BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN
2 0 1 3
TOWN OF BEL AIR
Bel Air Department of Planning 705 E Churchville Road 2 0 1 3 Bel Air, Maryland 21014 Advisory Committee
MEMBER REPRESENTING
Kevin Small Town of Bel Air Department of Planning Bob Syphard
Randy Robertson Town of Bel Air Department of Public Works
Leo Matrangola Town of Bel Air Police
Damilola Kehinde MD State Highway Administration John Vananzo
Janet Gleisner Harford County Planning & Zoning
Andrew Cassilly Harford County Public Schools
Brad Viers Business - Charm City Run
Paul Magness Harford County Parks & Rec
Mike Early Events - Bel Air Town Run
Bob Saunders Resident - Woodbury Way
Rob Reier Town of Bel Air Commissioner
Erin Ferriter Harford County Office of Sustainability Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION Vision...... 4 Active Transportation Concept...... 4 Process...... 6 Influences...... 7 Public Comment Summary...... 10
EXISTING CONDITIONS Roadway Infrastructure...... 11 Trails & Walks...... 12 Vehicle Accidents...... 12 Transit...... 12
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS Pedestrian Plan...... 14 Bicycle & Transit Plan...... 19 Bicycle & Pedestrian Services...... 22 Priorities...... 24 10 Year Action Plan...... 25
APPENDIX A – Storm Drain Grates Map & Inventory...... 28 B – Fill-in Sidewalk Construction Plan...... 33 C – Existing & Planned Alignment of Ma & Pa Heritage Trail...... 38 D – Traffic Accident Information...... 39 E – Bel Air Transit Orange Line & Bus Stop Amenities...... 41 F – Bicycle Route Signage, Pavement Marking & Trail Section...... 43 G – Public Comment...... 47
EXHIBITS Exhibit 1 — Existing Conditions Plan...... 13 Exhibit 2 — Pedestrian Plan...... 18 Exhibit 3 — Bicycle and Transit Plan ...... 21 INTRODUCTION Vision
Bel Air is mandated to provide a safe and efficient network for Bicyclists, Pedestrians and those using Mass Transit transportation. To achieve this goal, the Town will build upon the already extensive pedestrian network to reduce barriers and enhance amenities related to walking and cycling along with providing mass transit for desired destinations and routes. Based upon these principles, the following vision was established by the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
‘Strengthen the pedestrian connectivity and reinforce alternative modes of transporta- tion such as cycling and mass transit in the Town’
Active Transportation Concept
There is a connection between the facilities available to citizens and their level of physical activity and obesity. Based upon a research brief from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), there are many factors that create a link between access to improved walking and cycling infrastructure and the health of the population. Physical activity has declined in recent years. Between 1977 and 1995, the number of all walking trips decreased by 32% with a similar decrease in adults walking to work. Of all trips to school that are one mile or less children walk only 35.9% of the time. Reversing this decline in walking and biking trips is an opportunity for improving health among children, adolescents, and adults in the Town.
According to RWJF, public transit use is linked to higher levels of physical activity and lower rates of obesity
• People who use public transportation are less likely to be sedentary or obese than adults who do not use public transportation
Walking or biking to school can help kids be more active overall • Most studies of children and adolescents indicate that walking or bicycling to school is related to higher overall physical activity • Efforts promoted by programs such as Safe Routes to School, including building sidewalks, crosswalks and traffic- control devices around schools have been linked to an increase in the percentage of students who walk to school • Physical improvements in neighborhoods surrounding schools provide safer walking environments not just for students, but also to residents in the surrounding neighborhoods
Sidewalks and bicycle lanes promote physical activity More and better quality sidewalks are associated with adults having both higher rates of walking and of meeting physical activity recommendations. Similarly, the presence of bicycle lanes and paths is positively related to cycling, and to more
4 | TOWN OF BEL AIR BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2013 INTRODUCTION
adults meeting physical activity recommendations. Cities that invest in bicycle facilities exhibit higher levels of bicycle activity in the community. • One study of cities across the country estimated that for every 1% increase in the length of on-street bicycle lanes, there was a 0.3% increase in bicycle commuters. Studies conducted in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Portland, Oregon showed that bicyclists were willing to go farther than they would normally in order to use safe bicycle infrastructure. • Two studies found that facilities for bicycle parking, personal showering and locker storage at destinations were a promising strategy for promoting cycling and walking
Multi-use trails are associated with increases in walking and bicycling, especially in urban areas and among lower-income population
• Building multi-use trails can lead to short and long term increases in walking and cycling especially on urban area trails that connect population centers with desirable destinations such as downtowns • With few exceptions, living near trails or having trails in one’s neighborhood has been associated with people being 50% more likely to meet physical activity guidelines and 73% to 80% more likely to bicycle • The financial gain of the health benefits related to trail use outweighs the cost of building and operating the trails. For example, in Lincoln, Nebraska, every $1 invested in trails was estimated to save $2.94 in direct medical costs from a societal perspective.
Traffic calming and safety measures protect residents and facilitate walking and bicycling • Fast and heavy traffic is commonly cited as a barrier to walking and cycling. Infrastructure changes that decrease vehicle speeds, increase the attention of drivers and enhance pedestrian safety are known as traffic-calming devices. Devices such as speed humps and visibility aids can improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety. • Several recent reviews have examined how traffic calming influences the risk of crashes involving pedestrians and that of automobile crashes resulting in injuries. One found that traffic calming substantially reduced the risk of crashes involving pedestrians.
2013 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN TOWN OF BEL AIR | 5 INTRODUCTION Process
To initiate the planning process, the Town formed an Advisory Committee to help guide the review of existing conditions, analyze needed improvements, formulate recommended policy and evaluate concepts. This group consisted of Town, County, State and School officials, stakeholder groups such as cycling and running organizations and Town citizens. Information assembled from other sources was studied along with previous Town assessments. County and State studies related to Bel Air were also reviewed. The studies formed much of the basis for the recommendations reached during the evaluation process and are outlined below:
Bel Air Pedestrian Traffic Study 2000 Bel Air Pedestrian Safety Study 2001 Maryland Bicycle & Pedestrian Access Master Plan 2002 Harford County Land Preservation, Parks & Rec Plan 2005 Smart Step Forward: MD Walking Initiative 2005 Bel Air Town Center Parking Study 2007 MD Route 24 & Business US Route 1 traffic Analysis 2008 Bel Air Comprehensive Plan 2009 Harford County Bicycle Survey 2010 Harford County Transportation Element Plan 2010 Bicycle Policy and Design Guidelines SHA 2010 Maryland Student Travel Policy Survey 2011 Harford County Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan 2013 Sustainable Bel Air Plan 2013
The Town also solicited the opinions of citizens by establishing a link from the Town website to the ‘Community Walk’ program. This program allowed an individual to place an icon on a map of the Town reflecting the perceived issue and express a specific comment using a prompt notepad. The program received extensive comment from those who live and work in Bel Air. Most of the comments were specific to downtown issues concerning critical intersections. The Town also asked for comments by email or phone through advertisement in the ‘Bel Air Bond’, a quarterly newsletter sent to all Bel Air residents and businesses.
Once all the various comments were received from the public, a conceptual plan was generated by the Department of Planning for review by the Advisory Committee where it was refined even further. The Town then held an Open House on August 19, 2013 to inform the public of the existing conditions, overall objectives and general proposals of the plan. In addition, the plans were displayed downtown in Harford County administration buildings and the Harford County Public Schools building along with a survey designed to establish a sense of priorities for the implementation of the action items. The Advisory Committee met once more to review a draft of the plan including narrative and exhibits. Once comments from committee members were received and revisions made, a final plan was produced for review and acceptance by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners.
6 | TOWN OF BEL AIR BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2013 INTRODUCTION Influences BEL AIR PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC STUDY
In 2000, the Town of Bel Air prepared a report that created action items in order to facilitate the proper and orderly improvement, maintenance and expansion of the pedestrian system in Bel Air. Twelve action items were developed to improve the ability to walk throughout Town. The following are a summary of these items: 1. Continue a Sidewalk Development Program including annual review and maintenance 2. Implement specific crosswalk improvements including an annual deficiency review 3. Develop a Commercial Area Sidewalk Program with inspection and maintenance notices 4. Conduct a Pedestrian School Zone Safety Improvement Analysis on US Route 1, MD Route 924, Main Street and Hickory Avenue 5. Implement Pedestrian Safety Improvements identified in the previous action item 6. Design and Build Plumtree Run Trail System 7. Design and Build Bynum Run Trail System 8. Facilitate completion of the Town portion of the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail 9. Eliminate red signal turn movements at Churchville & Main, Churchville & Bond, & US Route 1 & Main through coordination with SHA (traffic study required) 10. Develop a Tree Replacement Program to improve the streetscape 11. Implement tree installation based upon the previous action item 12. Conduct a Pedestrian Education Program directed toward youth and seniors
The majority of goals were achieved completely or in part by 2005 with the exception of eliminating the free turning movements identified, completion of the Ma & Pa Trail and both Plumtree Run & Bynum Run Trails.
SMART STEP FORWARD: MARYLAND WALKING INITIATIVE
The National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education and the University of Maryland conducted surveys and focus groups in Bel Air in 2003 and 2004 designed to understand pedestrian activity, opinions about the walking environment in Town and motivations for walking. The results were assembled in a report issued in 2005 with somewhat predictable results for a suburban community with few large employers and high numbers of single family residential dwellings.
