Planning in Progress

by Kristen E. Humphrey, MLA, Development and Infrastructure Planner
and Nate Evans, Multimodal Transportation Planner, MDOT

Governor Larry Hogan recently announced that $7.6 million ($3.8 million per year for each of the next two years) will be available for the Bikeways Program, a state initiative that provides funding for bikeways across Maryland. Administered by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), the program has funded 110 completed projects since its launch in 2011. 

The Bikeways Program provides funding to Maryland jurisdictions and other organizations for projects which support the goals of the Maryland Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan, including improving connections to transit, work, schools, shopping, and other destinations; supporting economic development and environmental stewardship; and enhancing Marylanders’ quality of life in communities across the state. MDOT has developed an interactive map showing the location of 2020 program awards as well as past years’ projects viewable by year or by project type (see image below).

Bikeways projects fall into three main categories: 

• Design Projects – Projects ranging from preliminary engineering plans and feasibility studies (addressing issues such as environmental impacts, rights-of-way and ADA compatibility) to final designs for bicycle infrastructure.
• Construction – Bikeways infrastructure including shared-use paths/trails and bridges, cycle tracks, bike lanes, and other major projects. 
• Minor Retrofits – Limited design and full construction of low-cost bicycle enhancements such as wayfinding signage, pavement markings, bicycle parking, storm grate replacement, and automated bicycle counters (to document and assess the volume of bicycle traffic).   

The Bikeways Program will fund up to 80 percent of design and construction projects, while minor retrofit projects are fully funded up to $100,000.

Outreach for the FY21 Bikeways grants program is underway, with MDOT currently accepting letters of intent (LOI) from eligible applicants for project funding on a rolling basis until April 2, 2020. Eligible applicants include Maryland local governments, state agencies, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), transit entities, non-profit organizations, and federal public lands agencies. 

MDOT will be hosting a webinar on February 25th and workshops March. Applications will be due in May (exact date to be announced). For more information about the Bikeways Program including LOIs, the application process and upcoming workshops, contact Nate Evans at 410-865-1304 or nevans1@mdot.maryland.gov, visit MDOT’s website and be sure to follow Planning Practice Monthly for updates.