Imagination Bethesda - A Huge Success!

The Montgomery County Pedestrian Safety Initiative participated in the 23^rd Annual Imagination Bethesda on June 3, 2017. This children’s street festival was a huge success and we were excited to be part of it.

Children and parents were invited to our tent to take the walk and drive safe pledge.

Pledging to walk safe means: 

• Always using crosswalks.
• Pushing the walk button and wait for the walk signal before crossing.
• Looking left, right, left before crossing the street.
• Establishing eye contact with drivers – see them see you!
• Wearing reflective and bright clothing while walking at night.

Pledging to drive safe means

• Be alert for pedestrians when driving.
• When approaching a crosswalk, reduce your speed and be prepared to stop.
•  When you are stopped at a crosswalk, allow enough room between your vehicle and the crosswalk so other drivers can see the pedestrians you have stopped for.
• Do not pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks. They may have stopped for a pedestrian to pass.

Our tent was filled with children and parents throughout the day decorating the pledge while discussing safety tips with our Pedestrian Safety team. After children and parents completed their pledges we hung them up on our crosswalk pledge banner. All participants received a variety of goodies including our green reflective drawstring bag, coloring books, and safety brochures.

We had so much fun and hope to see you next year!

 

Montgomery County’s Pedestrian Safety Team will be participating in several events in the upcoming months. Many of these events include entertainment, food, and themed activities for all ages and interests. Come visit our booth to learn more about pedestrian safety and receive a giveaway item that will enhance your safety!

April 23, 2016 (10:00am – 2:00pm)

Giant Germantown

Neelsville Village – Milestone

20944 N Frederick Rd

Germantown, MD 20876

April 30, 2016 (11:00am-4:00pm)

Greenfest

Takoma Park Community Center

7500 Maple Ave

Takoma Park, MD 20912

May 7, 2016 (6:00pm – 10:00pm)

La Milla de Mayo

Gaithersburg City Hall Grounds

31 S. Summit Ave
Gaithersburg, MD 20877

May 21, 2016 (10:00am – 3:00pm)

Strut Your Mutt 

Downtown Bethesda

June 4, 2016 (10:00am – 3:00pm)

Imagination Bethesda

Woodmont Ave/Elm Street

Bethesda, MD 20814

June 5, 2016 (11:00am – 5:00pm)

Taste of Wheaton

Wheaton Triangle

Corner of Grandview/Reedie Drive

Wheaton, MD 20902

June 11, 2016 (9:00am – 1:30pm)

Pike Central Farmers Market

6001 Executive Blvd

North Bethesda, MD 20852

June 12, 2016 (12:00pm – 5:00pm)

Celebrate Gaithersburg 

Gaithersburg City Hall Grounds

31 S. Summit Ave
Gaithersburg, MD 20877

It’s that time of year again! 

The flowers are blooming and the weather is getting warmer. Whether walking, biking, or driving — more people want to be outside on our streets.  Please be safe when spending time outdoors:

1. Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists and stop for them when they are walking, biking, or crossing the street.
2. Make eye contact with drivers. They may be looking at flowers too and could be distracted. Make sure they see you and stop before you cross the street.
3. When sidewalks aren’t available make sure you are facing traffic when walking and stay on the edge of the road, as far from cars as possible.
4. Don’t stand in the middle of the street! If you are taking pictures of the cherry trees make sure you are out of the road and in a safe place away from traffic.

Push the Button! Wait for the Walk Signal!

Using Push-Button Activated Traffic Signals

Most pedestrian signals will not automatically change to provide pedestrian crossings at locations with push buttons; the button must be pushed to activate the signals. Each intersection is timed differently according to its size and traffic/pedestrian patterns. Intersections have been studied and timed based on an average walking speed. Longer crossing times are provided at intersections used primarily by children and senior citizens.

So how do you do it?

(1) You must first press the pedestrian push-button. Waiting time will vary at each intersection.

(2) Wait for the WHITE, WALKING FIGURE symbol (or WALK signs on older signals) before you step off the curb into the street.

(3) Look both ways for moving and turning vehicles, then proceed with caution across the intersection, walking within the crosswalk.

(4) The ORANGE FLASHING HAND (or DONT WALK signs on older signals) alerts pedestrians that they may not start crossing the intersection, but may finish crossing if they have already started during the “WALK” indication.

(5) When the ORANGE HAND (or DONT WALK signs on older signals) stops flashing, traffic will begin to move across the crosswalk. Pedestrians should wait on the curb for the next WALK symbol to be activated by once again pushing the button.

