State’s update of bike and pedestrian plan could change funding priorities

State is halfway through re-evaluation process

by Elizabeth Waibel, Gazette

The state is updating its Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, which could influence how easy it is to get around by bike or by walking in communities across Maryland.

The plan, adopted in 2002 and now midway through a substantial update process, sets policy goals that affect funding for things like capital improvement projects.

Kate Sylvester, a community planner with the Maryland Department of Transportation, said the department is required by law to update the plan along with the Maryland Transportation Plan, which is also being updated. Over the past decade, however, people have prioritized improvements to make bicycling and walking easier in their communities.

“Ten years have passed, and an awful lot has changed for bike and pedestrian priorities,” Sylvester said.

Since 2002, more data has testified to the economic value and public health benefits of bicycling and walking, Sylvester said, and Maryland residents have made it known that they want infrastructure that supports biking and walking.
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