Subject
title
Vision Zero Progress Update
end
Department
PW - Traffic & Transportation
Recommendation
City staff recommend the Mayor and Council receive a progress update briefing on the implementation of the City’s Vision Zero Action Plan, Pedestrian Master Plan, and Bikeway Master Plan.
Discussion
Vision Zero Action Plan
The Vision Zero Action Plan was adopted by the Mayor and Council in July 2020. It includes 30 action items organized into four categories - Engineering, Education, Enforcement, and Policy - to help the City eliminate all serious injury and fatal crashes by 2030. Updates for all action items are included in the biannual Vision Zero report (Attachment A).
Location of Vision Zero projects
Vision Zero projects includes a variety of transportation safety projects and program. The Vision Zero projects map (Attachment B) shows the location of infrastructure projects in Rockville, which are also summarized in the table below. Projects are categorized by intersection safety audits and improvements; sidewalk studies, design, and construction; speed limit reductions; leading pedestrian intervals; and complete streets studies and improvements, which include traffic calming, bicycle facilities, and road diets.
|
Project Type |
West of I-270 |
Between I-270 and MD 355 |
East of MD 355 |
|
Intersection Safety Audit and Improvement* |
2 |
21 |
35 |
|
Sidewalk Study, Design, and Construction |
0 |
4 |
15 |
|
Speed Limit Reduction |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Leading Pedestrian Interval |
2 |
9 |
2 |
|
Complete Streets |
2 |
12 |
2 |
|
Total |
8 |
48 |
56 |
* There are 20 intersections included in the intersection safety audits along MD 355, 10 intersections are included in the “Between I-270 and MD 355” total and the remaining 10 are included in the “East of MD 355” total.
The Vision Zero crash analysis evaluates locations in the City where crashes have occurred, which influences the selection of intersections and roadway segments for Vision Zero projects. Additionally, the City has an existing sidewalk prioritization policy, which identifies roadway segments with missing sidewalk segments and the priority with which they should be evaluated and constructed, if feasible. Lastly, some projects are funded through specific grants which specifies the location of the project. For instance, eight intersection audits and seven sidewalk segments are funded through the Transportation Alternatives Program grant for the Twinbrook Safe Routes to School and Transit Accessibility Feasibility Study.
Outreach
Starting in January 2024, city staff has made themselves available to attend community group meetings to discuss the Vision Zero program. Residents are able to request staff attend a regularly scheduled community association meeting by emailing staff. This opportunity is also listed on the city’s Vision Zero webpage.
Since then, staff has met with the East Rockville Civic Association, the Twinbrook Community Association, and the Lincoln Park Community Association, and with residents from Mainstreet Rockville. While it is best to attend the regular scheduled meeting of an existing community organization, not all residents belong to a civic association. These residents may still request a Vision Zero presentation. For instance, city staff provided a Vision Zero presentation to residents of the Rockville Town Center.
City staff also provides updates related to the Vision Zero program to the Rockville Transportation and Mobility Commission, the Rockville Pedestrian Advocacy Committee, and the Rockville Bicycle Advisory Committee during their regularly scheduled public meetings, which are open to the public.
Speed limit reductions
In response to a recommendation by the Mayor and Council, city staff conducted a speed study on the city-owned streets with posted speed limits above 35 MPH, which included six segments on three different streets: E. Gude Drive, W. Gude Drive, and Wootton Parkway. The study demonstrated that a speed reduction was warranted, and staff recommended a speed reduction on the following roadway segments:
• E. Gude Drive between Southlawn Lane and Taft Street,
• E. Gude Drive between Taft Street and MD 28, and
• W. Gude Drive between MD 28 and Piccard Drive.
The Acting City Manager approved the staff recommendation to reduce the speed limit on these segments. Additionally, by policy, the Acting City Manger directed city staff to reduce the posted speed limits to 35 MPH from 40 MPH on the remaining roadway segments:
• W. Gude Drive between Piccard Drive and MD 355,
• Wootton Parkway between Seven Locks Road and Preserve Parkway, and
• Wotton Parkway between Preserve Parkway and W. Edmonston Drive.
This resulted in there no longer being any city-owned streets with a posted speed limit above 35 MPH. The new speed limit signs were posted in spring 2024.