Staying Safe on East Gude Drive

Recently, the Pedestrian Safety Initiative Team gave a presentation to residents of the East Gude Drive Men’s Shelter on how to be safe pedestrians, use the pedestrian signal on Gude Drive, as well as listened to their concerns. There have been 18 collisions in the East Gude Drive area over the past five years and 12 of those collisions have occurred in the evening.

The team stressed the importance of staying visible after dark. Reflective zipper pulls were distributed to residents and staff and everyone was advised to always wear bright or reflective clothing at night. Reflective jackets were also distributed to shelter residents who regularly walk along Gude Drive at night.

This man is wearing the same coat! Special reflective ink
on the jacket is revealed by the headlights of a car.

Reflective Zipper Pull

Other important lessons shared with the residents included:

•          Cross the street in the crosswalk
•          Press the button on the pedestrian signal before crossing the street
•          Begin crossing the street on the “walk” signal
•          Make sure drivers stop before crossing the street
•          Be aware of drivers around you, especially those that are turning

Be Safe. Be Seen. Be Stylish.

Want to stay safe and look great? Below are some fashion forward options that will keep you visible during those dangerous dark winter months.

IllumNite makes retroreflective clothing that uses a special ink that allows for coverage that is hidden during the day, but revealed at night in the headlights for maximum safety. 

Day

Night

Tracer360 is an illuminated and reflective vest that includes multicolored LED fiber optics. 

  

Revolights bike lights casts 360 degrees of illumination, making it much easier for others to see the bike rider.

The New Balance Beacon Vazee Rush Beacon shoes stays visible with bright color accents and 360 degrees of reflectivity.

No matter what gear you use the hottest trend is staying safe! So grab a flashlight, reflective vest, arm band, zipper pull, or brightly colored jacket before you leave the house and stay safe this winter.

The (Safely) Walking Dead

The Montgomery County Pedestrian Initiative Team had a very frightening time at the Silver Spring Zombie Walk on October 24. The team passed out yellow glow sticks which kept the living and the undead safe and seen!  

There were many impressive costumes and lots of gory zombie makeup but what scared the team the most were the adults and children wearing all black costumes! Wearing all black is very dangerous because cars will have extreme difficulty seeing you at night. Halloween is no excuse. Always wear something bright and reflective when walking outside. 

Halloween Safety Tips:

·      Pick a costume with bright colors or reflective materials

·      Use a flashlight

·      Use a reflective trick or treat bag

How will you stay visible this Halloween?

Fall Fun at the Bethesda Farmer's Market

The Montgomery County Pedestrian Safety Initiative team had a great time at the Bethesda Central Farmer's Market promoting visibility, awareness, and safety. 

Addressing pedestrian safety is of the utmost importance as we approach daylight savings time. If you're walking, remember that you may be hard to see. Even if you can see an approaching driver, don’t assume the driver can see you in time to stop. Do what you can to make yourself visible such as wear bright-colored clothing and establish eye contact with drivers - see them see you!

How do you "stay seen" during the winter months?

Keeping Silver Spring Visible and Safe

Did you know this is the most dangerous time of year for pedestrians? As it gets darker and darker in the evenings it is more important than ever for drivers to watch out for pedestrians and for pedestrians to make themselves visible. Pedestrians can do this by wearing bright or reflective clothing, walking in well-lit areas, and carrying a flashlight.

On October 5th, the Montgomery County Pedestrian Safety Initiative team went to Silver Spring and spoke to pedestrians during the morning rush hour about this important issue.
To keep pedestrians visible the team distributed reflective bags and zipper pulls. 

Tell us in the comments below how you'll be staying visible this fall!

Pedestrian Education at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair!

What do funnel cakes, carnival rides, and pedestrian safety have in common? All three were big hits at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair!

On Sunday, August 16^th, the Montgomery County Pedestrian Safety Initiative team partnered with Montgomery County Fire and Safety in an effort to encourage and promote pedestrian safety. The team engaged with hundreds of fairgoers to provide information about the best ways for them to stay safe and distributed reflective bags.

The team encouraged pedestrians to stay visible. The best way to be safe is to be seen! Daylight savings time is coming soon and it’s important to wear bright clothing, reflective material, and walk in well-lit areas as it gets darker and darker during the evening.

Our team had a great time educating fairgoers. We hope to see them all again next year!

Bikesharing Program Receives National Award

The Public Technology Institute (PTI) has honored Montgomery County with a 2013-2014 Technology Solutions Award for its “Bikeshare Station Site Identification and Property Verification” program. This program was recognized as a winner in the Energy/Environment Technology award category. The BikeShare Station Site Identification and Property Verification program allows MCDOT staff to collaborate with organizations outside of County government to research and identify potential bikeshare station locations in the County.

