During a recent government meeting, pedestrian safety emerged as a critical topic following two tragic accidents in Gaithersburg. The mayor and city council reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing pedestrian safety, emphasizing it as a core function of local governance. This discussion was prompted by a work session held on September 30, where council member Rob Wu proposed additional funding for pedestrian safety measures, which was subsequently ranked as the top priority for the upcoming fiscal year 2026 budget.

The urgency of the matter was underscored by the fatal incidents that occurred shortly after the work session. On October 7, a woman was killed while crossing Great Seneca Highway, and three days later, another woman and her dog were struck in a crosswalk on Long Draft Road, resulting in serious injuries for the woman and the death of her dog. These events prompted the council to prioritize pedestrian safety in their agenda.

The Engineering Services Division presented a comprehensive overview of pedestrian safety statistics, revealing that Gaithersburg experienced 91 pedestrian crashes over the past decade, including 10 fatalities. Comparatively, Montgomery County reported over 46,100 pedestrian crashes during the same period. The presentation highlighted that many of the fatal incidents occurred at night and involved factors such as speed and impaired driving.

Current initiatives to improve pedestrian safety include street resurfacing, enhanced crosswalk visibility, and the implementation of a 20-mile-per-hour speed limit pilot program in residential neighborhoods. Additionally, significant state and county projects, such as the Maryland 124 Pedestrian Safety Action Plan and the Maryland 355 Bus Rapid Transit project, are underway to improve pedestrian infrastructure.

Looking ahead, the city plans to invest approximately $20 million over the next five years to enhance pedestrian infrastructure, including shared use paths and traffic signal improvements. The council is also considering options for further enhancements, such as adopting new traffic calming measures and increasing public outreach and education on pedestrian safety.

Public comments during the meeting reflected community concerns, particularly regarding the effectiveness of current safety measures and the need for more robust enforcement of traffic laws. Residents expressed the necessity for speed cameras and improved signage to deter reckless driving and enhance pedestrian safety.

As the city moves forward, the focus remains on creating safer streets for all users, with a commitment to addressing the root causes of pedestrian safety issues, including speed, driver behavior, and inadequate infrastructure. The council's proactive approach aims to foster a safer environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.