Contact (Media Only): Erik Linden (202) 671-2004

(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announces the launch of the first District of Columbia Pedestrian Master Plan. The plan is part of a process that will examine all aspects of the District’s pedestrian environment—from policies to design guidelines to specific safety improvements in some of the city’s highest pedestrian crash corridors.

The plan is due to be completed in October 2007 and currently DDOT and its partners are seeking public input through focus groups, an online survey and a citywide meeting. Last year, 17 pedestrians were struck and killed in the District. In 2005, 16 pedestrians were struck and killed.

“Every day the District of Columbia becomes more of a walking city,” said Emeka Moneme, acting Director of DDOT. “But as it becomes more of a walking city our goal is to make it safer and more walkable by improving sidewalks, roadway crossings and the quality of life for pedestrians. This plan will be a team effort and we’re looking forward to working on it.”

The District of Columbia Pedestrian Master Plan will:

• Engage the public to identify key concerns for pedestrians in the city related to safety, accessibility, sidewalk gaps, and the quality of pedestrian facilities
• Analyze and evaluate pedestrian conditions in specific areas of the District with a history of pedestrian crashes, with large numbers of people walking, and with significant barriers to walking
• Develop solutions to improve pedestrian facilities and safety including sidewalks, enhanced crosswalks, pedestrian countdown signals, and traffic calming measures
• Coordinate and complement DDOT plans and programs that impact pedestrian safety and access, such as the Great Streets Initiative, Context Sensitive Design Guidelines, and the Complete Streets policy
• Review existing policies and procedures for constructing and maintaining pedestrian facilities to ensure they will have a positive impact on the pedestrian environment in DC for years to come.
• Map existing deficiencies and recommended pedestrian improvements throughout the city
• Develop pedestrian design guidelines to update standards for pedestrian facilities and conduct training of DDOT staff