For the second consecutive year, Montgomery was the only county in the State of Maryland - and the only jurisdiction in the Washington DC metropolitan area - to be recognized as an award winner by PTI in its annual technology solutions awards competition.

For more information on bikesharing in Montgomery County, visit MCDOT's bikesharing website or call 240.777.7170 for general information or 240.777.8380 for information on bikesharing for low income populations.

County Addresses Comments Received on Plyers Mill Traffic Calming Project

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE COUNTY'S RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY COMMENTS

On Friday, March 21, 2014, Montgomery County Department of Transportation attended a community meeting organized by members of the Kensington Heights Civic Association, McKenney Hills - Carroll Knolls Civic Association, and Plyers Mill Road residents.  At the meeting, Montgomery County officials Jeff Dunckel, Seifu Kerse, and Rick Earp discussed with residents plans for improving pedestrian safety by constructing traffic calming features, sidewalks, and enhanced pedestrian crossings on Plyers Mill Road between Drumm Avenue and Georgia Avenue.  Experience with traffic calming projects at other locations in Montgomery County has demonstrated that traffic is slowed to posted speed limits with a resulting decline in pedestrian collisions.  With the decline of speeding and the addition of new improved pedestrian facilities, communities report - - and pedestrian crash data confirms - -  traffic calming projects result in much safer and more walkable communities.  

The County posted plans for the Plyers Mill traffic calming project previously on this site, and residents were asked to provide comments.  The County has addressed the comments provided, and a response can be viewed here.  Based on community feedback, the County has revised the plans.  The revised plans can be accessed at the links below.

Plyers Mill at Brunswick
Plyers Mill at Douglas
Plyers Mill at Drumm (1)
Plyers Mill at Drumm (2)
Plyers Mill at Maybrook (1)
Plyers Mill at Maybrook (2)
Plyers Mill at Saint Margaret

If you have any questions about this project, please contact the Project Manager, Seifu Kerse, at seifu.kerse@montgomerycountymd.gov.  

Commuter Services Hosting Outreach Programs at Capital Bikeshare Stations

Almost 50 bikesharing stations now exist in Montgomery County alone

The Division of Transit Services's Commuter Services section continues to host a series of community events at Capital Bikeshare locations in Silver Spring in an effort to encourage and promote the bikeshare system to residents, businesses and employees. The campaign is designed to showcase bikeshare station locations, demonstrate how the system works and encourage memberships. Additionally, MCCS wants to encourage local companies to promote the bikeshare program by offering them bulk or corporate memberships.

The following events in Silver Spring are free and open to the public: 

• Wednesday, June 25, 5 – 7 p.m. - Silver Spring Metro Station
• Thursday, June 26, 3 – 7 p.m. - 13th Street and Eastern Avenue
• Friday June 27, 1 – 5 p.m. - Fenton Street and New York Avenue

Capital Bikeshare offers a simple, low cost and reliable way to travel throughout the region. It gives members access to thousands of bikes at hundreds of locations in Montgomery County, D.C., Arlington and Alexandria. Individuals are encouraged to use Capital Bikeshare to travel to and from transit, work or school, as well as for recreation. Businesses and corporations are urged to join as corporate partners and provide discounted memberships to interested employees as part of their own health and green initiatives.

For more information on the program, contact Commuter Services at 240-777-8380 or visit MCDOT's Bikesharing website.

Leggett Seeks Applicants for Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee

County Executive Isiah Leggett is seeking applicants to fill four public member vacancies, including one member who represents people with disabilities, on the Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. The incumbent representing people with disabilities is eligible to apply for reappointment.

The 17-member Advisory Committee includes six government representatives, one public school representative, one Maryland Municipal League representative, and nine general public members who represent various regions of Montgomery County, including one member representing advocates of bicycling, and one member representing people with disabilities.

This Committee provides advice to the County Executive, County Council, and elected officials on implementation of the County’s Pedestrian Safety Initiative, priorities and needs in the area of pedestrian and bicycle safety and access, gathers information on pedestrian and bicycle safety, and identifies any new issues that may emerge.

Members serve three-year terms without compensation, but are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for meetings attended. Meetings generally are held every other month on weekday evenings. All members are also expected to serve on various sub-committees, and these meetings will be held as needed. For more information, please see the County Website Page for the Committee:

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-pedsafety/index.html

Application Process

County Executive Isiah Leggett is committed to representation on all of the County’s boards, committees, and commissions that is reflective of, and responsive to, our County’s residents. Public participation contributes to the work of County government and provides an important service to the community when a variety of issues, concerns, and viewpoints are presented. 