Reasons for walking • Walk to areas close to home • Most consider the Town streetscape to be attractive and well maintained • Most walking is done for leisure, recreation or exercise • There is a high use of walking trails • Many walkers would like more amenities and wayfinding assistance
Reasons for not walking • There is a high reliance on the automobile • Some people have concerns for safety – especially related to lighting and traffic • Walking is not convenient for shopping or work • Lack of connectivity prevents walking to certain destinations • By a large margin, most cite lack of time as the reason for not walking
2013 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN TOWN OF BEL AIR | 7 INTRODUCTION
BEL AIR 2009-2015 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Transportation Element of the 2009 Bel Air Comprehensive Plan identifies several problem intersections along and near US Route 1. These intersections facilitate high numbers of vehicles and represent impediments to pedestrian movement. • Main Street & Churchville Road • Main Street & Heighe Street • US Route 1 & Churchville Road • US Route 1 & Atwood Road • US Route 1 & MD Route 24 • US Route 1 & Tollgate Road
Several transportation improvements are identified by the master plan to alleviate traffic issues with a number of these improvements affecting walkers and cyclists. Most of these initiatives have been addressed since the update of the Town plan; however, some of the planned enhancements yet to be addressed are outlined below: • Improvements to Tollgate Road from US Route 1 to the Bel Air Bypass • Extension of MacPhail Road from MD Route 24 to MD Route 924 • New access road from Franklin Street back to Ellendale Street • Construction of the Bond Street parking deck • Realignment and widening of the west side of Marketplace Drive at MD Route 24
Initiatives with a walking, cycling or transit focus include the following: • Improve pedestrian and bicycle travel from residential areas to the downtown • Provide continuous pedestrian ways with minimal conflict • Provide Pedestrian routes that are secure, well lighted with good visibility • Provide more bicycle parking areas • Expand access to park and ride facilities and support inter-County bus services • Maintain a human scale environment to increase the pedestrian character
HARFORD COUNTY BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN
In early 2013, Harford County completed a Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan to focus on accessible walking and cycling opportunities in the County. Connectivity is a priority for the plan emphasizing coordination with municipalities where appropriate. Because of the size and scale of the County, cycling is addressed on a macro level with pedestrian planning limited to urban areas and neighborhoods surrounding the municipalities. In addition, the plan focuses on the need to change the habits and attitudes of citizens and how they use the transportation network. Some of the general goals and objectives identified are outlined:
Bicycle and Pedestrian Networks • Develop criteria for designating share the road routes • Work with SHA to add bicycle and pedestrian facilities • Work with DPW to establish revised road sections that support complete streets • Require new developments include pedestrian, bicycle and trail facilities • Require that sufficient right-of-way facilities are provided • Bring curb cuts and crosswalks into ADA compliance and upgrade markings and signage • Ensure transit stops are served by sidewalks and coordinate with Harford Transit Link
8 | TOWN OF BEL AIR BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2013 INTRODUCTION
Amenities that Support Bicycle and Pedestrian Activity • Ensure that crossing signals are timed to allow all users to safely cross • Provide a valet bike parking program for special events • Encourage provision of showers and changing rooms in businesses • Include shade trees, street furniture, lighting, water fountains, trash facilities and landscaping • Link the County’s bicycle map to a Quick Response (QR) code
Assist Bicyclists and Pedestrians by Offering Signage and Maps • Develop a Bicycle Map and Brochure • Create a system of Pedestrian and Bicycle signage • Ensure school crossing and pedestrian crossing signage meets MD-MUTCD code • Promote ‘Racks with Plaques’ cycling program
Promote Education and Awareness about Bicycle and Pedestrian Travel • Include bicycling information in the drivers’ education curriculum • Coordinate a Walkable/Bikeable School program through ‘Safe Routes to Schools’ • Promote cycling and walking for Seniors • Create a Bicycle and Pedestrian Webpage • Support Bike to Work Day, Walk to School Day and other national events • Work with Healthy Harford • Encourage corporations and private donors to support Bicycle and Pedestrian programs • Develop a bilingual education campaign • Sponsor design contests for posters and web materials supporting physical activity • Provide bicycle education for law enforcement and increase enforcement of traffic laws
Pedestrian Projects related to Bel Air • MD Route 24 & US Route 1 – add crosswalk improvements (signage, markings or signals) • Business 1 at Atwood Road – improve crosswalk (signage, markings or signals) • Ma & Pa Trail – complete section between Williams Street and Blake’s Venture • Tollgate Road from Route 1 to Route 24 – reconfigure road to accommodate cyclists • Brierhill Drive/E. MacPhail Road from Route 22 – add edge line striping • Town of Bel Air to Harford Community College – alternative bicycle/pedestrian route • MacPhail Road from Route 924 to Route 24 – study a bicycle/pedestrian connection • Tollgate Road to Route 924 – conduct a study to determine a bicycle and pedestrian route
2013 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN TOWN OF BEL AIR | 9 INTRODUCTION
SUSTAINABLE BEL AIR PLAN
The Sustainable Bel Air Plan is designed to address the need to protect the environment and preserve our existing natural resources for future generations. It is an effort to organize and prioritize initiatives towards green development in the Town with a goal to create a menu of objectives highlighting the environment. The emphasis is based on the sustainability paradigm that concentrates on ‘Social, Economic & Environmental’ solutions.
The process inevitably obligated the Town to rely heavily upon the residents and businesses because of its unique position as an established urban community with almost the entire incorporated area developed. The specific goals range from the easy to achieve task of setting all the municipal printers to print on double-sided paper to very lofty vision of consolidating all Town offices under one roof to save on energy and create efficiency of communication and coordination.
This effort is also structured to address the objectives of Sustainable Maryland Certified (SMC). This program is designed to facilitate the conversion of local communities to a more sustainable archetype. A committee was organized to oversee the plan implementation and address the ‘Green Team’ requirements of SMC. Many of the goals in the Sustainable Bel Air Plan are tailored to benefit from the resources and guidance provided in the SMC action items. A Bicycle Pedestrian Plan is outlined as one of the first actions to be initiated by the Town. Public Comment Summary
Through the Advisory Committee discussions, comments collected from the Open House, emails and through the website, a comprehensive assembly of public input is outlined in Appendix G. This comment is organized by location and by issue. A summary of the comments are outlined below. • Sidewalk connectivity is provided throughout Bel Air, especially in local neighborhoods where traffic conflicts are rare. Exceptions are crossing US Route 1, MD Route 22 and MD Route 24. • The downtown area has been recently improved with pedestrian facilities by SHA. • Downtown intersections with heavy pedestrian traffic and high volumes of vehicle traffic provide frequent opportunities for conflict. Notable intersections with extensive comments are US 1 & Main, Churchville & Main, Churchville & Bond and intersections along MD Route 24. • Restricting turns at a red light should be reviewed in the downtown area. • There is a desire to increase visibility at intersections for pedestrians. • Cycling along the arterial roads is considered very hazardous along with crossing of these roads. • Bicycle infrastructure such as bike lanes and signage are desirable along collector roads. • Additional trails and connections to the Ma & Pa Trail are considered paramount. • Walkers and cyclists should have easy access school campuses whenever possible. • Additional traffic enforcement is needed in the downtown area. • Wayfinding is needed in several forms – signage, brochures, web applications and apps. • Traffic calming is needed on some collector streets where vehicle volumes are low but speed is excessive.
10 | TOWN OF BEL AIR BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2013 EXISTING CONDITIONS Roadway Infrastructure
The Town is bisected by several intensively used arterial roads - US Route 1, MD Route 24, and MD Route 22. These roads are under the jurisdiction of the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) with the objective to move traffic quickly and with minimal interruption. This presents a conflict to pedestrian crossings and bicycle movement at selected intersections. MD Route 24 is a divided highway and does not accommodate sidewalks, trails, or bike lanes. The massing and scale of elements associated with MD Route 24 maximizes visibility and creates a wide open environment. An open character has priority over articulation of space and landscape is subordinate to easily maintained concrete and asphalt. There are no allowances for cycling lanes and pedestrian accommodation is limited to crosswalks in selected areas.
Collector roads or minor arterial roads such as MD Route 924, Hickory Avenue, Tollgate Road, Marketplace Drive, Boulton Street, MacPhail Road and Broadway offer targeted pedestrian and bicycle opportunities. These roads have less traffic, the majority of sidewalks are intact, and crosswalks are limited to signal intersections. The roadway widths and design speeds create an opportunity for bike lanes to be incorporated or to add ‘Share the Road’ pavement markings when lanes cannot be accommodated. The existence of on-street parking, number of driveways and paving width will govern how the bicycle accommodations can be marked. Pedestrian access needs additional amenities and wayfinding since these roads are the connectors between neighborhoods.
Main Street and Bond Street in the downtown area are also SHA roads. A traditional grid street pattern is provided with a dense layout of buildings oriented to the pedestrian. Vehicle parking is tucked behind the businesses for the most part and most parking is public and metered. There is adequate space for pedestrians within the right-of-way in addition to landscape and amenities. Because of the limited road width, separate bicycle lanes cannot be provided on these two roads and conflict with fast moving vehicles force most cyclists to use other parallel roads or use the sidewalk when traversing the downtown area. This area should be treated as a separate district within the plan since safe pedestrian movement is a priority.
Several roads including Atwood Road, Thomas Street, Gateway Drive, Lee Street, Pennsylvania Avenue and Hays Street serve as minor collectors. Sections of Hays, Pennsylvania, and Lee are transforming to a more commercial land use, but the character of these roads is more consistent with a residential environment with sufficient landscape, less building density and moderate traffic volumes. These roads offer an opportunity to add bicycle lanes and become a primary walking route. Local streets such as Williams Street, Linwood Avenue, Shamrock Road, Gordon Street and Maitland Street offer the prospect to accommodate walkers and cyclists with modifications to the infrastructure.