Additionally, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) reduced the posted speed limit along Veirs Mill Road (MD 586) between Edmonston Drive and Twinbrook Parkway from 40 MPH to 35 MPH. City staff had advocated the above speed reduction to SHA and continues to advocate for MDOT SHA to reduce the posted speed limit on First Street (MD 28) between Baltimore Road and Veirs Mill Road (MD 586) from 40 MPH to 35 MPH.
Leading Pedestrian Intervals
In response to a recommendation from the Transportation and Mobility Commission, city staff reviewed additional opportunities to add Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs) to intersections. LPIs provide pedestrians with a head start to cross the street before the parallel “green” signal begins for motorists. This additional time allows pedestrians to better establish their presence in the crosswalk and makes them more visible to motorists who may be turning. The City added LPIs to six additional intersections earlier this year.
• Baltimore Rd/Twinbrook Pkwy
• Wootton Pkwy/Wootton HS
• Wootton Pkwy/Greenplace Terrace
• Park Rd/N. Stonestreet Ave
• Park Rd/Metro Entrance
• Fleet St/Monroe St.
This is in addition to the following intersections which already have LPIs:
• MD 28/Monroe St.
• MD 28/Maryland Ave.
• MD 28/Washington St.
• N. Washington St/E. Montgomery Ave/Courthouse Sq.
• N. Washington St/Middle Ln.
• N. Washington St/Beall Ave.
• N. Washington St/Dawson Ave.
• E. Middle Ln/Maryland Ave.
Grants
City staff regularly apply for grants at the regional, state, and federal levels to supplement the existing city budget for Vision Zero activities. The table below lists the grant status for various ongoing multimodal transportation projects.
|
Program |
Project |
Amount Awarded (Requested Amount) |
|
FY 20 Transportation Alternatives Program |
N. Stonestreet Avenue Corridor Complete Streets Design |
$280,000 |
|
FY 23 Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program |
Maryvale Park to Redgate Park Shared Use Path Study and Design |
TBD ($216,000) |
|
FY 23 Kim Lamphier Maryland Bikeways Network Program |
Permanent Pedestrian and Bicycle Counters |
$41,940 |
|
FY 23 Kim Lamphier Maryland Bikeways Network Program |
Martins Lane Bicycle Lane Study and Preliminary Design |
$52,000 |
|
FY 23 Neighborhood Access and Equity (Reconnecting Communities) |
Twinbrook Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge Study |
$568,000 |
|
FY 23 Safe Streets and Roads for All |
Vision Zero Intersection Safety Audits |
$320,000 |
|
FY 23 Transportation Alternatives Program |
Twinbrook Safe Routes to School and Transit Accessibility Feasibility Study |
$312,000 |
|
2024 AARP Community Challenge Flagship Grant |
Bicycle and Scooter Parking Corrals |
Not Awarded |
|
2024 National Safety Council Community Traffic Safety Grants |
Safe Routes to School Route Mapping |
Not Awarded |
|
FY 24 Kim Lamphier Maryland Bikeways Network Program |
E. Jefferson Street and Halpine Road Bicycle Facility Study and Design |
$88,000 |
|
FY 24 MWCOG Regional Roadway Safety Program |
Pedestrian Crossing Guidelines |
$40,000 |
|
FY 24 MWCOG Transit Within Reach |
Beall Avenue Road Diet and Asphalt Art |
Not Awarded |
|
FY24 MWCOG Transportation Land Use Connections Program |
Mannakee Street Complete Streets Study |
$85,000 |
|
FY 24 Transportation Alternatives |
Fleet and Monroe Shared Use Path Design |
$224,000 |
|
FY 25 Kim Lamphier Maryland Bikeways Network Program |
Research Boulevard Shared Use Path Study and Design |
TBD ($216,000) |
|
FY 23-26 Maryland Transportation Department Carbon Reduction Program |
Twinbrook Area Bikeshare Stations |
$371,200 |
|
FY 25 MWCOG Transportation Land Use Connections Program |
Congressional Lane Complete Streets Study |
$80,000 |
|
FY 25 Transportation Alternatives |
Scott-Veirs Drive Shared Use Path Design |
$200,000 |
|
Total Awarded |
13 Project Grants |
$2,662,140 |
The fiscal year listed for the above grant programs represented the fiscal year of the funding from the grantor and does not necessarily reflect when the project was added to the City’s capital improvement program or when the city-initiated work on the project.