Applicants of diverse backgrounds, professions, gender, geography, disability and ethnicity are encouraged to apply. An application, consisting of a brief cover letter and resume, should be sent by mail to County Executive Isiah Leggett, 101 Monroe Street, 2nd Floor, Rockville, MD  20850, or by email to countyexecutive.boards@montgomerycountymd.gov. Home and employment addresses, as well as contact phone numbers and email addresses should be included. If appropriate, applicants should indicate the position for which they are applying.  The application deadline is July 11, 2014. 

Members of County boards, committees and commissions may not serve on more than one such group at a time. Members of these boards are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for meetings attended. Leggett’s appointments are generally subject to confirmation by the County Council. Applications of individuals selected for appointment to groups that are confirmed by the Council are made public as part of the confirmation process.

Bike to Work Day 2014 is Almost Here!

Montgomery County Commuter Services, Commuter Connections, and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association invite you to join more than 10,000 area commuters for a celebration of bicycling as a fun and healthy way to get to work on Bike To Work Day, Friday, May 16, 2014!

Attend one of 79 pit stops throughout D.C., Maryland, and Virginia for refreshments and to be entered into a raffle for bicycles and other prizes. Free T-shirts are available at pit stops to the first 14,000 who register and attend.

Montgomery County Commuter Services will operate pit stops at Bethesda, Fallsgrove Village Center, Friendship Heights, North Bethesda, Rockville Town Center and Silver Spring in the morning on Bike To Work Day. New for 2014, there will also be an afternoon pit stop in Silver Spring. There will be a raffle drawing for a bicycle at each of the above pit stops.

See the FLYER for more details and visit the website to register: http://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/

Maryland Ranks Among Most Bike-Friendly States

Cyclists may find it easy to bike in the Old Line State as Maryland ranked high on a list of most bike-friendly states in the U.S. Maryland ranked No. 7 on The League of American Bicyclists' list of best states for cycling. Each year, the league ranks states on their friendliness to cycling based on measures such as policies and programs, legislation and enforcement, as well as infrastructure and funding. 

Washington state ranked No. 1 with Minnesota close behind. Montana and Alabama came in at the bottom of the list ranking 49 and 50, respectively. Washington state scored 66.8 points out of a possible 100. Maryland scored 53.8 points, in part due to its high scores in education and encouragement with biking. Virginia ranked at No. 18, with a score of 41.5 points. D.C. was not included on the list. 

The results are based on a multi-faceted Bicycle Friendly State questionnaire that is answered by each state's bicycle coordinator. Maryland's Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator is Michael Jackson.

Visit the League of American Bicyclists's website to read the full study.

(Source: WTOP.com, May 7, 2014.) 

Montgomery County Celebrates Bike to School Day May 7

On May 7, Montgomery County will be joining communities across the nation to celebrate the third annual Bike to School Day that builds on the success of Walk to School Day observed internationally every October. Bike to School Day events raise awareness of the need to create safer routes for bicycling and walking and emphasize the importance of increasing physical activity among children, pedestrian safety, reducing traffic congestion and concern for the environment. The events also develop stronger connections between families, schools and the broader community.

This year’s focus event will be held at Takoma Park Middle School, located at 7611 Piney Branch Rd., Silver Spring. From 7 to 7:20 a.m., bike ambassadors and parent volunteers will welcome students and guide them to use “bike lanes” created on sidewalks leading to the school’s main entrance. Bikers will receive snacks and raffle tickets for bike helmets and accessories. Morning physical education classes will engage students in a “Bike-Academic” game show designed to highlight bicycling best practices.

Partners in the event include Takoma Park Safe Routes to School, Takoma Park Middle School, Takoma Park Police, Bikes for the World, SafeKids Worldwide and SafeKids Montgomery County.

Other Montgomery County schools that are participating in Bike to School Day include Piney Branch, East Silver Spring, Coldspring, Wyngate and Kensington-Parkwood elementary schools as well as Silver Spring International Middle School. 

Street Smart Safety Zone Events to be Held in Montgomery County

Street Smart is launching their spring safety campaign to remind area drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists to be alert and obey traffic safety laws. To make sure they do, area police will be stepping up enforcement and will ticket and fine violators – whether on foot, a bike, or behind the wheel. 

As part of the campaign, there will be a street team providing on-the-ground pedestrian safety education in downtown Bethesda (along Wisconsin Avenue) on Tuesday, April 29, from 4-7pm. Bethesda Transportation Solutions and the Montgomery County Department of Transportation will also have a tent set up outside of the Bethesda Metro station on Tuesday where you can come and pick up information and some swag!  There will also be a Safety Zone event held in downtown Silver Spring on Tuesday, May 6 from 4-7pm.

