Montgomery County High School Students Become ‘Vision Zero Youth Ambassadors’ to Help Make Roadways Safer

MCDOT held the Vision Zero Youth Ambassadors Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, June 11. Speakers included MCDOT Director Chris Conklin, Montgomery County Police Department Sargent Jeremy Smalley, Montgomery County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Avan Browning, and Vision Zero Coordinator Wade Holland.

Ambassadors served as youth keynote speakers and presented to parents and community leaders their plans, outcomes and best practices at an in-person graduation ceremony at the Public Safety Headquarters. Ambassadors received certificates and earned up to 20 SSL hours. 

Youth Ambassadors were tasked to complete group projects that encompass engineering, education or enforcement topics. Resources and project guidance were provided by MCDOT to execute projects that will ultimately improve the safety of County residents. Students joined one of five project teams: 

• Students created a framework for conducting a safety walk to educate the public about pedestrian safety and explain the significance of learning more about safety while walking.
• Students created a plan for a virtual middle and high school Art/Writing contest promoting safe driving.
• Students created a plan for a walking audit to observe the safety behaviors of students around their four schools for recommendations for pedestrian improvements.
• Students created a youth-centered road safety week educational toolkit to be distributed throughout the county to middle and high schools. Schools will be equipped next school year to mobilize students to make safe decisions as youth road users. 
• Students created a survey to gather student feedback on how safe students feel at school, in terms of road safety.

The next opportunity for high school students to apply to the program will be in Spring 2023.

Learn more about Vision Zero here and follow @VisionZeroMC on Twitter for ongoing updates on the Vision Zero effort in Montgomery County. 

Participate in “Give and Ride” April 23-29 and Help Feed Area’s Neediest Families

Give and Ride April 23-29 ---------runs April 1-29

Montgomery County’s Ride On’s annual food drive is returning for its 30th year. Pay it forward by donating a non-perishable food item when you board any Ride On bus April 23rd through the 29th.  Healthy food and drink items for kids are especially encouraged. We’ll do our part by giving you a FREE ride in return. Let’s work together to make sure no one goes hungry in Montgomery County.”
Read the press release.

MCDOT to Sponsor Earth Month Transportation Week April 8-14

During the County’s Earth Month celebration sponsored by the Department of Environmental Protection, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will be promoting Transportation Week with activities and events that inform the public about its commitment to the environment and transportation alternatives that are more sustainable. Read more about planned activities.

Ride On Users Encouraged to Participate in Survey

 

Ride On is encouraging its bus riders to take a short, two-minute survey and provide feedback about their passenger experience. Take the survey online. 

2017 Bike to Work Day Registration is Now Open

Registration is now open for the region’s annual Bike to Work Day, which will be held on Friday, May 19. Sponsored by Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, the day celebrates bicycling as a clean, fun, and healthy way to get to work. The first 16,000 people to register and visit a pit stop will receive a free T-shirt and refreshments, and be entered in a raffle for a new bicycle. Register now.

Applicants Sought for Taxicab Services Commission

County Executive Isiah Leggett is seeking applicants to fill four vacancies on the Taxicab Services Commission. The deadline is February 24. The Commission conducts a review of the County taxicab industry for the County Executive and County Council.  Read more and apply online.

Applicants Sought for Greater Shady Grove Transportation Management District Advisory Committee

County Executive Isiah Leggett is seeking applicants to fill vacancies on the Greater Shady Grove Transportation Management District Advisory Committee (GSGTMDAC). The deadline to apply is February 27. The GSGTMDAC advises the County government on all aspects of programs, management and finances relating to the implementation of transportation demand management in the GSGTMD and vicinity. Read more and apply online. 

Become an Adopt A Road or Spot Volunteer

Help keep our neighborhoods attractive, clean, safe and litter-free while improving water quality by participating in the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) Adopt A Road (AAR) and Adopt A Spot (AAS) programs. Join volunteers who regularly remove accumulated trash alongside more than 1,100 lane miles of adopted roadways and at locations, such as parks, open spaces and right-of-ways. Learn more.

Last Day to Help Select a BRT System Name is January 20

The last day to enter the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) naming contest -- and win prizes – is January 20 by 5 p.m. Do you prefer Flash, Rapid or Swift? Or, propose another name. Vote online or learn more about BRT in Montgomery County.        

MCDOT Colesville Depot Employees Give Back During the Holidays

MCDOT’s Highway Services employees in the Colesville Depot adopted two needy families from Greencastle Elementary School and are providing them with gifts and gift cards to brighten their holiday season. The effort was organized by Greg Bryant and Robert Monroe. 

MCDOT to Sponsor Parking Day Celebration; Residents/Businesses Encouraged to Participate

PARKing Day 2015 in Silver Spring.

Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is encouraging artists, planners, businesses, organizations, groups and individuals to participate in International PARK(ing) Day on September 16 by temporarily transforming a metered parking space into a fun, parklike spot. MCDOT has identified parking spaces in Silver Spring, Bethesda, Wheaton and Montgomery Hills for use by participants who are encouraged to creatively reimagine the urban landscape. Apply by August 26. Read more or visit the Parking Day website.

Adopt a Road Volunteers Making Our Environment a Better Place

Muslim Student Associatino adopt Lake Winds Way in North Potomac.

During fiscal year 2016, more than 1,150 volunteers reported collecting litter from County roadways under the Adopt a Road program, helping to maintain a clean and attractive environment and protect the Chesapeake Bay by preventing litter and trash from washing into storm drains and traveling to nearby creeks, streams and major rivers.  

MCDOT provides equipment to volunteers to help with clean ups. 

See MCDOT's website to learn more about Adopt A Road or contact MCDOT by email at mcdot.outreach@montgomerycountymd.gov or phone at 240-777-7155.

Grosvenor Market adopts Grosvenor Lane in North Bethesda.

Go Montgomery - June 16, 2016

Roshdieh Participated in Regional Panel on SafeTrack Montgomery County Department of Transportation Director Al Roshdieh was a panel member at a regional Safe Track event sponsored by the Greater Washington Board of Trade where he discussed measures Montgomery County is taking to help travelers during SafeTrack. Read more. Roshdieh to be Featured Speaker at Third Great Montgomery Bike Summit to be Held June 18 Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Director Al Roshdieh and MCDOT Transportation Engineering staff will be presenters at the third Great Montgomery Bike Summit on June 18. Read more. MCDOT’s Commuter Services to Hold Free Telework Webinars to Help Employers During SafeTrack Montgomery County Department of Transportation's (MCDOT) Commuter Services has scheduled two Telework webinars for June 23 and 28 to help employers quickly set up a telework program. during SafeTrack. Read more. Ride On Wants to Know How Metro’s Safetrack Will Affect Your Commute Montgomery County’s Ride On bus service is planning free shuttles and other service changes during SafeTrack -- Metro’s safety repair blitz. To better target service enhancements, Ride On wants to know more about how SafeTrack will affect you. Take this five-question survey. MCDOT Completes Chapman Avenue Extension; Project Designed to Relieve Congestion and Promote Safety in White Flint Area The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) Division of Transportation Engineering has completed a project to extend Chapman Avenue, from Randolph Road to Old Georgetown Road, and it is now open to traffic. Read more. Ride On’s Will Kenlaw Selected for TAM Board Leadership Position Use picture of Will Will Kenlaw, marketing, advertising and customer service program manager for Montgomery County Department of Transportation's Ride On, was selected to serve as an at-large member on the Transportation Association of Maryland (TAM) Board at its annual membership meeting in May. Read more. Winners of New Bike at White Flint Bike to Work Day Have Participated Since 2002 Bike to Work Day participants since 2002, the Woitach family, were thrilled to learn that they had won a free "fold up bike" at White Flint’s Bike to Work Day this year. Read more. County Website Offers Information for Older Drivers Montgomery County has a new website for older residents and their families that provides information about driving safely and alternate transportation options that are available to seniors who prefer to limit or stop driving.  Learn more at: Explore Older Driver Resources. County Executive Summit on Aging Report Now Available In December 2015, County Executive Ike Leggett held a second Summit on Aging to review the accomplishments and progress made since the first Summit in 2008.  Read more. SHA to Begin Bethesda Trolley Trail Improvement Project The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has awarded a contract to construct a 10-foot-wide, shared use, hiker-biker path along Old Georgetown Road (MD 187) that will connect with the Bethesda Trolley Trail section north of McKinley Street. Read more. SHA to Begin Resurfacing Project on Beltway and Seminary Road Overpass Beginning in mid-June, the State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a year-long resurfacing project on a six-mile stretch of the inner loop of the Capital Beltway, between I-270 and the Seminary Road overpass just west of Georgia Avenue. Read more. JUNE 16, 2016 Check Out This Video of MCDOT at Bike to Work Day MCDOT's Commuter Services hosted several pit stops at this year's Bike to Work Day.  This fun, two-minute video recaps some of the highlights: Watch here.  **REMINDER** Landscape Contest Deadline Extended to June 17  For more information click here. Highway Services Begins Repair and Replacement Project in College View In June, the Division of Highway Services (DHS) begins a six to eight-week project to repair and/or replace curbs, gutters and sidewalks in the College View neighborhood in Kensington. Read more. Highway Services to Close Portion of Wildcat Road for Three-Month Project This month, the Division of Highway Services will begin a project to replace four, failing, storm drain culverts. Read more. Go Montgomery is distributed by Montgomery County Government Department of Transportation.

