Howard County Bike Master Plan Workshops

        Howard County Government is currently in the process of developing a Bicycle Master Plan to make Howard County more "bike friendly."  Currently most road planning or repaving doesn't take into account how the roads can be more accommodating for bike traffic.  Roads with no shoulders or clearly marked bike lanes on busy roads can deter bikers from using this mode of transportation for commuting or recreation. Tonight at the North Laurel Community Center from 6:30 to 9 p.m. a workshop will be held to receive community input into the Plan.  On November 27th a workshop will be held at the Elkridge Landing Middle School from 6:30 to 9 pm.  Below are the goals and objectives of the Plan and activity timeline for the Plan.

BICYCLE MASTER PLAN GOALS & OBJECTIVES

• Identify and develop countywide system of bicycle facilities to foster connectivity within and between the following: villages, communities and neighborhoods throughout the County, as well as neighboring cities and counties, parks and recreation centers, schools and educational institutions, commercial and employment centers, and regional and local transit facilities.
• Facilitate recreational and transportation trips by bicycle in the County and improve safety for all types of bicyclists.
• Recommend County policies that will support bicycling, including bikeway facility design.
• Build public support for implementation of the Plan.

Timeline for Master Plan activity:

• Developing a proposed network of on-road and off-road bikeways (October 2012-January 2013)
• Prioritizing Bikeway Improvement Projects (January-February 2013)
• Updating Bike Route sign protocols, facility design guidelines, and zoning and development policies as related to bicycle access (January – February 2013)
• Developing policy and program recommendations in the areas of encouragement, bicycle safety education, enforcement, and evaluation (September 2012-February 2013)
• Developing funding and implementation strategies (March 2013)
• Drafting a plan document and network maps (February-March 2013
• Conducting final public meeting (April 2013)

P.S.
Am I the only one who feels they are watching a new show called "Real Housewives of Tampa" when you watch the news this week?