MCDOT

Hybrid Pedestrian Beacons, also known as signalized pedestrian beacons or high-intensity activated crosswalk (HAWK) beacons, are an attractive and cost-effective option to meet pedestrian safety needs at mid-block crossings or where the traffic volume is too low to warrant a continuously cycling traffic signal. These traffic safety devices are pedestrian activated and help protect bicyclists and pedestrians by stopping traffic. In evaluating sites for a hybrid pedestrian beacon installation, MCDOT considers the volume of pedestrian traffic, the type of roadway, traffic speeds, and sight lines. Montgomery County typically installs these beacons where traffic speeds are 35 mph and lower. These beacons are being placed throughout Montgomery County and can be seen throughout the state of Maryland. This safety infrastructure aligns with the County’s Vision Zero initiative to improve pedestrian safety.

When a pedestrian presses the push button, approachin g drivers will see a flashing yellow signal indicating that they should slow down and be prepared to stop for pedestrians. The signal then changes to a solid yellow, then a solid red light indicating to drivers to stop. Drivers should stop anytime they see a solid red light. The signal makes a loud repetitive noise to indicate the light has turned red. Pedestrians will see a crosswalk signal displaying a walk sign.

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has launched a new Ride On Trip Planner app that makes planning out transportation options in and around Montgomery County easy and convenient. The app is free and was created in partnership with Moovit, a mobility and journey app provider. Riders can download the app from the Google Play or Apple app store.

The new Ride On Trip Planner app allows for trip planning across multiple modes including Ride On buses, Metrorail and Metrobuses, scooters and Bikeshare. Additionally, the platform will give live reports on wait times and ridership levels for Ride On buses by utilizing a crowdsourcing information feature. This allows more Ride On buses to be added to busier routes based on immediate need. It also provides features to guide riders along their chosen route, including “first mile, last mile” directions to a selected bus stop, and push notifications when they have arrived.

MCDOT sponsored six adult bike classes and most sessions were sold out with 156 registrants. Most attendees were able to ride a bike by the end of the class. The classes offered residents an affordable way to include biking as another form of transportation.

Last month, MCDOT hosted the last of four e-scooter safety classes. Over 75 residents learned how to download the vendor apps to rent and operate an e-scooter and were able to take a test ride. They also learned about local e-scooter laws and general safety information. MCDOT has contracts with Bird, Lime, and Spin who operate within certain areas in Montgomery County and participated in one or more of the four training classes.

Per MCDOT: The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), Commuter Services Section, was recognized by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ (COG) Commuter Connections Network with a 2023 Employer Services Sales Team Achievement Award for its outstanding work in creating and promoting commuter alternative programs. The award was given at COG’s 26th annual Employer Recognition Awards ceremony at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Commuter Connections is a regional network of transportation professionals dedicated to helping employers set up, improve and expand comprehensive commuter benefits and telework programs. These programs have been proven to help businesses recruit and retain employees, while addressing air quality and Climate change concerns.