Winners of New Bike at White Flint Bike to Work Day Have Participated Since 2002

Pictured are Joe, Amy, Elena and Olivia Woitach and Bob Mallasch, with Bob’s Bikes in Poolesville, 
who presented the family with their new bike.

Bike to Work Day participants since 2002, the Woitach family, were thrilled to learn that they had won a free "fold up bike" at White Flint’s Bike to Work Day this year. The family of five, including their son Joseph, regularly bicycle along routes such as the C&O Canal and Beach Drive. As their car rack only fits four bikes, the fold up bike is the perfect solution for their family outings as it easily stores in their car.

Check out this Video of MCDOT at Bike to Work Day

Montgomery County Department of Transportation Commuter Services hosted several pit stops at this year's Bike to Work Day. This fun, two-minute video recaps some of the highlights: Watch here.

Keep Montgomery County Clean and Green Landscape Beautification Contest Deadline Extended to June 17

The Rockshire Entranceway in Rockville was a participant in the Landscape Beautification competition for seven years, retiring last year receiving a Golden Trowel Award. Landscaping was maintained by the Rockshire Garden Club.

The deadline for the Montgomery County Department of Transportation's (MCDOT) Annual Keep Montgomery County Clean and Green (formerly Keep Montgomery County Beautiful)  Landscape Beautification Contest has been extended to June 17. The contest recognizes community groups, businesses, public institutions and other organizations undertaking landscaping projects that enhance the appearance of commonly owned sections of commercial or residential properties in Montgomery County. Landscaping along County roadsides, medians, or other public locations is also eligible for the award. 

Landscapes should emphasize environmentally sensitive plantings that eschew non-native and invasive species, help reduce stormwater runoff, minimize water use, provide wildlife habitat, and keep pesticides and fertilizers out of local streams.

First Place winner for 2015 in Montgomery County BY DAY category.

MCDOT is also accepting applications for its Annual Amateur Photography competition through July 1. 

Read more about both contests.

Look at previous year's winners.

Become an Adopt a Road or Adopt a Spot Volunteer

Join hundreds of volunteers who keep our roadways and parks free of litter by participating in the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) Adopt A Road (AAR) and Adopt A Spot (AAS) programs. Read more.

SAVE THE DATE: Montgomery County GreenFest is April 30

Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will be an active participant in this year’s GreenFest, which will be held outside of the Takoma Park Community Center on Saturday, April 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. We hope to see you there! Visit MCDOT’s exhibit to learn more about what we do and pick up some great giveaways. There’ll be a fun activity for kids.

Here’s some ways to find out more about what MCDOT is doing to enhance the environment and promote sustainability:

• Come hear MCDOT Director Al Roshdieh, who will be a featured speaker at a talk about sustainable transportation sponsored by four local community green groups – Poolesville Green, Green Wheaton, Bethesda Green and Silver Spring Green. The panel will be held in the Takoma Park Community Center from 3 to 4 p.m. Other speakers include Casey Anderson, Montgomery County Planning Board chair; Jessica Zdeb, Toole Design Group; and Pete Tomao, Coalition for Smarter Growth.
• Look for one of Ride On’s hybrid electric buses at the electric car show. Never been on a bus? Take a tour and learn more about Ride On service near you.
• Attend the annual Landscape Beautification and Photography contests awards ceremony at 1:30 p.m. in the Piney Branch Elementary School. Find out what people have been doing to beautify our County and see if you might qualify next year.
• Participate in a fun scavenger hunt to learn more about our environment and win some great prizes. MCDOT is a sponsor.

More information about GreenFest is available at www.montgomerycountygreenfest.com.

MCDOT Announces Adopt A Road Winners

  

This Earth Month, consider becoming an Adopt A Road participant. MCDOT recruits and manages volunteers who have adopted more than 450 road segments. Residents, businesses and organizations sponsor clean ups to keep their adopted road segment litter free – and keep trash from washing into storm drains and polluting our County waterways.

Each month, the group collecting the most trash is recognized for their efforts. The winners for October, November and December 2015 were the Izaak Walton League Wildlife Achievement Chapter, Rockland Farms in Poolesville and Smokey Glen Farm in Germantown.

Those interested in adopting a road can obtain more information on MCDOT’s website, or contact us at 240-777-7155 or mailto:mcdot.outreach@montgomerycountymd.gov.

28th Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup, April 16

The Alice Ferguson Foundation is sponsored its Annual Potomac River Cleanup on April 16, from 9 a.m. to noon. Last year, more than 20,000 volunteers in four states and the District of Columbia participated in this event, removing 1.2 million pounds of trash from watersheds. Volunteers can participate in numerous other cleanups throughout Earth Month, as well.  Find an event here or visit potomaccleanup.org for more details.

Participants can enter their photos or videos in an annual Cleanup Photo Contest. Send images or files to PotomacCleanup@fergusonfoundation.org and put "Photo Contest" in the subject line. View last year's winners.