Baltimore County has drafted plans to improve biking and walking paths that will make it easier for people to reach cities, colleges, and train stations without relying on motor vehicles. The county gathered much of the information needed to suit the needs of residents by holding four meetings in the county’s residential areas.

The current draft includes plans to create paths specifically for pedestrians and bicyclists. This would create a safe option for those who do not want to use roads that used by motor vehicles. The plans will also increase the number of designated pedestrian and bike paths, making it possible for individuals to travel throughout the county without using cars, trucks, or other motorized vehicles.

Baltimore County also plans to install more bike racks and improve sidewalks.

Making the area friendlier to pedestrians and bikers will require a consider amount of effort. Residents have already started pitching in to make plans a reality. Volunteers currently remove trash and other debris from existing trails.

There is some concern about pedestrian safety on trails that also allow bikes. Some residents have complained that the bicycles present a danger to those walking along the paths, especially during darker times of the day such as early morning and dusk. Complaints are most commonly directed at heavily trafficked trails, such as the Trolley Line No. 9 trail that stretches from Edmonson Ave. to Oella Ave.

Regardless of what planner decide to do about traffic problems on trails, one thing is certain: encouraging more people to use bikes will improve congesting on city roads. Many people in the area drive to train stations, park their vehicles, and then commute to work via rails. An improved system of bike trails would make it easier for commuters to leave their cars at home. This would not only relieve congestion on the streets, but also require fewer parking spaces at the stations.