The remaining streets are a combination of public and private local streets. These are currently pedestrian friendly since the traffic volume and speed is measurably less and connectivity is very high. Correcting interruptions in sidewalk, providing handicapped ramps and proper pavement markings would address most issues associated with needed improvements. The Town is currently in the process of converting older storm drain inlet grates to new bicycle friendly grates. The new grate openings run perpendicular to the travel way and are configured so that bicycle tires do not become lodged in the grill resulting in damage to the bike or injury to the rider. A map and matrix of the current inventory is found in Appendix A.
2013 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN TOWN OF BEL AIR | 11 EXISTING CONDITIONS Trails & Walks
Sidewalks are repaired and missing sections constructed in accordance to the Fill-In Sidewalk Construction Plan administered by the Bel Air Department of Public Works. This comprehensive list is found in Appendix B offering status of sidewalks in the Town listed by priority based on the age of the neighborhood, current condition and level of use.
There are very few trails in the Town of Bel Air. The notable exception is the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail and the trails within Rockfield Park. The current trail head for the southern section of the Ma & Pa is located at Williams Street near the intersection with Ellendale Street. There is also a northern section of trail that ends at Blake’s Venture recreation area in Forest Hill. The connection of these two trail sections with a section running through the Town is currently blocked by acquisition of a final section of right-of-way near Hickory Village. A map of existing and proposed Ma & Pa trail is found in Appendix C. Vehicle Accidents
The Bel Air Police Department keeps records of accidents that occur within the Town. These can be divided into those resulting in injury and those resulting in damage to the vehicle. Most of the accidents occur between noon and six in the evening with a peak at the end of the week. Accidents with injuries crest on Friday which is assumed to be due to increased evening activity. Most accidents are at intersections along US Route 1 (refer to map in Appendix D) which is understandable since this is a heavily traveled road with extensive access points. The largest number of accidents is clustered around the US Route 1 & Main Street & Bond Street intersections. In addition, the intersections along MD Route 24 have a fair share of accidents due to the high speed and heavy volumes. Transit
Mass transit in the Town is provided by the Orange Line. Harford County Transit Services administers the bus service in the Town along with connecting routes to other destinations. This is also called Route 3, the Bel Air Circulator or the Town-Go-Round, providing transit services throughout the Town primarily between senior living communities, shopping, medical services and government facilities. The level of amenities at each of these transit stops varies widely. Some locations have benches, waste receptacles, bike racks and are covered while others lack designation because the location is on private property and permission has not been granted to install a sign. Connectivity to the pedestrian system is considered the most important element for these stops along with connectivity to other bus routes going to Aberdeen and Edgewood. A map of the Orange Line along with a list of all stops showing the current level of pedestrian amenities is found in Appendix E.
12 | TOWN OF BEL AIR BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2013 EXISTING CONDITIONS Exhibit 1 — ExistingExisting Conditions Conditions Plan
Pecan Ct
Coconut Ct
Cashew Ct
Conowingo Rd
Lane Almond Ct Grayson Sq
Heritage Comer Sq Old English Ct English Old
Candlelight Dr Dora Pl Majors Choice Dr
Oakmoor Ct Moores Mill Rd Moores Mill Rd Jessie Ct
Circle
Lida Pl
Calvin Pl Clara Terr Maxwell Pl Orley Pl Reedy
Hayden Way
KingsPath
Trout Circle
Ma& PaRd Kings Crossing Circle Hayden Seevue Ct Pl Dale Woodsyde CT W
Donzen Dr Ridgewood Rd Trout Dale Terr East McCormick Lane Shamrock Rd Benjamin Rd Grayson Ct Benjamin Ct Old Orchard Rd Crocker Dr Switchman Dr Carl Terr Hickory Avenue Crocker St
Timber Trail
Robinson St Poplar Grove Pl
Vale Rd Stoneleigh Train Ct Oak Gr Ct Francis Ave Francis Harlan St Trout Dale Ct Ct Signal Ct
Rd Roland Ave Wellington Hall St Howard St Ct Webster St Hemingway Dr DanielCt Webster St Robinson Alley Choice St
Pl
Rockspring Av Cressy Rd Prkwy Broadway Churchville Rd
Wright St Cesky Pl Wendellwood Dr
Roland Pl e Franklin St Faulkner Ct
McCormick St Dallam Ave Shamrock Rd
Edinshall Trail Ellendale St Mapleview Dr Ardmore Way
Mast St
Lee Way La Rosa St Irish Rd
Ellendale St Langford Pl Maulsby Ave Doon Tr Dublin Way
Loch Gordon St Lee St
Nichols St Broadway Shannon Drive Ct
Courtland Pl
Wallace St
Burns Alley Richardson St
Lester Way WIlson St Main St Hickory Ave
Pennsylvania Ave Ewing St Alice Anne St Courtland St
Williams St Catherine Ct Office St Fulford Ave Bond St
Giles St Catherine St Shaw St
Eastern Alley Linwood Ave Jackson Blvd Hays St Atwood Rd Maitland St Linwood Ct Brooks St
Churchville Rd Linwood Garth Deerbrook Rd Middle Alley Archer St Powell Ave Bedford Rd Barnes St Foxcroft Dr
Reed St Western Alley Dorsey Rd Eastern Ave
Bailey's Lane Hunter Drive Kenmore Ave Kelly Ave Claridge Ct Hawley Ct
Cheswold Ct Heighe St Idlewild Rd Woodbury Way Peabody Ct
Idlewild Ct George St Grosvenor Dr Alden's Plead Beckenham Cir Shamrock Rd SquareCrabtree Edgehill Dr
Ashley Way Edgehill Ct Wingate Ct Dewberry Way Homestead St Wallingford Rd Baltimore Pike Winding Alley Jackson Blvd Village Ct Lane Ct Three Phail Rd Acre Lane Idlewild St E. Mac Pequot Dr
Ct Lane Tolchester Ct Garth Park Manor Dr
Gateway Dr Blum Ct Overbrook Dr Southworth Ct
Main St
Canterbury Rd Spindle Hill Atwood Rd Boulton St Canterbury Rd English Manor Lane
Chaucer Red Oak Dr Lane Brookhill Ct Squire Lane Squire Thames Way
Yorkshire Pl Route 24 Raspberry Hill Ct
Churchill Rd
Marketplace Dr White Oak Dr Tollgate Road
W MacPhail Rd
Belair Road Legend
Town Boundary Existing Sidewalk Tollgate Rd Existing Private Sidewalk Hard Surfaced Trail Gravel Trail
Existing BikeracksEmmorton Rd Park Buildings
Map prepared by the 0 500 1,000 2,000 Feet Town of Bel Air ¯ Planning Department Print Date: 10/15/2013
2013 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN TOWN OF BEL AIR | 13 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
Pedestrian Plan ESTABLISH A ‘PEDESTRIAN ZONE’ IN DOWNTOWN
A Pedestrian Zone is recommended for the downtown area where walkers are intensively concentrated. This area would extend from Lee Street to Baltimore Pike and include Bond Street and Main Street along with Hickory Avenue at both Pennsylvania and Courtland intersections. In cooperation with SHA, this zone would designate pedestrian movement as a priority over vehicular movement modifying enforcement, enhancing infrastructure and heightening awareness. • Make crossing the street easier by restricting right/left turns during a red signal. The highest priority movements are listed below (traffic study required by SHA) −− Westbound Churchville Road at Main Street −− Northbound Main Street at Pennsylvania Avenue −− Westbound Churchville Road at Bond Street −− Northbound Main Street at Fulford Avenue −− Southbound Bond Street at Churchville Road −− Westbound Lee Street at Main Street −− Eastbound Baltimore Pike at Main Street • Enforce traffic laws more aggressively for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians • Promote a singular design theme for lighting, amenities, paving, landscape to promote the pedestrian scale • Introduce passive traffic calming measures including textured pavement, narrow drive lanes, medians and landscape • Promote walking by providing a unique experience with pavement graphics, video kiosks, Wi-Fi, ambient music, public art, pocket parks, signage and sidewalk activity (markets, outdoor dining and special events) • Insure vehicle and pedestrian visibility by restricting sidewalk signs, landscape and barriers at intersections
INFILL GAPS IN THE SIDEWALK SYSTEM
While the sidewalk system in the Town is well connected, there are several key routes that need to be prioritized to bridge gaps in connectivity. • Prioritize the current Fill-in Sidewalk Construction Plan found in Appendix B according to the listed projects in this narrative • Enhance the sidewalk connection along Thomas Street from Hays Street to Kelly Avenue • Connect Lee Way to Rockfield Park via a sidewalk along the north side of Churchville Road • Create a walk from the Armory to the HCPS building via Burns Alley and parking lot improvements
14 | TOWN OF BEL AIR BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2013 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
