Howard County has finished two studies designed to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety in Elkridge.
The “Elkridge Bicycle & Pedestrian Priority Area Plan” and “Montgomery Road Multimodal Improvements Feasibility Study” final reports have been released, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced. The studies were conducted by the county’s Office of Transportation (OoT).
“Improving pedestrian and cyclist safety in Elkridge is an important part of our commitment to building a transportation system that works for everyone,” Ball said in a statement. “As one of the oldest and most connected communities in Howard County, Elkridge plays a vital role in linking residents to jobs, schools, parks, and local businesses. By investing in safer crossings, better sidewalks, and expanded bicycle infrastructure, we are making it easier and safer for people of all ages and abilities to move through their community.”
In September 2025, OoT announced that the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) would designate a Bicycle & Pedestrian Priority Area (BPPA) in Elkridge to make the area safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Elkridge is one of 15 designated BPPAs in Maryland. The Elkridge Branch of Howard County’s library, multiple shopping centers, schools, and the future Elkridge Community Center all made the area appropriate for the designation.
The BPPA focused on US 1, Montgomery Road, Old Washington Road, and connecting neighborhood streets to identify priorities for improving safety. These included missing sidewalks, no bicycle accommodations, high-speed roads, and other factors that endanger walkers and bike riders.
The plan recommends safer, more direct crossings; continuous sidewalks and walking routes; a connected bicycling network, and corridor operations, lighting, and transit access.
In addition to the study in Elkridge, OoT competed the study evaluating the possibility of adding pedestrian and bicycle facilities to Montgomery Road between Deborah Jean Drive and Rowanberry Drive. The Montgomery Road Multimodal Improvements Feasibility Study focused on one of the few crossings of I-95 in this part of Howard County. This road segment connects to Rockburn Branch Park, Patapsco State Park, Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department’s Event Hall, Elkridge Landing Middle School, Elkridge Elementary School, and Rockburn Elementary School, yet lack pathways for walkers and cyclists. The study considered four ways to safely expand access for pedestrians and bike riders and compared the pros and cons.
More details are available about each plan on their websites. Learn about the Elkridge BBPA designation at the OoT’s “Elkridge Bicycle & Pedestrian Priority Area (BPPA)” website, and about potential Montgomery Road improvements at the OoT’s “Montgomery Road Pedestrian & Bicycle Facility Feasibility Study” website.
