Elkridge MD – Howard County officials will host a public meeting on October 8, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the Elkridge Branch Library to discuss the Elkridge Bicycle & Pedestrian Priority Area (BPPA) designation.
Unlike a formal presentation, the session will follow an “open house” format. Concept plans will be displayed for review, and county staff will be available to answer questions and collect feedback from residents.
The Elkridge Civic District – which includes the Elkridge Branch Library & 50+ Senior Center, Elkridge Corners Shopping Center, Elkridge Elementary, and Elkridge Landing Middle School – was recently designated a BPPA under a state program that prioritizes walking and biking infrastructure within a half-mile of key community destinations. There are currently 15 such areas across Maryland.
Planned improvements in Elkridge include sidewalk expansions and the addition of six new crosswalks across U.S. Route 1, connecting neighborhoods such as Lawyers Hill, Elkridge Heights, and Rockburn Commons to local businesses and community hubs like the Green Valley Marketplace and the library.
Officials say the upgrades are aimed at making the district safer and more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists, while strengthening connections between schools, shops, and residential areas.
Background on Safety Concerns on U.S. Route 1
In October 2024, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) lowered the speed limit on U.S. Route 1 (Washington Boulevard) between Bonnie View Lane and Greenfield Road, reducing it from 45 to 40 mph. The decision followed a traffic study showing that reduced speeds could improve safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
This change came after three pedestrian fatalities in recent years along this corridor, most near Doctor Patel Drive, close to the Elkridge Library and McDonald’s. Even outside of those tragedies, near misses are a regular sight for anyone who spends time in this area. It’s a clear reminder of why the BPPA improvements are so urgently needed.
Why This Matters for Elkridge MD
For too long, Route 1 has divided our community. Students, families, and seniors have had to navigate a roadway built for cars rather than people, making simple trips to the library or grocery store unnecessarily risky. The BPPA designation and the planned crosswalks represent a long-overdue step toward fixing that. If implemented well, these changes will make Elkridge safer, more connected, and more welcoming for everyone who lives, works, and learns here.