Protecting Pedestrians: Md. Lawmaker Wants to Stop Sidewalk Closures During Construction

It is common in downtown Bethesda that sidewalks are blocked due to large construction projects. Seven On Your Side spotted several closed sidewalks at different spots along Wisconsin Avenue. They are not only inconvenient for pedestrians and community leaders but also dangerous for people on foot. The issue has caught the attention of Maryland Delegate Marc Korman who is hoping House Bill 194, also known as the Pedestrian Access Act of 2020, will stop those frequent sidewalk closures in Bethesda and in cities across the state. The bill would require the State Highway Administration to establish regulations that would require developers to maintain pedestrian access along state roads in transit-oriented areas.