Challenge
In October 2022, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced a requirement for every state to complete a vulnerable road user (VRU) safety assessment by November 15, 2023. Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) brought on Kittelson to lead this assessment as part of their comprehensive traffic safety programs across the state.
Solution
Our team’s assessment focused on crash analysis and safety studies. We identified high-risk areas for walking and bicycling using the state’s Pedestrian Safety Action Plan model based on crash history, equity considerations, short trip opportunity areas, and public input. These factors were used to shape “areas of need” with a higher frequency of severe VRU crashes. More than 130 high-risk areas for walking and bicycling were identified throughout the state. We reached out to all counties, transit agencies, metropolitan planning organizations, walking/bicycling advocacy organizations, and towns and cities with high-risk areas identified within them to get more detail about safety concerns.
The Outcome
Meaningful Progress Toward Vulnerable Road User Safety
Based on the VRU Safety Assessment, recommendations were developed for safety improvements in the state. SHA is taking the high-risk areas identified in the assessment and feeding them directly into their capital program. With nearly $100 million programmed for pedestrian safety projects statewide, Maryland is poised to make meaningful progress in transportation safety.
