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The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) today announced 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.

The detailed planning process will include extensive agency and community stakeholder involvement through a Technical Advisory Committee, an online survey, focus group meetings, field surveys in specific corridors and a citywide public meeting.

The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) consists of representatives of various District departments and agencies, and key stakeholders including the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and the National Park Service (NPS). The group will help direct the development of the Pedestrian Master Plan by providing input on key tasks and reviewing plan drafts.

This project is being conducted by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Pedestrian Program. Toole Design Group, LLC. is providing consulting services for the plan.

Individuals can become involved immediatel in the Pedestrian Master Plan by taking the online survey.

Residents seeking more information can contact George Branyan, DDOT Pedestrian Coordinator, phone: 202-671-2561 or by email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .