MONTGOMERY MALL

TO

BETHESDA MEDICAL

CENTER

BIKEWAY UPDATE

$21,000 State Grant to Fund

Signage, Paint

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

As I reported a few days ago, Governor Martin O'Malley has announced a grant of $21,000 to fund an official state bikeway connecting Westfield Montgomery Mall with the Bethesda Medical Center Metro station.

I noted that the announcement was vague on specifics, and would update you on the project.

After contacting the appropriate office at the Maryland Department of Transportation, I know a bit more than I did, but much is still speculative.

I had guesstimated the other day that the relatively small amount of money wouldn't cover much more than signs and paint. That was confirmed by Kate Sylvester of MDOT's Office of Planning and Capital Programming, who said the funds would indeed go towards wayfaring signage, and possibly "pavement markings and bike-friendly drainage grates."

Regarding a map of the new bikeway, none currently exists, she said.

"The exact route is not finalized yet. MDOT will be following up with Montgomery County in the next few weeks to learn more about the exact route and the steps the county will take to complete it," Sylvester explained.

You might be wondering what a "wayfaring sign" is.

The Federal Highway Administration sets standards for "official" wayfaring signs.

Wayfaring signs include one or more of the following elements:

A directional arrow, the name of a destination (i.e. Medical Center), the mileage to the listed location, and a bicycle icon to indicate the information is for bicyclists.

The signs approved by the FHWA feature reflective, white text on a green background.

Chicago was the first jurisdiction in the nation to install FHWA-approved wayfaring signs. Northern Virginia has them in some areas.

Hopefully, in a few weeks we'll know the exact route, and a timetable for completion of the bikeway.