City staff will continue to seek external funding to leverage existing resources and advance the Vision Zero program.
Bikeway Master Plan
The Bikeway Master Plan was approved in April 2017. The plan highlights bicycle related policies and proposes different bicycle facilities throughout the City to improve bicycling for riders of all ages and abilities. While this plan does not include specific “action items” like the Vision Zero Action Plan or Pedestrian Master Plan, it provides recommended facilities in Rockville. The following table includes the total distance of recommended bicycle facilities and the percentage of facilities constructed since plan adoption.
|
Facility Type |
Constructed (miles) |
Total Recommended (miles) |
Percentage Complete |
|
Bicycle Lanes |
1.75 |
8.53 |
20.52% |
|
Shared Roadways |
6.69 |
10.65 |
38.58% |
|
Climbing Lanes |
0.37 |
2.77 |
13.70% |
|
Shared-Use Paths |
1.33 |
4.07 |
24.63% |
|
Cycle Tracks |
0.77 |
5.21 |
12.93% |
|
Total |
10.91 |
40.50 |
26.94% |
City staff continues to implement the recommended facilities from the Bikeway Master Plan and seeks grants or other external funding opportunities to help advance bicycle projects. While many shared roadway projects require only signage or pavement markings, bicycle lanes, shared-use paths, and cycle tracks (also known as separated or protected bicycle lanes) often require comprehensive feasibility studies, repurposing a motor vehicle travel lane, and detailed engineering designs before construction can be carried out.
Martins Lane Bicycle Facilities
City staff recently completed a feasibility study and preliminary design for bicycle facilities on Martins Lane between Mannakee Street and N. Washington Street. This project was funded by a Kim Lamphier Maryland Bikeways Network grant. These bike facilities would extend the bicycle network along N. Washington Street and improve bicycle access to the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center, Welsh Park, and the surrounding community.
The study resulted in three alternatives for a bicycle facility. The first option includes designated bicycles lanes in both directions. The second option includes a designated bicycle lane in the eastbound direction and shared lane markings (sharrows) in the westbound direction. The third option includes a designated bicycle lane in the eastbound direction and an off-street shared-use path in the westbound direction. These alternatives were shared with the public, the Recreation and Parks Department, and the Rockville Bicycle Advisory Committee. While the third option, which includes the off-street shared-use path would provide a better bicycling facility overall, it is also estimated to be more than ten times the cost of the other options, would likely require easements from private property owners, and would take more time to design and build. The other options could be implemented in the near term using the existing resources allocated to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety CIP item and would not prevent construction of the third alternative in the future.
Some residents along Martins Lane raised concerns about the impact bicycle facilities may have on on-street parking in front of residential properties. To address these concerns, staff will advance a combination alternative that includes designated bicycle lanes in both directions between Mannakee Street and the entrance to the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center (RSFC), and shared lane markings (sharrows) between the RSFC and N. Washington Street. This option would also include a traffic calming feature near the entrance to the post office just west of N. Washington Street, and at the skatepark parking lot entrance. Staff will also consider the shared-use path option as part of a future capital improvement project, if resources permit.
Upcoming Bicycle Facility Study and Design Projects
The City has initiated a bicycle facility study and design project for the E. Jefferson Street between Rollins Avenue and Congressional Lane and along Halpine Road, from E. Jefferson Street to Rockville Pike (MD 355). This project is funded through a Kim Lamphier Maryland Bikeways Network grant and the formal kick-off for this project is expected in the early fall.
City staff is continuing to work with MDOT SHA to identify a contractor for the N. Stonestreet Avenue Complete Street project. This project includes design for pedestrian, bicycle, and motor vehicle facilities along N. Stonestreet between Lincoln Avenue and Park Road, and along Park Road between N. Stonestreet and S. Stonestreet Avenues.