• Connect Alice Anne Street & Thomas Street with a sidewalk along Williams Street • Complete the pedestrian access along Maitland Street by installing a sidewalk between Eastern Avenue & Linwood Avenue • Link Maulsby Avenue to Moores Mill Road with a sidewalk on east side of Rockspring Avenue • Connect Moores Mill Road to Rockspring Avenue with a sidewalk along Cressy Road & Ridgewood Road • Connect Maitland Street to Barnes Street via a sidewalk along Powell Avenue • Connect Main Street to Kenmore Avenue with a walk along Bailey’s Lane • Connect the south end of Broadway to the Ma & Pa Trail and Liriodendron via a sidewalk along the private drive • Connect Vale Road with Howard Street via a sidewalk along Roland Avenue • Connect Dallam Avenue to Roland Place via a sidewalk through sewer pumping station • Extend sidewalk along Franklin Street to end of the right-of-way for future connection to Ma & Pa Trail • Complete sidewalks along Webster Street, Wright Street, Crocker Street, Giles Street, Robinson Street, Old Orchard Road, Wendellwood Road, Barnes Street, Ellendale Street, Gordon Street & Mapleview Drive • Eliminate obstructions in sidewalks or provide bypass opportunities • Provide crosswalks at desired locations −− Mid-block on Thomas Street between Bond and Hays to connect parking lots −− Move existing mid-block crosswalk on Pennsylvania Ave- nue when Burns Alley is improved −− Provide crosswalks at Giles Street and Maitland Street when Rockfield to Main Street Trail is improved −− Crosswalks along all primary and secondary routes
CREATE TRAIL CONNECTIONS TO PARKS AND DESTINATIONS
The Town trail system is limited to Rockfield Park and the Ma & Pa Trail. Several trails can be added that will connect parks with neighborhoods and connect neighborhoods with the Ma & Pa Trail. These can be evaluated for bicycle use and isolated for surface treatment depending on the location and destination. • Connect the Ma & Pa Trail through Town – see Appendix C • Provide a trail from the end of Thomas Street to Kelly Fields with connections to Ma & Pa Trail & Boulton Street • Provide a trail connection from Moores Mill Road to Churchville Road and the south end of Jackson Boulevard via St. Matthews Church property • Complete trail system within Rockfield Park with paved connections from Ewing Street to the main loop path and the Ball field parking lot to the playground • Provide a trail connection to Rockfield Park from S. Shamrock Road via John Carroll School • Provide a trail connection from W. MacPhail Road to E. MacPhail Road via Bel Air school campus • Provide a connection from Boulton Street to Bel Air Town Center with a trail along MD Route 24 • Provide a trail connection from Raspberry Court to the south end of Jackson Boulevard • Construct boardwalk through Rockfield Park from playground to main loop path • Provide a trail connection from the north end of Jackson Boulevard to Bynum Pond
2013 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN TOWN OF BEL AIR | 15 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
• Provide a trail connection from US Route 1 to Atwood Road via Bel Air school campus • Provide a combination trail/sidewalk connection from Rockfield Park (Ewing Street parking lot) to Main Street and Bel Air High School campus • Provide a trail from the end of Majors Choice Drive to Hickory Avenue • Provide a trail from the end of Franklin Street to the Ma & Pa Trail
ACQUIRE EASEMENTS FOR FUTURE ACCESS
There are several connections that are critical to creating the desired linkages in the sidewalk and trail system in the Town that are privately owned. Access easements and right-of-way are necessary to insure the ability of the public to utilize these connections. Below is a summary of the highest priorities. • Acquire an easement from off Cressy Road or Franklin Street for Ma & Pa Trail connection • Obtain Right -of-way through Harford County Public School property from W. MacPhail Road to E. MacPhail Road for future road and trail • Acquire easements for a sidewalk from Maulsby Avenue to Moores Mill Road along the west side of Rockspring Road • Require an easement through the St. Matthews property to create access between Moores Mill Road, Churchville Road & N Jackson Boulevard • Easement through John Carroll School to allow public access from S. Shamrock Road and Dorsey Road to Rockfield Park • Acquire access easement for a public access from Armory to the Richardson Parking lot for future connection via Burns Alley • Acquire easement to connect with an existing easement at 404 Giles Street • Possible easement through John Carroll School to complete access from S Jackson Boulevard to Bynum Pond • Easement for access through Harford County Public School campus from US Route 1 through Town owned property to Atwood Road • Acquire easement through private property and Majors Choice Open Space for public access to Hickory Avenue • Acquire easement from end of Franklin Street to Ma & Pa Trail
IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN ENVIRONMENT ALONG US ROUTE 1 AND MD ROUTE 22
Most walkers feel uncomfortable walking beside or crossing these two very busy roads. While a great deal of the necessary infrastructure has already been installed along these routes by SHA, some additional limited measures can be pursued to create a more secure environment for pedestrians. • Review critical intersections (highlighted by accident information in Appendix D) along US Route 1 & MD Route 22 to identify improvements to crossing lengths, signal timing, visibility, turn restrictions and to propose traffic calming measures if needed • Funnel pedestrians and cyclists to designated crossings and inhibit jaywalking with landscape, fencing and signage • Reduce speeds with reduction of pavement, narrow travel lanes, and median islands • Provide pedestrian links to from the right-of-way to existing shopping centers with minimal vehicle conflict • Provide additional landscape to buffer the pedestrian and reduce the scale of the streetscape • Promote the placement of architecture on the road and encourage vehicle parking in the side and rear
16 | TOWN OF BEL AIR BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2013 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
IMPROVE THE SAFETY AND COMFORT OF CROSSING MD ROUTE 24
Route 24 has the widest right-of-way in the Town and is intimidating to cross. This road effectively isolates the southwestern quarter of the Town for those walking or riding a bike. The signalized intersections have been upgraded to assist pedestrians across safely. Minor improvements should be explored with SHA to maximize safety and increase the comfort level of pedestrians and bicyclists. • Insure pedestrian safety with appropriate crossing timing, accessible routes, standardized pavement markings and signage • Review the possibility of including pedestrian refuge islands at appropriate median areas to allow for a safe spot to pause when crossing • Investigate potential of providing a pedestrian tunnel at or near Plumtree Run to provide for a possible future connection to the Upper Chesapeake campus • Encourage the reduction of posted speed limits on MD Route 24 between Boulton Street & MacPhail Road • Coordinate with SHA on the use of landscape, fencing and signage to prevent mid-block pedestrian crossing of MD Route 24
2013 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN TOWN OF BEL AIR | 17 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS Exhibit 2 — Pedestrian Plan Pedestrian Plan
Pecan Ct
Coconut Ct
Cashew Ct
Conowingo Rd
Lane Almond Ct Grayson Sq
Heritage Comer Sq Old English Ct English Old
Candlelight Dr Dora Pl Majors Choice Dr
Oakmoor Ct Moores Mill Rd Moores Mill Rd Jessie Ct
Circle
Lida Pl
Calvin Pl Clara Terr Maxwell Pl Orley Pl Reedy
Hayden Way
KingsPath
Trout Circle
Ma& PaRd Kings Crossing Circle Hayden Seevue Ct Pl Dale Woodsyde CT W
Donzen Dr Ridgewood Rd Trout Dale Terr East McCormick Lane Shamrock Rd Benjamin Rd Grayson Ct Benjamin Ct Old Orchard Rd Crocker Dr Switchman Dr Carl Terr Hickory Avenue Crocker St
Timber Trail
Robinson St Poplar Grove Pl
Vale Rd Stoneleigh Train Ct Oak Gr Ct Francis Ave Francis Harlan St Trout Dale Ct Ct Signal Ct
Rd Roland Ave Wellington Hall St Howard St Ct Webster St Hemingway Dr DanielCt Webster St Robinson Alley Choice St
Pl
Rockspring Av Cressy Rd Prkwy Broadway Churchville Rd
Wright St Cesky Pl Wendellwood Dr
Roland Pl e Franklin St Faulkner Ct
McCormick St Dallam Ave Shamrock Rd
Edinshall Trail Ellendale St Mapleview Dr Ardmore Way
Mast St
Lee Way La Rosa St Irish Rd
Ellendale St Langford Pl Maulsby Ave Doon Tr Dublin Way
Loch Gordon St Lee St
Nichols St Broadway Shannon Drive Ct
Courtland Pl
Wallace St
Burns Alley Richardson St
Lester Way WIlson St Main St Hickory Ave
Pennsylvania Ave Ewing St Alice Anne St Courtland St
Williams St Catherine Ct Office St Fulford Ave Bond St
Giles St Catherine St Shaw St
Eastern Alley Linwood Ave Jackson Blvd Hays St Atwood Rd Maitland St Linwood Ct Brooks St
Churchville Rd Linwood Garth Deerbrook Rd Middle Alley Archer St Powell Ave Bedford Rd Barnes St Foxcroft Dr
Reed St Western Alley Dorsey Rd Eastern Ave
Bailey's Lane Hunter Drive Kenmore Ave Kelly Ave Claridge Ct Hawley Ct
Cheswold Ct Heighe St Idlewild Rd Woodbury Way Peabody Ct
Idlewild Ct George St Grosvenor Dr Alden's Plead Beckenham Cir Shamrock Rd SquareCrabtree Edgehill Dr
Ashley Way Edgehill Ct Wingate Ct Dewberry Way Homestead St Wallingford Rd Baltimore Pike Winding Alley Jackson Blvd Village Ct Lane Ct Three Phail Rd Acre Lane Idlewild St E. Mac Pequot Dr
Ct Lane Tolchester Ct Garth Park Manor Dr
Gateway Dr Blum Ct Overbrook Dr Southworth Ct
Main St
Canterbury Rd Spindle Hill Atwood Rd Boulton St Canterbury Rd English Manor Lane
Chaucer Red Oak Dr Lane Brookhill Ct Squire Lane Squire Thames Way
Yorkshire Pl Route 24 Raspberry Hill Ct
Churchill Rd
Marketplace Dr White Oak Dr Tollgate Road Legend Hard Surfaced Trail Proposed Hardsurface Trail Gravel Trail W MacPhail Rd Proposed Gravel Trail
Belair Road Unimproved Trail Proposed Unimproved Trail Existing Sidewalk