Street Smart reminds everyone to share the road and look out for each other. 

• If you’re driving, watch for people in crosswalks and stop for walkers and cyclists. 

• If you’re biking, ride in the direction of traffic and stop at red lights. 

• And if you’re walking, cross in the crosswalk and wait for the "walk" signal. 

Learn more about the campaign at BeStreetSmart.net or www.montgomerycountymd.gov/walk

Warmer Weather Prompts Increased Outdoor Activity and Safety Enforcement

"Street Smart" Campaign Urges Drivers, Bicyclists and Pedestrians to Exercise Caution

Safety Zones will feature street teams
highlighting key campaign messages

En Español

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT MONTGOMERY COUNTY SAFETY ZONE EVENTS!

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — After a long, cold winter, Washington-area residents are
ready to get outside and enjoy spring weather. With more people walking and biking, transportation officials from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia are urging drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists, to take extra care and watch for each other when traveling around the region. To make sure they do, law enforcement agencies will be on the lookout for anyone not following traffic safety laws and will ticket and fine violators – whether on foot, a bike, or behind the wheel.

These increased efforts are all part of the spring Street Smart public awareness and enforcement campaign. From April 14 through May 11, officers in the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia will be stepping up enforcement, watching for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists who violate traffic safety laws. Drivers who fail to yield for people in crosswalks, for example, and pedestrians who jaywalk will face tickets and fines ranging from $40 to $500. Additionally, law-breaking drivers are subject to getting points on their driver records.

Gas Station Pump Toppers Remind
Motorists to Watch for Pedestrians

"This has been a particularly harsh winter, so we expect that, as spring unfolds, more people will be out walking and biking. With so many of us sharing the roads, it is critical that we make safety a top priority," said Prince William County Supervisor Frank Principi, who serves on the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. "It's the duty of all drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians to work together, pay attention and follow traffic laws to make sure everyone arrives at their destinations safely."

Street Smart officials launched the spring initiative Thursday morning, April 17, at the Woodbridge, VA intersection where Sally Ann Okuly was killed last November. Okuly, a devoted wife and mother of two, was crossing with the light at the southeast corner of Opitz Boulevard at Montgomery Avenue when she was struck and killed by a car in the crosswalk. That morning was the first time she had taken a walk outside her home since surviving a motorcycle accident six months earlier.

In the wake of Okuly’s death, her friends, family and community leaders have successfully Street Smart officials hope to see similar improvements made at other treacherous intersections in the Washington region.

Bus Ads - Key Component of the
StreetSmart Campaign

advocated for engineering improvements to the intersection, including plans for crosswalk striping and the recent implementation of a Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) signal – a timing technique that allows pedestrians a few seconds headstart to begin crossing the street before cars get a green light. 

Street Smart aims to prevent pedestrian and bicyclist deaths like Okuly’s – let alone the countless injuries that occur each year –by urging people to pay more attention when they’re on the road and offering practical, easy-to-follow safety tips (see below). Drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians need to follow traffic laws, be aware of their surroundings, and avoid distractions such as cell phones. Street Smart reminds drivers to be alert and yield to anyone walking or biking at intersections, encourages those on foot to use crosswalks and wait for the walk signal, and urges people on bicycles to ride in the direction of traffic and stop at red lights.

While pedestrian fatalities in the DC metro area decreased from 2012 to 2013, bicyclist fatalities more than doubled, from three in 2012 to seven in 2013. In 2013, preliminary data indicate that 73 pedestrians and bicyclists were killed in crashes in the Washington metropolitan region. These deaths accounted for 27 percent of all traffic fatalities in the area.

Information on the Street Smart public education program may be found at www.bestreetsmart.net.

Press Articles about the Spring 2014 StreetSmart Launch:

NBC
WUSA9 (article 1)
WUSA9 (article 2)
Univision (article 1)
Univision (article 2)
CBS
Prince William Daily Monitor
InsideNOVA
Associated Press

About the Street Smart Campaign & the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB)
Sponsored by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) and the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB), the Street Smart public awareness and enforcement campaign is in its twelfth year. Its goal is to reduce pedestrian and cyclist injuries and deaths in the Washington metropolitan area. For more information about Street Smart, please visit www.bestreetsmart.net and twitter.com/COGStreetSmart. The TPB is the regional transportation planning organization for the Washington region. It includes local governments, state transportation agencies, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and members of the Maryland and Virginia General Assemblies.