The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) plans to conduct walkability studies at 15 schools during the 2026-2027 school year as part of its Safe Routes to School program.
MCDOT highlighted the initiative during a National Walk and Roll to School Day event at Glenallan Elementary School in Silver Spring. Students, families, school staff and County officials participated in the event, which promotes pedestrian safety, walkable communities and active transportation.
Pedestrian safety audits examine walking conditions within a one-mile radius of elementary schools, 1.5 miles of middle schools and two miles of high schools. The studies are used to identify potential improvements around schools, including measures designed to slow traffic, improve crosswalk safety and make walkways ADA-compliant.
The 15 schools selected for walkability studies during the 2026-2027 school year are:
- Belmont Elementary School
- Bradley Hills Elementary School
- Brooke Grove Elementary School
- Burnt Mills Elementary School
- Clearspring Elementary School
- Galway Elementary School
- Garrett Park Elementary School
- Greenwood Elementary School
- Judith A. Resnik Elementary School
- Rosa Parks Middle School
- Stone Mill Elementary School
- Stonegate Elementary School
- Wayside Elementary School
- Wood Acres Elementary School
- Wyngate Elementary School
Community input surveys are available for each of the schools included in this year’s studies.
MCDOT recently completed a walkability audit for Glenallan Elementary and is proposing safety improvements around the school. According to MCDOT Director Chris Conklin, approximately half of Glenallan students already walk or bike to school.
“Walking and biking are greener and healthier forms of transportation and can also be a lot of fun,” Conklin said. “MCDOT is committed to building safer streets near our schools to get more students outside and moving.”
During Fiscal Year 2026, which ran from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, MCDOT constructed approximately 5.5 miles of sidewalk throughout Montgomery County. About three miles of that sidewalk was constructed around schools through the Safe Routes to School program.
The program is part of Montgomery County’s Vision Zero initiative, which has a goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries on County roads.
MCDOT also maintains a map showing the status of walkability studies at MCPS schools throughout the county.