Tollgate Rd Existing Private Sidewalk Sidewalk Improvements Park Buildings Emmorton Rd
Pedestrian Crossing Improvements
Map prepared by the 0 500 1,000 2,000 Feet Town of Bel Air ¯ Planning Department Print Date: 10/15/2013
Existing Hard Surface Trail Existing Gravel/Other Trail John Carroll High School Rockfield Gardens MA & PA Heritage Trail Rockfield Park Proposed Gravel/Other Trail Bynum Park Rockfield Boardwalk Plumtree Park Gordon St/MA & PA Connection Broadway/MA & PA Connection Proposed Hard Surface Trail Franklin St/MA & PA Connection MA & PA Heritage Trail Moores Mill Rd/Churchville Rd Connection MacPhail Connection Rockfield Park Ballfields Connection Sidewalk Improvements Shamrock Park/Library Connection Rockspring Avenue Lee St/John Carroll Connection Rockfield/S. Shamrock Connection Maitland Street Gordon Street S. Jackson Blvd/Bynum Pond Connection Hickory Avenue Connections Williams Street Giles St/Maitland St Connection Powell Avenue Franklin Street US Route 1/Bel Air HS Connection Burns Alley Roland Avenue Idlewild St/MacPhail Connection Bailey Lane Ridgewood Road Majors Choice/Hickory Ave Connection Thomas St
18 | TOWN OF BEL AIR BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2013 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS Bicycle & Transit Plan PROVIDE AN APPROPRIATE LANDSCAPE AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT ALONG PRIMARY & SECONDARY ROUTES
The primary routes for cycling are designed to connect destinations and link to County routes. The development of these routes needs to be reinforced by landscape treatment and architectural guidelines to create a more user-friendly environment. • Cut back vegetation at critical corners to ‘Daylight intersections’ (provide maximum visibility) • Install landscape to bring down the scale of major roads, provide shade and create buffers • Provide suitable alternative links to safe parallel routes instead of cycling US Route 1 & MD Route 22 • Enforce existing regulations that require architecture up against the roadway to provide pedestrian scale along the public way
INCORPORATE CYCLING IMPROVEMENTS INTO INFRASTRUCTURE
The primary routes will need to be highlighted in order to create easily recognized connections through the Town. The principal means of designating bike routes will be pavement marking. Primary Routes with fewer access points, less on- street parking, heavier traffic and a wide paving section will receive designated bicycle lanes in both directions with parking only on one side. Secondary Routes with less paving width, more residential driveways, more on-street parking and less traffic will receive Share the Road markings called ‘Sharrows’ where bikes share the travel lane with vehicles. See Appendix F for details. • Designate bicycling lanes on priority routes with parking on one side only on Thomas Street, Williams Street, Lee Street, Broadway, W MacPhail Road, Atwood Road, Rockspring Avenue & Hickory Avenue. • Designate Shared Lane pavement markings on secondary routes with parking on both sides on Linwood Avenue, Lee Way, E MacPhail Road, Shamrock Road, Maitland Street, Jackson Boulevard & Majors Choice • Convert all storm drain grates to bicycle friendly design – see Appendix A • Sign roads that lead to County Bicycle Routes and County destinations such as Harford Community College and County Parks
PROVIDE MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BIKE PARKING
Evidence of the need for additional bike racks is found in many locations around Bel Air with poles, meters and fences used as a means for securing bikes. Proper bike storage should be placed at all destinations and at points of transition from one mode of transportation to another. • Provide bike racks at selected public destinations including; transit stops, parks, schools, recreation centers, trails, parking lots, and post offices • Provide bike storage lockers at the Hickory Garage for those who work in downtown and do not have means of secure long term storage • Encourage the installation of bike racks to selected private destinations such as shopping areas, churches, restaurants and offices • Combine art with bike rack design to promote an attractive amenity • Promote a ‘bike valet’ service at public events
2013 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN TOWN OF BEL AIR | 19 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
INSTALL TRAFFIC CALMING DEVICES ALONG HIGH VOLUME & HIGH SPEED ROADS
There are several Town designated priority routes where vehicle speed can be an issue. These roads need to be improved with traffic calming measures to reduce speed and promote awareness of cyclists and walkers. • Install crosswalks along priority walking and cycling routes • Narrow travel lanes and designate bike lanes and parking where possible. If bicycle and vehicles lanes are to be shared, indicate with appropriate graphics • Provide pavement markings and signage in residential areas where speed is a problem • Install medians where speed is an issue and there is a pedestrian crossing designated • Provide center line signage (both temporary and permanent) and/or signals at critical crossings
SOLICIT COMMUTER SERVICES IN BEL AIR
The most direct way to address the conflict of vehicles with pedestrians and cyclists is to reduce the number of cars and trucks on the road. Support of mass transit will provide for environmentally sound transportation and create less congestion. Provision of commuter services in Bel Air where users can walk or ride to the take the bus is a sustainable way to satisfy the need for traffic reduction. • Provide a park-n-ride stop at an existing parking lot near downtown such as Rockfield Park or the Hickory Garage • Provide and promote a designated car pool lot at an existing parking lot near downtown • Provide for seasonal transit service to/from the downtown for Christmas shopping, athletic tournaments and town events • Work with Harford County on provision of a commuter bus stop at an existing parking area for those who work at Aberdeen Proving Ground
IMPROVE AMENITIES AND ACCESS AT EXISTING TRANSIT STOPS
To create a sustainable alternative means of transit, the system must address the needs of ridership through provision of appropriate facilities. • At a minimum, provide signage and ensure that all stops connect to a paved pedestrian system – see Appendix E • In appropriate locations, ensure that paving, seating, lighting, and bike storage are provided at the transit stop • At high use locations, shelter and pull off areas for buses should be investigated • Work with Harford County Transit to verify the most convenient and easily accessible bus stop locations for the highest potential number of riders
20 | TOWN OF BEL AIR BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2013 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS Exhibit 3 — Bicycle and Transit Plan k Bicycle and Transit Plan
Pecan Ct
Coconut Ct
Cashew Ct
Conowingo Rd
Lane Almond Ct Grayson Sq
Heritage Comer Sq
Old English Ct Old English [! Candlelight Dr Dora Pl Majors Choice Dr
Oakmoor Ct Moores[! Mill Rd Moores Mill Rd Jessie Ct
Circle
Lida Pl
Calvin Pl Clara Terr Maxwell Pl Orley Pl Reedy
Hayden Way
[! Kings Path
Trout Circle
Ma & Pa Rd Kings Crossing Circle Hayden Seevue Ct Pl Dale Woodsyde CT W
Donzen Dr Ridgewood Rd Trout Dale Terr East M Lane cCormick Shamrock Rd Benjamin Rd Grayson Ct Benjamin Ct Old Orchard Rd Crocker Dr Switchman Dr Carl Terr Hickory Avenue Crocker St [! Timber Trail
Robinson St Poplar Grove Pl
Vale Rd Stoneleigh Train Ct Oak Gr Ct FrancisAve Harlan St Trout Dale Ct Ct Signal Ct
Rd Roland Ave Wellington Hall St Howard St Ct Webster St Hemingway Dr Daniel Ct Webster St Robinson Alley Choice St
Pl
Rockspring A CressyRd Prkwy Broadway Churchville Rd
Wright St Cesky Pl [! Wendellwood Dr [! Roland Pl ve Franklin St Faulkner Ct
McCormick St k Dallam Ave Shamrock Rd
Edinshall Trail Ellendale St Mapleview Dr Ardmore Way
Mast St
Lee Way La Rosa St Irish Rd
Ellendale St [! Langford Pl Maulsby Ave Doon Tr Dublin Way
Loch Gordon St [! Lee St
Nichols[! St Broadway Shannon Drive Ct
Courtland Pl
Wallace St
Burns Alley Richardson St
Lester Way WIlson St Main St Hickory Ave
Pennsylvania Ave Ewing St Alice Anne St [! Courtland St Williams St Catherine Ct [! Office St Fulford Ave Bond St [!
Giles St Catherine St [! Shaw St Eastern Alley Linwood Ave Jackson Blvd Hays St Atwood Rd Maitland St Linwood Ct
Brooks St Churchville Rd Linwood Garth Deerbrook Rd Middle Alley Archer St Powell Ave Bedford Rd Barnes St Foxcroft Dr
Reed St Western Alley Dorsey Rd Eastern Ave
Bailey's Lane Hunter Drive Kenmore Ave Kelly Ave Claridge Ct Hawley Ct
Cheswold Ct Heighe St Idlewild Rd Woodbury Way Peabody Ct
Idlewild Ct George St [! Grosvenor Dr Alden's Plead Beckenham Cir Shamrock Rd SquareCrabtree Edgehill Dr
Ashley Way Edgehill Ct Wingate Ct Dewberry Way Homestead St Wallingford Rd Baltimore Pike Winding Alley Jackson Blvd Village Ct Lane Ct [! Three hail Rd Acre Lane Idlewild St E. MacP Pequot Dr
Ct Lane Tolchester Ct Garth Park Manor Dr
Gateway Dr Blum Ct Overbrook Dr Southworth [! Ct [! Main St
Canterbury Spindle Hill Rd Atwood Rd Boulton St Canterbury Rd English Manor Lane
Chaucer Lane Red Oak Dr Brookhill Ct Squire Lane Squire [! Thames Way
Yorkshire Pl [! [! Route 24 Raspberry Hill Ct [! [! Churchill Rd Legend
Marketplace Dr White Oak Dr Tollgate Road k Proposed Park & Ride Locations
k Proposed Commuter Bus Stops [! [! [! Transfer Stops to Routes 2a & 1a
[! Route 3 stops
W MacPhail Rd Proposed Downtown Pedestrian Zone [!