The City also received a Transportation Alternatives Program grant to prepare the 100% engineering design for the shared-use path along Fleet Street between Maryland Avenue and Richard Montgomery High School and along Monroe Street between Fleet Street and E. Middle Lane. Staff is working with MDOT SHA to prepare a scope of work and identify a consultant.
Most recently, the City was awarded a Transportation Alternatives Program grant to prepare the 100% engineering plan for a shared-use path along Veirs Drive and Scott Drive between Wootton Parkway and the city boundary. This project is expected to begin in spring 2025, after the agreement is executed and consultant identified.
Bikeshare
In response to requests by the Rockville Bicycle Advisory Committee and with support from the Mayor and Council, staff investigated the costs associated with moving an existing bikeshare station in the City to a new location in the Twinbrook neighborhood or to another area in the southern part of the City which has fewer bikeshare stations. Moving a bikeshare station costs $3,527.60. Staff considered moving the bikeshare station on the east side of the Rockville Metrorail Station because it is used less than other stations in the city and there would still be a bikeshare station on the west side of the Rockville Metrorail Station. However, the MWCOG Transportation Planning Board recently approved Carbon Reduction Program funding through the Maryland Department of Transportation for the installation of up to four bikeshare stations in communities surrounding the Twinbrook Metrorail Station. The funds requested in the application include the upfront cost for purchasing the bikeshare stations and for the station maintenance for five years. It is expected that this project will begin in spring 2025.
Finally, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation indicated that 10 bikeshare stations in the “Shady Grove Corridor” will be permanently removed, because of existing budget constraints and low bikeshare station usage. Four of these bikeshare stations are in Rockville. These include:
• Piccard Drive & W. Gude Drive,
• Fallsgrove Boulevard & Fallsgrove Drive,
• E. Montgomery Avenue & Maryland Avenue, and
• Fallsgrove Drive & W. Montgomery Avenue.
The removal of these stations is unrelated to Carbon Reduction Program award.
Pedestrian Master Plan
The Pedestrian Master Plan was adopted in October 2023 and was developed over the course of two years with input from the Rockville Pedestrian Advocacy Committee, the Rockville Bicycle Committee, and the Transportation and Mobility Commission. This plan emphasizes the need to improve existing infrastructure and refine polices so that the needs of pedestrians are better considered while building transportation infrastructure in Rockville.
Implementation Strategy
City staff prepared an implementation strategy for the Pedestrian Master Plan. The implementation strategy includes a list of all Action Items from the Pedestrian Master Plan and estimated timeframes for implementing each action for the next four years. While this strategy includes planned efforts until the end of 2027, it is expected that work on the Pedestrian Master Plan will continue beyond 2027. After staff finalizes the implementation strategy, it will be posted to the city’s website under the Pedestrian Master Plan webpage and updated, as needed.
Action Item 1e - Comprehensive Transportation Review
Staff initiated a review of the Comprehensive Transportation Review. This policy document provides the requirements necessary for property development applicants when evaluating the transportation impacts of development applications. This document was last adopted in 2018. Staff has identified areas where additional clarification would be beneficial for development applicants, city staff, and the public, as well as opportunities to ensure multimodal transportation is better considered in the process. Staff will prepare an updated document and request comments from the Transportation and Mobility Commission before sharing it with the Mayor and Council for their review and approval.
Action Item 2a - State Roadway Sidewalks
Staff prepared testimony for the Mayor and Council to provide to the Maryland State Legislature regarding bills to require MDOT SHA to maintain sidewalks along state roadways. While sidewalks are located in state-owned rights-of-way, MDOT SHA does not consistently maintain all these sidewalks. These bills were not successful during the 2024 legislative season.
Action Item 5a - Sidewalks on Both Sides
City staff continues to carry out the sidewalk study-design-construction process to build more sidewalks in the city. A few of the existing missing sidewalk segments in the City have no, or limited, impacts while some sidewalk gaps require a feasibility study. The study helps determine whether a sidewalk can be constructed within reasonable costs, with limited impacts to the surrounding area, have public support and do not require additional rights-of-way or easements.
This process allows the city to engage with the community, and evaluate the impacts and costs associated with sidewalk construction.
