Prince George's roads are the most deadly in the region and state, especially for people walking and biking. Walkable, transit-oriented communities will provide the gathering places, restaurants, and services that residents are hungry for. These places strengthen the tax base and economic competitiveness. To make these places possible, state funding should be focused on fixing existing roads – especially near transit stations and schools – to make them safer.
State transportation officials are currently presenting the Maryland Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP), Maryland's six-year capital budget for transportation projects Fiscal Years 2023-2028. We need to tell our state and local officials that it's time to invest federal and state transportation funds in safer, more walkable and accessible communities. Tell them:
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Fix it first and retrofit complete streets: Instead of always building bigger and wider high-speed roads, we should use our tax dollars to make existing roads safer for all road users, especially people walking and bicycling, and accessing transit.
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Invest in a bus system that provides safe access, comfortable facilities and frequent service. Improving the local bus system (The Bus and Metrobus) would provide better access to jobs and opportunity. Key capital investments are sidewalks, safe crossings, benches, shelters, and dedicated bus lanes.
Also express your support for the good investments proposed, including: Metro and Purple Line; Blue Line Metro Corridor walk and bicycle improvements; the Central Avenue Connector Trail (which should be accelerated); sidewalk connections to the Naylor Road Metro station, and other sidewalk projects, as well as new bike lanes and bike/walk paths.
Write to your Prince George's representatives and Maryland Department of Transportation today. Tell them it's time to make our roads safer, to invest in better buses, and to support more walkable, transit-oriented communities.
Image: Fast, wide Silver Hill Road near Suitland Metro station.Photo Credit: C.Cort