Belair Road Proposed Town Bike Routes [! [! Proposed County Bike Routes
Sidewalk
Tollgate Rd
Private sidewalk
Existing Bike Rack
Proposed Bike Rack Emmorton Rd Park
Buildings
Connection with County Routes
0 500 1,000 2,000 Feet Map prepared by the ¯ Town of Bel Air Planning Department Print Date: 10/15/2013
2013 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN TOWN OF BEL AIR | 21 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS Bicycle & Pedestrian Services PROMOTE SCHOOL CHILDREN TO WALK OR BIKE TO SCHOOL
The most direct way to change existing attitudes and habits of the public with regard to exercise is to reinforce a routine that promotes walking and cycling. One of the ways this can be done is by providing youth with the safe and convenient means to establish an active lifestyle through walking or riding to and from school. • The immediate vicinity of a school should be properly signed and the pavement marked using Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) regulated standards • Encourage children to walk or cycle to school when located within 1 mile of the facility through incentives and recognition • Promote ‘Walking School Bus’ programs where parents escort student groups to school and home from school • Promote programs with Harford County Public School system to educate children on proper and safe cycling and walking • Place crossing guards at high traffic locations where children and parents are likely to cross
MAKE PUBLIC AWARE OF WALKING AND CYCLING SERVICES
The existing trails and bike routes and those yet to be established should be properly advertised and promoted to maximize use. Expanding awareness of the many opportunities is a priority as an easy and inexpensive way to expand the accessibility of the pedestrian and cycling system in the short term. • Provide wayfinding graphics at critical decision points in the Town such as parks, trails, bus stops, shopping, government services and intersections • Create a map of easy to navigate bicycle and pedestrian routes with data on transit stops, parks, shopping, government buildings and schools • Provide amenities for people who walk pets such as water fountains and pet waste bag kiosks • Integrate Bicycle & Pedestrian maps and information into the Town website and include links to related information sites • Provide recognition of groups, schools, business and institutions that reinforce walking and cycling as a lifestyle • Create Brochures and Apps for cycling or walking tours of public art, historic buildings and Parks and Recreation destinations • Coordinate with Healthy Harford on programs to promote walking and cycling in the Town • Continue to promote events that promote exercise and a healthy lifestyle such as the Town Run and Healthy Harford Day • Promote the services available to aid walking, cycling and other exercise for Seniors and Youth • Reach out to the Spanish speaking community with information regarding cycling and walking
22 | TOWN OF BEL AIR BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2013 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
CREATE A SAFE AND SECURE ENVIRONMENT FOR PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLE USERS
Security is one of the top reasons people decide not to bike or walk in a particular area. Most areas in Bel Air are safe and secure as evidenced by public comment. To insure that citizens feel protected and continue to use the walks and trails, measures can be taken to modify the environment to promote visibility, illumination and defensible space. • Improve area lighting at critical crossings, intersections and locations where illumination is deficient • Provide video monitoring in high traffic areas to aid police enforcement • Heighten visibility to trails, parks and other pedestrian areas from the surrounding neighborhood to provide an extra set of eyes for security • Provide signage to keep the public aware of the need to lock up property
INTEGRATE PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLING STANDARDS INTO DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
While most of Bel Air is developed, some improvements can be made through redevelopment and expansion of existing uses. Requirement of appropriate amenities measured against the impact of the development on the community assets of the Town is needed when it meets the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. • Require connectivity for all new development projects and require renovation projects to make appropriate improvements to the overall development • Require bike racks for all appropriate proposed uses • Promote use of walking trails on private property through paved connectors and amenities • Enforce the provision of recreational or active open space for all new development
AGGRESSIVELY ENFORCE TRAFFIC LAWS – ESPECIALLY IN DOWN- TOWN
The enforcement of traffic laws as it relates to pedestrian safety will help to create the needed sense of comfort in those areas where vehicles and walkers/cyclists conflict the most. • Ticket speeding within the Pedestrian Zone with reduced allowance for adjustment • Ticket crosswalk violations by motorists in pedestrian zone • Ticket cyclists on the sidewalk in pedestrian zone • Selectively set up speed enforcement zones in areas where accidents involve pedestrians and cyclists • Ticket jaywalking in select problem areas such as US Route 1 & MD Route 24
2013 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN TOWN OF BEL AIR | 23 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS Priorities
The Town solicited citizens opinion regarding what improvement or service they considered to be the most important in order to understand what action should be addressed with a higher degree of priority than others. These results are reflected on the following matrix.
24 | TOWN OF BEL AIR BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2013 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS 10 Year Action Plan BIKE/PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS
ONGOING EFFORTS (2014 - 2024) 1. Promote a singular design theme for lighting, amenities, paving and landscape 2. Create brochures and apps for tours of public art, historic buildings and Parks & Recreation destinations 3. Coordinate with Healthy Harford on programs to promote walking and cycling 4. Enforce regulations that require architecture up against the roadway 5. Convert all storm drain grates to bicycle friendly design 6. Restrict sandwich board signs, landscape and other barriers at intersections 7. Eliminate obstructions in sidewalks or provide bypass opportunities 8. Introduce passive traffic calming measures including textured pavement, narrow drive lanes, medians and landscape 9. Enforce traffic laws more aggressively for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians in the downtown area 10. Place crossing guards at high traffic locations where children/parents cross 11. Continue to promote events that promote exercise and a healthy lifestyle such as the Town Run and Healthy Harford Day 12. Promote services to aid walking & cycling for Seniors and Youth 13. Require renovation projects to make appropriate improvements to overall development 14. Require bike racks for all appropriate proposed uses 15. Promote walking trails on private land through connectors and amenities 16. Enforce the provision of recreational open space for all new development 17. Funnel pedestrians and cyclists to designated crossings and inhibit jaywalking with landscape, fencing and signage 18. Provide pedestrian links from the road to existing shopping centers 19. Review pedestrian refuge islands at appropriate median areas 20. Acquire easements for future access 2014 1. Connect the Ma & Pa Trail through Town 2. Restrict right/left turns during a red signal in Pedestrian Zone 3. Provide bike racks at transit stops, parks, schools, recreation centers, trails, parking lots and post offices 4. Review critical intersections along US Route 1 & MD Route 22 to identify improvements to crossing lengths, signal timing, visibility & turn restrictions 5. Insure pedestrian safety with appropriate crossing timing, accessible routes, standardized pavement markings and signage 6. Trail connection from Moores Mill Road to Churchville Road and the south end of Jackson Boulevard via St. Matthews Church property 7. Prioritize the current Fill-in-Sidewalk Construction Plan 8. Sidewalk enhancement along Thomas Street from Hays Street to Kelly Avenue 9. Connect Lee Way to Rockfield Park via a sidewalk along Churchville Road 10. Provide wayfinding graphics at parks, trail heads, bus stops, shopping, government services and major intersections
2013 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN TOWN OF BEL AIR | 25 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
2015 1. Properly sign and mark pavement around schools using MUCTD standards 2. Provide recognition of groups, schools, businesses and institutions that reinforce walking and cycling 3. Connect Alice Anne Street & Thomas Street with a walk along Williams Street 4. Complete the pedestrian access along Maitland Street by installing a sidewalk between Eastern Avenue & Linwood Avenue 5. Provide a trail from the end of Thomas Street to Kelly Fields with connections to Ma & Pa Trail & Boulton Street 6. Provide for seasonal transit service to/from the downtown for Christmas shopping, athletic tournaments and town events 7. Encourage children to walk or cycle to school through incentives and recognition 8. Create a map of easy to navigate bicycle and pedestrian routes noting transit stops, parks, shopping, government buildings and schools 9. Cut back vegetation at critical corners to ‘daylight intersections’ 2016 1. Create a walk from the Armory to the HCPS building via Burns Alley and parking lot improvements 2. Provide a trail connection to Rockfield Park from S. Shamrock Road via John Carroll School 3. Encourage the installation of bike racks at shopping areas, churches, restaurants and offices 4. Work with Harford County on a commuter bus stop at an existing parking area 5. Provide signage and ensure that all transit stops connect to a paved pedestrian system 6. Promote walking by providing a unique experience with pavement graphics, video kiosks, Wi-Fi, ambient music, public art, pocket parks, signage and sidewalk activity 7. Designate bicycling lanes on priority routes with parking on one side only on Thomas Street, Williams Street, Broadway, W. MacPhail Road, Atwood Road, Rockspring Avenue & Hickory Avenue 8. Combine art with bike rack design to promote an attractive amenity 2017 1. Provide suitable alternative links to safe parallel routes instead of cycling US Route 1 & MD Route 22 2. Designate shared lane pavement markings on secondary routes with parking on both sides of Linwood Avenue, Lee Way, E. MacPhail Road, Shamrock Road, Maitland Street, Jackson Boulevard & Majors Choice 3. Connect Boulton Street to Bel Air Town Center with a trail along MD Route 24 4. Promote ‘Walking School Bus’ programs where parents escort student groups to school and home from school 5. Integrate Bicycle & Pedestrian maps and information into the Town website and include links to related information sites 6. Promote programs with Harford County Public School system to educate children on proper and safe cycling and walking 7. Work with Harford County Transit to verify accessible bus stop locations 2018 1. Sign roads that lead to County Bicycle Routes and County destinations such as Harford Community College and County Parks 2. Link Maulsby Avenue to Moores Mill Road with a sidewalk on east side of Rockspring Avenue 3. Connect Maitland Street to Barnes Street via a sidewalk along Powell Avenue 4. Provide bike storage lockers at the Hickory Garage for those who work in downtown and do not have means of long term storage 5. Provide additional landscape to buffer the pedestrian and enhance the streetscape 6. Heighten visibility to trails, parks and pedestrian areas from adjacent neighborhoods
26 | TOWN OF BEL AIR BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2013 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
