Welcome to our Bikeway Program!  

Our site includes several pages which are available in links listed in the menu above.

Program Overview: MCDOT's Division of Transportation Engineering has the responsibility to plan and construct bikeways, as well as provide maintenance for approximately 100 miles of bike facilities. This consists of a network of shared use paths, bike lanes and shared roadway bike routes primarily located within the road rights-of ways. MCDOT is also responsible for the maintenance of bike paths on State roads as well.

Our Relationship to Park Trails:  Bike trails within Montgomery County Parks are the responsibility of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). Their Department of Parks maintains about 45 miles of paths and trails. The M-NCPPC is also responsible for  Master Plan recommendations as well as the Countywide Bikeways Functional Master Plan.  The MCDOT Bikeway Program provides the linkage between Parks, Parks Trails and major State road trails and for the implementation of bicycle facilities (paths, bike lanes and shared lanes on roads).

Our Budget Information: To learn more about the Bike Program and its Annual Bikeway Capital Improvements Program FY09-14 Budget.

General Information About the Bikeway Program:  The Bikeway Program develops and constructs new projects to provide bicycle facilities for all types of riders (recreational, novice, experienced, and commuters) in Montgomery County. Many of the projects are derived from the Master Plans.  Bicycle facilities are needed for the experienced and commuter cyclists who primarily use the roadways, as well as for the recreational cyclist who may feel more comfortable cycling on a separate trail. Bicycle facilities under the jurisdiction of MCDOT primarily are located within road rights-of-way but also include some recent rails to trails conversions.

Rails-to-Trails Conversions:  We have two trails within the category of a former railroad converted into a trail corridor:  the (North) Bethesda Trolley Trail (from Bethesda to Rockville; and the Georgetown Branch Interim Trail (future Capital Crescent Trail from Bethesda to Silver Spring).  The Georgetown Branch Interim Trail is a crushed stone trail in the corridor under study by the MTA for the Bi-County Transitway.  The permanent trail is planned to be constructed alongside the transitway once the type of transit has been determined and funded.

1. View PDF information brochure and map for the North Bethesda Trolley Trail. 
2. View link to map of Georgetown Branch Interim Trail (Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail). 

What about Citizen Involvement?:  The Bikeway Program also sponsors the Montgomery County Bicycle Action Group (MCBAG), which is a citizen’s bicycle advisory group sponsored by the DPWT comprised of representatives of the cycling community and citizens who meet monthly to discuss issues of interest pertaining to cycling in Montgomery County. Anyone can join.  Some MCBAG Members photo.

Safety:  35 Page Brochure on Bicycle Safety in Maryland (PDF File)

Other Initiatives:  In addition, the program develops innovative bicycle-friendly features for the County including bike racks on County buses, bike lockers/rack programs, borrow a bike programs, and alternative mode endorsement.  In an effort to address global warming, the bike program endorses the provision of transportation choices to reduce air pollution caused by automobile trips.  We encourage your ideas and your participation towards this goal.

Bike Rack Program:  As an incentive to encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation, the Department will provide and install one, U-2 style bike rack on a first come first served basis. 

Bike Rack Fact Sheet - For facts about bike racks click here.

Bike Rack Request Form - For Request Form (PDF) click here.

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Some Quick Links for Cycling in Montgomery County

Montgomery Bike Advocacy:  www.mobike.org

Washington Area Bicyclist Association:  http://www.waba.org/ (Commuter assistance)

Helpful Local map site:  http://www.bikewashington.org/ (Our map site is at top of page)

State of Maryland Bicycle-Pedestrian Information:  http://www.marylandroads.com/

Check out a more extensive set of links by clicking on the menu item at the top of this page.  Also, check out the rest of our web site by clicking on the menu items at the top of this page.

Contact the Bikeway Coordinator