Enforcement is an important component of improving pedestrian safety

MCDOT continues to invest in engineering improvements and educational outreach to enhance pedestrian safety – particularly in high crash areas where collision data show more pedestrians are being struck. In addition, County Police evaluate pedestrian crash types, locations, and victims to plan enforcement. In 2011 and 2012, pedestrian enforcement focused primarily on ticketing pedestrians who were not following the law (i.e. crossing against pedestrian signals and in illegal midblock locations).  In 2013, there was a shift to driver education and ticketing - over 1,200 citations were issued and approximately half of these were driver citations. 

In 2014, the focus of police pedestrian safety enforcement continues to be on driver education and ticketing, with police conducting a series of "crosswalk stings" at areas around the County. During these stings, a plainclothes police officer legally enters a crosswalk.  When drivers fail to yield to the pedestrian, they are pulled over and ticketed.  Pedestrians will also continue to be cited when unlawful crossing is observed. 

Preliminary data from 2013 indicate pedestrian crashes occurred at a slightly higher rate than in the previous year, and pedestrian fatalities almost doubled.  Therefore, we urge everyone to stay alert and watch out for each other. Drivers must follow the laws for yielding to pedestrian right-of-way. Pedestrians must help protect their safety by always giving their undivided attention when crossing the street.

These efforts are part of County Executive Leggett’s Pedestrian Safety Initiative. For more information, go to MCDOT's pedestrian safety website.

Montgomery County Department of Transportation Installs Two New Sidewalks

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation Division of Transportation Engineering's New Sidewalk program has recently completed two new sidewalk links to enhance pedestrian connectivity in the county.

• In the Silver Spring area, a link was installed along Franklin Avenue, from Colesville Road/US29 to University Boulevard/MD193. This project cost approximately $437,700.

• In the Silver Spring area, a link was installed along Melbourne Avenue, at the dead end. This project cost approximately $4,900.

Other new sidewalk links constructed in fiscal year 2014 include the following. 

• In the Potomac area, a link was installed along Oaklyn Drive, from Persimmon Tree Road to Avenel Farm Road. This project cost approximately $237,700.

• In the Potomac/Bethesda/Cabin John Creek area, a link was installed along River Road, from Bradley Boulevard to Clewerwell Drive. This project cost approximately $125,300.

For more information on the New Sidewalk program, including how to request a new sidewalk in your neighborhood, visit the Division of Transportation Engineering's website. 

Pedestrian Safety Volunteers Needed

We have been working with a group of fabulous volunteers in the Wheaton area, who have helped us spread the word to the community about how to be a safe pedestrian, and how drivers can keep pedestrians safe. We are looking forward to developing a similar volunteer group in other areas where collisions are most frequent. 

The County’s Pedestrian Safety Initiative uses a three-pronged approach that coordinates Engineering, Education, and Enforcement with the intention of influencing pedestrian and driver behavior. You can learn more about our program by visiting our website: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/walk.  As a volunteer, you will work with us to spread the pedestrian safety message. Prior to participating in outreach activities, we will provide a training session to explain the program and the core messages we communicate to the public. 

How do you become a pedestrian safety volunteer? Send an email to Shelley Johnson at the Department of Transportation, indicating your interest: shelley.johnson2@montgomerycountymd.gov or call her at 240-777-2112.

To view the Pedestrian Safety Volunteer Training Presentation, click here.  

We hope you decide to join our group and help to make our streets and sidewalks safer!