2019 1. Reach out to the Latino community regarding cycling and walking 2. Connect Moores Mill Road to Rockspring Avenue with a sidewalk along Cressy Road and Ridgewood Road 3. Install landscape to bring down the scale, provide shade and create buffers 4. Provide a trail connection from MD Route 1 to Atwood Road via Bel Air school 5. Provide a trail connection from W. MacPhail Road to E. MacPhail Road via Bel Air school campus 6. Improve area lighting at critical crossings, intersections and locations where illumination is deficient 2020 1. Connect Main Street to Kenmore Avenue with a walk along Bailey’s Lane 2. Provide a trail from the end of Majors Choice Drive to Hickory Avenue 3. Provide a park-n-ride stop at an existing parking lot near downtown such as Rockfield Park or the Hickory Garage 4. Promote a designated car pool lot at an existing parking lot near downtown 5. In appropriate locations, ensure that paving, seating, lighting and bike storage are provided at the transit stop 2021 1. Coordinate with SHA on the use of landscape, fencing and signage to prevent mid-block pedestrian crossing of MD Route 24 2. Connect McCormick Street to Hickory Avenue via a walk along Webster Street 3. Connect McCormick Street to Hickory Avenue with a walk along Wright Street 4. Trail connection from the north end of Jackson Boulevard to Bynum Pond 5. Provide signage to keep the public aware of the need to lock up property 2022 1. Encourage the reduction of posted speed limits on MD Route 24 between Boulton Street & MacPhail Road 2. Connect Francis Avenue to Hickory Avenue via a sidewalk along Crocker Street 3. Extend sidewalk along Franklin Street to end of the right-of-way for future connection to Ma & Pa Trail 4. Trail connection from Raspberry Court to the south end of Jackson Boulevard 2023 1. Connect Vale Road with Howard Street via a sidewalk along Roland Avenue 2. Connect Dallam Avenue to Roland Place via a sidewalk 3. At high use transit stop locations, investigate shelter and pull off areas 4. Provide video monitoring in high traffic areas to aid police enforcement 2024 1. Investigate potential of providing a pedestrian tunnel at or near Plumtree Run for possible connection to the Upper Chesapeake campus 2. Complete sidewalks along Giles Street, Robinson Street, Old Orchard Road, Wendellwood Road, Barnes Street, Ellendale Street, Gordon Street & Mapleview Drive 3. Provide a combination trail/sidewalk connection from Rockfield Park (Ewing Street parking lot) to Main Street and Bel Air school campus
2013 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN TOWN OF BEL AIR | 27 Map of Storm Drain Grates (2013) Appendix A
28 | TOWN OF BEL AIR BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2013 Inventory of Storm Drain Grates (2013) Appendix A
2013 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN TOWN OF BEL AIR | 29 Inventory of Storm Drain Grates (2013) Appendix A
30 | TOWN OF BEL AIR BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2013 Inventory of Storm Drain Grates (2013) Appendix A
2013 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN TOWN OF BEL AIR | 31 Inventory of Storm Drain Grates (2013) Appendix A
32 | TOWN OF BEL AIR BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2013 Sidewalk Plan Appendix B
2013 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN TOWN OF BEL AIR | 33 Appendix B
34 | TOWN OF BEL AIR BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2013 Appendix B
2013 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN TOWN OF BEL AIR | 35 Appendix B
36 | TOWN OF BEL AIR BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2013 Appendix B
2013 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN TOWN OF BEL AIR | 37 Existing & Planned Alignment of Ma & Pa Heritage Trail Appendix C
Courtesy of Harford County Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan
38 | TOWN OF BEL AIR BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2013 Bel Air Traffic Accidents (Jan 2010 to June 2013) Appendix D
2013 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN TOWN OF BEL AIR | 39 Traffic Accidents with Injuries (Jan 2010 to June 2013) Appendix D
40 | TOWN OF BEL AIR BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2013 Bel Air Circulator – Route 3 Orange Line Appendix E
Courtesy of Harford County Transit Services
2013 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN TOWN OF BEL AIR | 41 Transit Stop Amenities Appendix E
42 | TOWN OF BEL AIR BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2013 Primary Bicycle Lane Appendix F
Courtesy of SHA Bicycle Policy & Design Guidelines
2013 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN TOWN OF BEL AIR | 43 Secondary Bicycle Lane Appendix F
Courtesy of SHA Bicycle Policy & Design Guidelines
44 | TOWN OF BEL AIR BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2013 Sharrows Pavement Marking & Signage Appendix F
Courtesy of SHA Bicycle Policy & Design Guidelines
2013 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN TOWN OF BEL AIR | 45 Trail Section Appendix F
Courtesy of SHA Bicycle Policy & Design Guidelines
46 | TOWN OF BEL AIR BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2013 Public Comment & Advisory Committee Remarks Appendix G
Through the Advisory Committee discussions, comments collected from the Open House, emails and through the website, a comprehensive assembly of public input is outlined below. This comment is organized by location and by issue.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS
• There is attractiveness for walking and there is cleanliness in the Town. • Cycling is difficult along major thoroughfares. • Route 1, Route 24 and some parts of Bond Street are poor for walking. • Enclosure issues exist along Route 24, Boulton Street, Archer Street and minor streets connecting to Main & Bond Streets. • A number of streets have no tree cover due to overhead power lines. • Road conditions are good in most areas. • Main & Bond Streets are considered difficult for biking so cyclists resort to riding on sidewalk. • Sidewalk connectivity is good in the downtown, but farther away, connectivity decreases. • Most people in the Town are motivated to walk for leisure, exercise and recreation and not to walk to destinations such as work or shopping. • Traffic speed and volume detract from walking. Issues include lack of sidewalks and safety. • Hurdles to walking and cycling are habits and attitudes, high reliance on automobiles, the need for better access to trails and the need for traffic calming. • Traffic calming devices such as curb extensions and median islands can reduce traffic issues.
DOWNTOWN
• Newly installed mechanical facilities by SHA help pedestrian movement. • Traffic speed is high compared to posted limit and there is no room for bicycles in most areas. • Several intersections with high pedestrian use do not have needed signals; Main & Gordon Street, Main & Linwood and Main & Idlewild. • Improvements are needed for pedestrians at Pennsylvania and Hickory Avenues. • Crossing at US Route 1 & Bond Street/Kenmore Avenue is difficult. • Churchville Road & Main Street has many walkers using the parking lot and conflict can occur with a left turn only lane where pedestrians are being directed to cross. • Speed limits, jaywalking and crosswalk violations should be enforced more strictly in downtown. The right turn on red and left turn on red could be eliminated. • Baltimore Pike & Main Street is a problem to cross because both drivers and pedestrians are blind. The signal timing should be changed to restrict left turns while pedestrians are crossing. • The right turn at Main Street & Churchville Road should be eliminated when pedestrians are crossing. SHA could examine those possibilities without creating traffic congestion. • Two other right turns that are awkward to crossing pedestrians occur on Bond Street & Churchville Road and on Bond Street & Baltimore Pike.
2013 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN TOWN OF BEL AIR | 47 Public Comment & Advisory Committee Remarks Appendix G
• There is no designated crosswalk at Churchville Road & Hickory Avenue. Drivers turning at the free right are looking left at traffic and not at pedestrians crossing. • Baltimore Pike & Main Street is a problem intersection and crosswalk improvements are needed. Those crossing Main Street on the east side of Baltimore Pike risk being struck. • Trolley for the downtown area would be beneficial. • The work on the downtown streetscape lends itself to creating a pedestrian zone. • One bike rack is not enough outside on the south side of the parking garage. • Develop a walking map for downtown to promote fitness for downtown workers to use. • Crosswalk should be installed on Thomas Street from the Mary Risteau parking lot to the Bond/Thomas parking lot entrance. • Intersection at Hickory & Broadway is difficult. • Crosswalk needed at S. Hays Street & Churchville Road Extension. • Crosswalk signage and storm grate upgrades are needed at Courtland Street & Hickory Avenue. • Pulling out of the Health Dept. parking lot and turning left onto Hays Street is challenging. If there are parked cars, the view north is blocked. • Making a right on to Bond Street from Thomas Street, one has to pull into the crosswalk just to see past the courthouse shrubbery to view oncoming traffic. • Main Street & Route 22 is a problem intersection for pedestrians. • Traffic turning on Main Street at Baltimore Pike does not yield to pedestrians. Double left is especially problematic since drivers cannot see pedestrians crossing Main Street. • Pedestrian crossing needs to be improved at Churchville Road & Bond Street. Drivers do not yield or look for pedestrians. • Bond Street & Baltimore Pike is an extremely difficult intersection for pedestrians to cross. • Difficult pedestrian crossing at Bond Street & Baltimore Pike, due to right turns on red. • Crosswalk marking is needed at Churchville Road & S. Hays Street. • Pedestrian improvements are needed at Main & Churchville and Main & Churchville eastbound. • Improvements at Churchville Road & Lee Way need to be completed. • There are sites in the Town that should not allow a right turn on red. SHA may not restrict turning right on red from Route 22 to Main Street due to stacking. • The intersection at Bond Street & Route 1 is hazardous because there is a green arrow to turn right where pedestrians frequently try to cross the road. • Along Kenmore Avenue going north, the trees are overgrown requiring pedestrians to step into the street to get around them.
ROUTE 24 AREA
• Crossing Route 24 is challenging. Designate places where pedestrians could be funneled to the crossings at MacPhail Road & Boulton Street. • The Town should investigate the possibility of a Park and Ride. Possibilities are Rockfield Park, Bynum Pond or the Garage. • Could sidewalks be installed along Route 24 between Baltimore Pike & Boulton Street? Cycling is not accommodated on Tollgate Road or Atwood/ Marketplace Roads.
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• Many people cross Route 24 at MacPhail Road. Consider installing pedestrian refuge islands in the medians of Route 24. • Pedestrians cannot cross on the south side of MacPhail Road at Route 24 and walk to the MVA or McFaul Center. Pedestrians cross near the funeral home and jaywalk. • The Town should provide a connection through the Bel Air High School campus. The Bel Air school campus provides a good area for walking routes connections. • There should be consistency in the signage warning drivers to watch for pedestrians and cyclists. • The Town should create a connection for walking to the hospital. Many people from the community who are employed at the hospital would be able to walk. • An overpass could be created from the Tollgate Marketplace Shopping Center to Harford Mall. • Consolidating many crossings into one major crossing would encourage drivers to recognize the area for pedestrian traffic. • Atwood Road & Marketplace Drive – Missing sidewalk and crosswalk needed. • Crossing as a pedestrian on Route 1/Baltimore Pike is very difficult, especially at Atwood Road and the entrance to the Bel Air Plaza.
