Pedestrians
Walking is the basic mode of transportation and safe and comfortable accommodation for pedestrians and those using mobility aids must be provided as part of all transportation facilities in which they are legally permitted. No separate pedestrian master plan currently exists but the needs of pedestrians are addressed in existing area and sector plans. This webpage displays the county’s bicycle-pedestrian priority areas, as well as links to pedestrian-related programs and efforts.
Bicycle Pedestrian Priority Areas
Bicycle Pedestrian Priority Areas (BPPAs) are defined in the Maryland State code as geographical area where the enhancement of bicycle and pedestrian traffic is a priority.
Montgomery County has designated 30 BPPAs and has established a funding program for pedestrian and bicycle improvements with these areas. Click here for maps of each area.
Map of BPPAs in Montgomery County
Pedestrian Counts
The Montgomery County Planning Department recently began collecting pedestrian volumes at intersections as part of the development review and master planning process. A small (but growing) number of pedestrian counts can be found on the department's intersection analysis application.
Road Code Bill
Bill 33-13 took effect on December 3, 2015, specifying maximum lane widths, curb radii, and target speeds on urban roads, and other pedestrian improvements. Specific highlights of the bill include:
All Roads
- 6 feet wide pedestrian refuges must be provided at every intersection on all divided 6-lane roads
- All roads must include “complete streets” features to promote safe use by all travel modes, and all roads must serve bicyclists without exception
- Shared use paths are typically 10 feet wide
Urban Roads
- Through lanes and turn lanes must be no wider than 10 feet unless next to parking or a curb, in which case they must be no wider than 11 feet
- Parking lanes must be no wider than 8 feet, including the gutter pan
- Curb radii must be no greater than 15 feet, with a few exceptions
- Target speeds must be no greater than 25 mph
M-NCPPC staff contacts
Larry Cole
301-495-4528
Larry.Cole@montgomeryplanning.org
Date of last update: January 20, 2015