Maryland Community Newspapers Online
A plan to improve safety for Gaithersburg cyclists continues to roll along smoothly, as an advisory committee is working with a transportation design consulting company to research and develop strategies for a Bikeway Plan.
Robert Patten of Takoma Park, a consultant with Toole Design Group of Hyattsville, presented findings on Sept. 22 to the mayor and council. Highlighted in his presentation were ways to address "major barriers" and improve connectivity. City leaders discussed safety improvements, outreach to immigrants and needs for recreational and fitness cyclists, as well as accommodating underpasses, overpasses and trail bridges. They will review the Bikeway Plan again in 2009.
City officials have set aside $38,000 for each of the next three fiscal years for projects that will add bike lanes or shared lane markings on Rabbitt Road, Firstfield Road, Quince Orchard Boulevard, Bank Street, Victory Farm Drive, Saybrooke Oaks Boulevard and Girard Street.
Another project is expanding a trail across Malcolm King Park to provide better access to the Washingtonian Center.
Suggested long-term projects include a pathway surrounding the National Institute of Standards and Technology, creating a link from Conservation Lane to Routes 124 and 119, and developing more crossings for Interstate 270, linking Gaithersburg to Shady Grove Metro, providing more service routes to Olde Towne, the Kentlands and other parts of town and creating a bike trail around the city.
Patten also suggested a gravel trail along Quince Orchard Road that could be paved over if it interferes with the planned Corridor Cities Transitway. City planner Rob Robinson said that NIST officials were "not opposed" to a complete loop around the property if it allows for CCT development.
School poster and
essay contests
Gaithersburg celebrates its 12th Character Counts! ethics program with poster and essay contests for students of city schools, being judged now. The program started in September program with the poster contest "If I Were President, I Would..." and two essay contests.
A reception celebrating winners, honorable mentions, adult heroes, families, principals and teachers will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Youth Center at Robertson Park, 801 Rabbitt Road in Gaithersburg.
Excerpts of winning essays will be published in The Gazette. Check out posters and essays from Oct. 17-30 at Lakeforest mall, 70 Russell Ave. in Gaithersburg and at city facilities. A schedule is available at www.gaithersburgmd.gov.
Elementary and middle schoolers put pen to paper for an essay contest entitled "Adult Heroes in Our Community." High school students entered the Foundations for Life essay contest, run by the National Character Counts! organization.
Participants chose a meaningful quote, reflected on its meaning and committed to life strategies to meet the quote's message.
For more information, call 301-258-6395 or e-mail humanservices@
gaithersburgmd.gov.
