Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

"Ensuring a Better and Safer Access to Maryland's
Roadways for Bicyclists and Pedestrians"

Background and Purpose

The present-day Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (MBPAC) was formed in December 1991 as the Bicycle Advisory Committee (Chapter 624, Acts of 1991). In July 2000, the Committee became the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (Chapter 670, Acts of 2000). The Committee advises State government agencies on issues directly related to bicycling and pedestrian activity including funding, public awareness, safety and education.

The twenty-one member committee is appointed by the Governor, combining the experience of citizens with the expertise of State officials. Committee members represent geographical regions throughout the State and specific interests, including those of visually and mobility impaired individuals. Eight State agencies are represented, including:

• Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development
• Maryland Department of Disabilities
• Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
• Maryland Department of Natural Resources
• Maryland Department of Planning
• Maryland Department of Transportation
• Maryland State Department of Education
• Maryland State Police

When Do We Meet?

MBPAC’s full Committee meets bi-monthly, usually on the second Friday of the month, from 9:30 AM to Noon.  Meetings are held at the MDOT Headquarters at 7201 Corporate Center Drive in Hanover, MD with the exception of the February meeting, which is held in Annapolis. Subcommittee meetings are held as needed. Committee meeting minutes are available upon request.

All meetings are open to the public with the exception of MBPAC’s annual retreat meeting, held in August.

Subcommittees

MBPAC has four subcommittees that focus attention on a variety of bicycle and pedestrian issues. Every MBPAC Member is assigned to at least one subcommittee. The current subcommittees are:

• Commuting and Transportation – Primarily responsible for advising MDOT on the Master Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and its relationship to local efforts.
• Education and Awareness – Promotes activities, programs and policies that foster bicycle and pedestrian safety education across all age groups; also promotes greater awareness of the mission and work of the MBPAC.
• Legislative and Government Affairs – Primarily responsible for reviewing and coordinating information concerning legislation related to MBPAC issues and programs; also responsible for facilitating and developing strong relationships with local officials.
• Tourism and Product Development - Primarily responsible for promoting and protecting Maryland's off-road trail system while supporting Maryland State agencies, providing guidance on program strategies that 
  promote Maryland's trails and tourism resources.

Recent Activities

MBPAC is involved in a wide variety of activities and projects.  Two major efforts are the development of the Safe Routes to Schools Pilot Program and advising MDOT on the development and implementation of the 20-year Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Access Master Plan.

• Safe Routes to Schools Pilot Program
  House Bill 717 charged MBPAC with initiating “a pilot project on child pedestrian safety, focusing on routes to schools in target areas” entitled The Maryland Safe Routes to Schools Pilot Program.  The legislation required MBPAC to develop an action plan to increase the number of children who ride their bikes and walk to school in pairs and to report results to the Governor and Legislature by July 2003. MBPAC also provided input into the Safe Routes to School Guidebook produced by MDOT.  
  Download the Guidebook
  
  
• Maryland 20-Year Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Access Master Plan
  On October 1, 2002, MDOT completed its 20-Year Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Access Master Plan with input from MBPAC. The Plan includes five goals, 12 strategies, and 65 action items ensuring the creation of a transportation system designed to encourage walking and bicycling, and providing a seamless, balanced, and barrier-free network for all. MBPAC will advise and assist in the implementation of this Plan. Download the Plan

Competence & Confidence - A Bicycling Guide for Adults

Contact Us

MDOT's Director of Bicycle and Pedestrian Access, Michael E. Jackson, serves as MBPAC's staff person.  Inquiries regarding MBPAC can be directed to Mr. Jackson via e-mail or by calling 410-865-1237 direct or 1-888-713-1414 toll-free.  Postal mail should be sent to the attention of Mr. Jackson at the following address:

MBPAC
Maryland Department of Transportation
7201 Corporate Center Drive
Hanover, MD  21076