Group 1 sidewalks were evaluated in 2023 and are currently being designed. They include:
1. Frederick Avenue between N. Stonestreet Avenue and Westmore Avenue,
2. Highland Avenue between S. Stonestreet Avenue and Grandin Avenue,
3. Nelson Street between the shopping center entrance and Beall Avenue, and
4. Monroe Street between the New Mark Commons trail entrance and Dogwood Park.
The following two sidewalks in Group 1 were not advanced to design:
1. Wood Lane between N. Adams Street and N. Washington Street, and
2. Reading Terrance between Grandin Avenue and S. Stonestreet Avenue.
The feasibility study for Group 2 sidewalks has been completed and includes the following segments:
1. Carr Avenue between Forest Avenue and Luckett Street,
2. Charles Street between McArthur Drive and the road terminus,
3. Croydon Avenue between Park Road and McArthur Drive,
4. Gail Avenue between Lewis Avenue and Veirs Mill Road, and
5. Woodland Road between Virginia Avenue and N. Horners Lane.
While this project has not been finalized, it is expected that the Carr Avenue, Charles Street, and Gail Avenue sidewalks will advance to the design phase, while the other two sidewalks will require further analysis.
The Twinbrook Safe Routes to School and Transit Accessibility Feasibility Study also included evaluation of seven sidewalk segments in the Twinbrook neighborhood. While this study will be completed in fall 2024, staff anticipates the following sidewalks will advance to the design phase:
1. Brooke Drive between Lewis Avenue and Rockland Avenue,
2. Crawford Drive between Gail Avenue and Hillcrest Park,
3. Halsey Road between Henry Road and Ardennes Avenue,
4. Midway Avenue between Crawford Drive and Stillwell Road, and
5. Wade Avenue between Crawford Drive and Edmonston Drive.
Two missing sidewalk segments that were evaluated will not be advanced to the design phase at this time:
1. Crawford Drive between Ardennes Avenue and Atlantic Avenue, and
2. Lemay Road between Ardennes Avenue and Vandegrift Avenue.
Action Item 5h - Existing Sidewalk Inventory and Improvements
Department of Public Works staff has developed a process to evaluate sidewalks and driveway aprons for deficiencies and non-compliance with the recently approved Americans with Disabilities Act and Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines. Deficient sidewalks and driveway aprons will be identified through the City’s ongoing inspection process as part of the City’s concrete and asphalt rehabilitation program.
Action Item 8a - Pedestrian Crossing Guidelines
Staff developed new pedestrian crosswalk guideline that will help city staff respond to public requests regarding the installation of new marked crosswalks, and better consider the surrounding built environment and pedestrian trip generators when evaluating where to install a marked crosswalk. After final review, these guidelines will be uploaded to the city’s website under the Pedestrian Master Plan webpage.
City staff will continue to implement the Pedestrian Master Plan consistent with the implementation strategy and coordinate and inform the Rockville Pedestrian Advocacy Committee and the Rockville Transportation and Mobility Commission.
A slide presentation is included (Attachment C) to help facilitate this discussion.
Mayor and Council History
In 2017, the Mayor and Council adopted an update to the Bikeway Master Plan. This plan was originally adopted in 1998 and updated again in 2004.
In 2018, the Mayor and Council adopted a resolution endorsing Vision Zero and adopting a goal of moving the City towards zero traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030. In July 2020, the Mayor and Council adopted the Vision Zero Action Plan.
In 2023, the Mayor and Council adopted the Pedestrian Master Plan, which is the first pedestrian plan for the City.
The Mayor and Council last received a briefing on the progress of all three plans in January 2024.
Boards and Commission Review
Department of Public Works staff acts as the staff liaison for the Transportation and Mobility Commission, the Rockville Pedestrian Advocacy Committee, and the Rockville Bicycle Advisory Committee, and meet with each group during their monthly meetings. In addition to providing updates regarding the status of various city transportation projects, DPW staff solicits suggestions and recommendations from each group regarding Vision Zero action items and projects. Staff also seeks their opinions and guidance regarding grant opportunities and their support for grant applications.
Next Steps
Department of Public Works staff will continue to implement the listed action items from the Vision Zero Action Plan, and Bikeway and Pedestrian master plans. Staff will provide an update on all three plans in January 2025.