A new Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan for the National Capital Region will be unveiled during today’s meeting of the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) that will make pedestrian safety a priority over vehicle movement, accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists into transportation projects (like the new Wilson Bridge), and connect trails throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. 

The plan contains both funded and unfunded regional projects that would add 680 new miles of paths, bicycle lanes, and other facilities to the region’s transportation system.  The total estimated cost would be $530 million for approximately 350 bicycle and pedestrian projects. 

A draft of the plan will be released today for public comment, and it is expected to be approved by the TPB on July 19.  It is the first regional bicycle plan since 1995 and the first-ever regional pedestrian plan. 

Plan highlights:

Pedestrian Safety over Vehicle Movement (Example: Pedestrian improvements at Rosslyn Circle in Arlington and the Richmond Highway in Fairfax County)

Routine Accommodation of Pedestrian and Bicyclists (Example: Bicycle/pedestrian path along the new north span of the Wilson Bridge will connect Old Town Alexandria to National Harbor in Prince George’s County.)

Connectivity of Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities (Example: Anacostia Riverwalk project in the District, College Park Trail and Suitland Parkway Trail in Prince George’s County, and integration of Metropolitan Branch Trail with New York Avenue Metro Station.)