ROCKFIELD AND CHURCHVILLE ROAD AREA
• Lee Street can connect to Rockfield by crossing at the traffic light at John Carroll School. • Traffic speeds are too high on Route 22 in both directions. Slowing speeds can be done by reducing the paving width. Sidewalks could be installed at various points. • Harford County views Route 22 as a bicycle and pedestrian connector to HCC, but would prefer an off-road route to HCC through Prospect Mill. • A connection from Moores Mill Road to Churchville Road & Jackson Boulevard is needed. The connection from Moores Mill Road to Route 22 would connect many parks and schools. • Most drivers do not pay attention to crosswalks (Pedestrian Enforcement Program is performed six times per year at Churchville & Main). Pedestrians and drivers frequently make mistakes. • Cameras catch drivers who do not come to a full stop before making a right turn on red at Main Street & Route 22. • Difficult to cross Route 22 from S. Shamrock Road or Lee Way to Rockfield • Cyclists riding along Route 22 between Bel Air and Route 543 confront hazardous conditions. • The presence of a curb forces cyclists into traffic on Route 22 between Route 543 & Lee Way. No shoulder and curbs restrict cyclists moving to give drivers clearance. • A trail is needed to connect the college, four schools, a large retail area and many homes northeast of Town to downtown Bel Air by bicycle.
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• Narrow shoulder problematic for cyclists at Route 22 & Bynum Run Park. • Pedestrian crosswalk needed at Route 22 & Rockfield Manor. • Sidewalk needed for Harford Transit Link stop at Route 22 & Lee Way.
MAJORS CHOICE & MOORES MILL ROAD
• The sidewalk at the Kings Crossing complex on Hickory Avenue is used by bikers, joggers and walkers becomes too congested (especially on trash days). • When riding a bike downtown, very few drivers obey the speed limits on Hickory & Broadway. • Moores Mill Road – Narrow shoulder is challenging for cyclists. • Need a shoulder or a sidewalk on Moores Mill Road. It is unsafe for walking and biking. • Sidewalks and bike lanes needed on Moores Mill Road from Route 22 across North Hickory Avenue to Route 924 then have a bike path down Route 924 and connect to Ma & Pa Trail. • Majors Choice & Moores Mill Road is a connection to Route 22 link to HCC.
ROCKSPRING AND MA & PA HERITAGE TRAIL
• A trail connection should be made to the Liriodendron via Broadway. Broadway has signalized intersections and more sidewalks. The stretch of Broadway between Route 1 belongs to SHA and it could be upgraded to SHA’s standard. Share the Road pavement markings could be placed there. The speed limit could be lowered in the pedestrian area of Broadway. • Sidewalks are needed along Rockspring Avenue from Maulsby to Moores Mill. • The Ma & Pa Trail needs to be connected through the Town. Pedestrians can cross at Ellendale or Cressy. A crosswalk and flashing light should be evaluated for the crossing of Main. • Trail connection to Ma & Pa trail is needed at Gateway Drive. • Create a route from Plumtree Park in Kelly Field to the Ma & Pa Trail. • People like to walk or cycle from their homes to the Ma & Pa Trail. The Bel Air Library, Town schools, Harford Mall and Rockfield Park are also destinations. • A connection should be made to the Ma & Pa Trail from Howard Park via Thomas Street.
ROUTE 924 & BEL AIR SCHOOL CAMPUS
• Pedestrian crosswalks needed at Route 924 & Moores Mill Road. • The crosswalk on Route 924 at Linwood Avenue is a blind corner and hazardous. • Riding north into town on Route 924 the shoulder disappears. Cycling through Bel Air is difficult dodging the cars and pedestrians. • Route 924 is not cycle friendly due to speed. Posted speed limit near Town is rarely followed. • Linwood Avenue & Route 924 – Difficult crosswalk for pedestrians. • Route 1 & Tollgate (Mall) – Bike parking needed. • Route 1 & Route 924 south – marking a right from Route 1 to turn onto Route 924 south (Kenmore Avenue), one has to pull up into the crosswalk just to see coming traffic,
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SCHOOLS
• A better east/west connection is needed between MD Route 924 & MD Route 24. • Safer crossings of Main Street are needed at Linwood & MacPhail. • A connection to Baltimore Pike to the Bel Air School campus should be investigated. • Issues exist at US Route 1 at Atwood Road, US Route 1 at Kelly Avenue & Tollgate Road, Route 924 at MacPhail Road, Main Street between Route 1 & Pennsylvania Avenue &Hickory Avenue. Impediments to walking to schools should be investigated. • Perceptions need to be addressed about the safety of walking and cycling to schools. • School policy states that children who live within one mile of the school should walk to school. Principals are unwilling to support walking and cycling unless calls to do so come from above. • ‘Walking School Buses’ could be implemented to address parents’ concerns about safety. Most parents are willing to allow their children to walk to school if safety concerns are addressed. It takes five individuals to create a walking school bus. • Walking and cycling to school is directly related to health, sustainability and cost savings. School buses are an extremely expensive item on the Board of Education’s budget. • Focus on creating access to middle and high schools because parents of older children are more open to allowing their children to walk and cycle to school. • Currently, the students must walk on the road between Bel Air Middle School and the Elementary Schools so a separate walk is needed. • There should be pedestrian access from the schools to the Boys and Girls Club. • The schools could provide incentives such as larger lockers for those who walk to school. • A sidewalk is missing across from Bel Air elementary school at E. Lee Street.
TRANSIT
• Better awareness of transit facilities, routes and services is needed. All of the stops in the Town should be improved. • Commuter services, such as Express Bus service and Park and Rides, are needed. • Most mass transit is connecting seniors to shopping areas. Most shopping centers do not want to install benches for mass transit and bike racks due to concerns about loitering.
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INFRASTRUCTURE
• Storm drain inlet grates should be made bicycle-friendly. • Handicapped ramps should be improved at appropriate corners and sidewalks connected. • The Town should enhance infrastructure to connect Harford Mall with the Town north of Route 24. This connection should be marked in order to encourage pedestrians to use it. • The Town may need to create separate routes for walking and cycling to schools. There were only two pedestrian accidents last year, and these accidents were caused by pedestrians walking into the paths of vehicles. • Implement pervious sidewalks because they do not refreeze after snow is shoveled. Pervious sidewalks have extra traction, discourage skateboarding and eliminate the use of salt. • Narrow traffic lanes encourage drivers to slow down. • Create Complete Streets with bike lanes on major roads and proper signage by SHA. The roads that are centrally located to various destinations could be selected for Complete Streets. • Town residents should be provided a parking pass allowing them free parking in town.
REGULATIONS
• Guidelines should be established for pedestrian and bicycle improvements by developers. • Legislation is needed to enable any development, regardless of whether it meets the level of service for a traffic study, to provide pedestrian and bicycle improvements. • If there are sidewalks on the opposite side, the developers are required to install sidewalks in front or along the state road. • Harford County requires bicycle and pedestrian plans for almost all of the major developments, but Harford County is investigating ways to include a bicycle and pedestrian plan in mitigation.
TRAILS & PARKS
• Establish standards for trail construction and coordinate with Harford County. The standard for trails at Parks and Recreation is a minimum of 6’ width and most of the easements are 10’-20’. • Shelters could be provided for bikes. • The Town ordered bike racks from Baltimore Metropolitan Council to install in selected locations • Crosswalks and bike parking are needed, as well as trail connections to Rockfield Park at Linwood Avenue, Jackson Boulevard & Giles Street.
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WAYFINDING
• Prepare a plan and standards for a wayfinding system oriented to pedestrians and bicyclists. • Apps to find routes are needed to augment the wayfinding system. • Harford County is eager to work with the Town on a consistent wayfinding system. The Town is leaning toward installing 4” x 4” posts with 3” x 3” symbols. • Need something identifiable to make drivers aware of pedestrians crossing Hickory Avenue from the parking garage or the Hickory parking lot. • Signage for joggers and cyclists who want to run particular routes should be provided. • Signage should be provided for mass transit stops and shelters should be provided to make mass transit passengers more comfortable. • Many children are fearful of getting lost and that signage and routes for younger children are critical. Signage should also be provided for the aging population. • Better signage is needed for crosswalk at Hickory Avenue & Courtland Street. • More wayfinding aids should be implemented in the Town. • Joggers should be considered as well as pedestrians. Wayfinding apps for access routes. • More signage is needed to remind drivers to share the roads. • Pedestrians and cyclists would find comfort in signage and wayfinding.
AWARENESS
• The Town could have a Historic or Public Art Walking Tour. • Research appropriate apps for running, cycling, transit, etc. • The Town should coordinate with Healthy Harford. • Is there a possibility for private bus companies offering a commuter bus service? • Driver education is needed for pedestrian and cycling needs. The Baltimore Metropolitan Council conducts Street Smart campaigns on Main Street & Route 22. • The biggest drawback to the Town-Go-Round and the Harford County service is the length of time on routes. Stops need to be more frequent.
ENFORCEMENT
• From July thru December 2012, there were a total of 30 vehicular accidents in high volume areas. • Before red light cameras were installed in the Town, at least 17 accidents occurred each year at Route 1 & Route 24. Accidents have decreased by approximately 75% since the red light cameras were installed. • The daily average traffic count for Route 1 & Route 24 is 39,000 cars per day and the daily traffic count decreases from 72,000 cars that exit I-95 at Route 924. • Police enforcement of traffic rules and education would yield a safer intersection for both drivers and jay walkers.
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