Walk this way: QA presents draft Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan

QUEEN ANNE’S — On the path to more connectivity for all, Queen Anne’s County presented the first look at the Pedestrian & Bicycle Master Plan during a public meeting with the community April 4.

Katelyn Widness of Kimley-Horn, project consultant, presented a draft of the master plan to provide pedestrian and biking networks throughout Queen Anne’s County April 4.

Embracing health, safety and accessibility for the entire community, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan stands as the county’s first basis to connect gaps between existing facilities and to further prioritize transportation networks projects.

In the works for about a year, “the master plan is really trying to achieve a connective, accessible and safe network,” said Wideness presenting an overview of the plan, public feedback, the visions to achieve, and project prioritization.

The master plan sets the stage for subsequent study and design phases that will need to occur before implementation and successful use is achieved, she said.

Both committees led development efforts and the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan came about through collaboration with various stakeholders, county departments and public feedback, she said.

The intent of the study has been to identify safe routes with a focus on connectivity and public input was instrumental in voicing concerns and identifying any barriers that may deter users from utilizing the paths, Widness said.

Studies gauged community interest with hundreds of responses and feedback through surveys and an interactive map, according to Widness.

Notable takeaways highlighted the need for safety and connections needed between towns, businesses and rural areas.

“Key things we heard was the importance of connectivity between the South Island and the Cross Island Trails as well as the crossing of Route 50 and providing walkability within the towns,” she said.

From an economic development perspective, there is a strong focus on trails as a tourism attraction incentive.

“Currently the trails that are within Queen Anne’s bring people into the county and the more they are connected and the more that they expand, recreational tourism is going to increase,” Widness said.

As developing new networks can be costly, key areas of focus for the plan have been identifying how to utilize existing resources and infrastructure as much as possible and build upon the county’s existing 26 miles of trails, three miles of bikeways and 111 miles of sidewalks.

The master plan is currently gearing up and developing route recommendations. While there is no specific timeline for the completion of each component, projects have been prioritized as what will have the most impact on the community as resources become available.

Goals of the plan going forward look to explore how to encourage walkers and bikers of all ages to utilize the paths for a stroll or a spin and highlight the safety, sociability and transportation benefits, according to Widness.

The draft Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan is expected to be presented for adoption at the Queen Anne’s County Commissioner’s meeting April 23.

Community feedback and involvement is continually encouraged as the plan moves along and reviews of the draft plan are available at https://www.qac.org.