supervisionmayhelptoreducetheseworriesforfamiliesthatlivewithinwalkingorbicyclingdistanceto school.Thisprogramcanraiseawarenessofhowwalkableacommunityisandwhereimprovements canbemade.Theprogramalsooffersotherbenefitssuchasencouragingphysicalactivitywhile teachingchildrensafewalkingskills.
80

Harford County Proposes Sidewalk Improvements

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Harford County Proposes Sidewalk Improvements

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DRAFT BICYCLE and PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN

BEL AIR ABERDEEN

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND

CHESAPEAKE BAY KENT COUNTY

COMMUNITY WALK MAP

General Comments Parks

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND

Harford County, Maryland

Schools Shopping Plaza Parks Node Analysis Area

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND

NETWORK NEEDS ANALYSIS

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND

DESIGNATED GROWTH AREAS

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND

DEVELOPMENT ENVELOPE HEAT HEAT CENTER MO MIXED OFFICE

HCC HARFORD COMMUNITY COLLEGE RURAL VILLAGES MUNICIPALITIES

Source: Harford County Planning & Zoning

MARYLAND STATE BICYCLE ROUTES

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND

STATE DESIGNATED ROUTES BALTIMORE CITY

Peoplewhowillrideifbicyclefacilitiesareprovidedonroadwayswithlowtrafficvolumesand speeds.Theseridersaretypicallynotconfidentcyclingwithmotorists.Studiesindicatethisis thelargestpercentageofriders. Peoplewhowillnotconsidercyclingaspartoftheirtransportationorrecreationaloptions.1

LandUses Benefit Cost Effectiveness

D ER R Analysis Area SIN G

Hospital Schools Community Center

Tollgate Road Harford County, Maryland

RT. 924- Emmorton Road Harford County, Maryland

Analysis Area Hospital

Schools C Community Center Park

Complete crosswalk improvements at Rt. 924 and Box Hill Center.

Joppa Farm Road/Trimble Road Harford County, Maryland

Place Pedestrian Crossing signage on Trimble Road at Copenhaver Park.

Neighborhood Center Community Center Parks

Location TollgateRoad TollgateRoad SingerRd.toAshtonLane

Location MDRoute24and USRoute1 Business1atAtwood Route924andBelAirSouth Parkway Route924andSinger Route924andWheelRd.

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND

Harford County, Maryland

Existing Ma & Pa Trail Proposed Ma & Pa Trail

PROPOSED STUDY AREAS

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND

22. Compileandanalyzereportedbicycleandpedestriancollisionstatisticsonanannualbasis. 23. WorkwiththeCountyCounciltoenactlegislationthatallowsbicycleuseonsidewalkswithina threemileradiusofschools.

ImplementationPartner MUN DPW P&R OED P&Z HCC HD HH

ImplementationPartner MUN DPW P&R OED P&Z HCC HD HH

ImplementationPartner MUN DPW P&R OED P&Z HCC HD HH

Ensurethatsignsarelocatedand maintainedtoensuremaximum visibility.

ImplementationPartner MUN DPW P&R OED P&Z HCC HD HH

ImplementationPartner MUN DPW P&R OED P&Z HCC HD HH

=SupportRole Timing SHO SHA

Rt.132&BushChapelRd. AberdeenTrainStation Providebicycleandpedestrianconnections,bikestorage,andbikeshare TOD program AberdeenThwy ExtendbikeroutetoAPG

PROJECTCOMMENT Pedestriantrailneeded Difficultintersectionforcyclists Difficultroute Difficultintersection Needpedestrianlinktoschools Pedestriansafetyimprovementsneeded NeedpedestriancrossingforFairbrookeSeniorApartments Intersectionimprovementsneeded

Post and Loop

Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals. Bicycle Parking Guidelines www.apbp.org

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