The Baltimore City Department of Transportation Director Michelle Pourciau is pleased to announce the following path forward toward improving Roland Avenue safety.

At the recent community meeting held at Roland Park Elementary School, the Department of Transportation presented five alternative bike plans, including a preferred alternative, for Roland Avenue. Citizens were encouraged to submit comments to the agency on the five configurations that were presented, so that a new traffic pattern could be finalized.

“The Department of Transportation has been working closely with area residents, businesses, cyclists and other project stakeholders to develop a solution along Roland Avenue that focuses on safety for everyone,” said Director Pourciau. “As we strive to become a more multimodal city, we need to implement complete street configurations that accommodate all forms of travel for the benefit of Baltimore’s citizens.”

After careful review of all comments, the Department of Transportation will move forward in collaboration with Robert Connors, President of the Roland Park Civic League and Jon Laria, Chair of the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Commission. They have joined with the Director to finalize the path for the successful completion of this effort to include:

1. Selection of a consultant/expert to work with the community to find the best solution for the project.
2. Establish an aggressive timeline for this effort and work toward implementation next Spring/Summer of 2019.
3. Participate in funding strategies/funding to ensure implementation of all elements.

While this effort is moving forward, DOT will continue to work toward solutions to improve safety for all users in the corridor including:

1. Continued operation of 2 speed cameras and the placement of additional camera(s).
2. Realignment of the bike facility to restore curbside parking on the commercial block located on the east side of Roland Avenue between Colorado Avenue and Deepdene Road.
3. Investigation and implementation of similar curbside parking provisions at the Enoch Pratt Free Library across from the commercial block.
4. Conduct a road diet test (lane reduction test) to begin to examine potential impacts.
5. Temporary restoration of curbside parking in the 4500 block on the west side of Roland Avenue, north of Cold Spring Lane, which is subject to revision upon development of the future plan.
6. Temporary restoration of curbside parking in the 4700 block on the west side of Roland Avenue, which is subject to revision upon development of the future plan.
7. Acquisition of 3 new bike lane snow/leaf maintenance vehicles.
8. Perform a maintenance review, repair and improve areas needing attention in the project area.

The Department of Transportation would like to thank everyone for their comments regarding the Roland Avenue Cycle Track.