Sidewalks

Rockville is committed to improving pedestrian safety, and an integral step toward achieving that goal is to construct sidewalks in the city where they are missing. Sidewalks improve pedestrian safety and provide non-motorized routes for reaching desired destinations. 

Prioritization

Due to the large amount of missing sidewalks in the city and the costs associated with constructing sidewalks, the city has created a Sidewalk Prioritization Policy. The Map of Prioritized Missing Sidewalks (PDF) shows current prioritized sidewalks planned for the city.

Prioritizing sidewalks is based on:

  • utility score - connectivity to existing sidewalks and proximity to schools, bus stops, Metro Rail stations, recreational centers, and other nearby pedestrian generators.
  • traffic conditions score - connection to a street with higher speed limits.
  • Other consideration - city right-of-way, public support for the construction of the sidewalk, and the potential environmental impacts.

Petitioning the City for Construction of a Sidewalk

Petitions to construct sidewalks (PDF) are available from the Department of Public Works. Before circulating the petition, citizens should consult with the Traffic and Transportation Division, 240-314-8500, to discuss the proposed sidewalk.

One resident must take the lead responsibility to circulate the sidewalk petition. Any resident 18 years of age or older is eligible to sign the petition and will represent the approval of his /her respective household. To be declared valid, the petition must be signed by at least 50 percent of the households on the street adjacent to the missing sidewalk.

Applicants will submit completed petition(s) to Public Works Traffic and Transportation Department. Signatures on the petition will be verified by the Police Department. Traffic and Transportation staff, in consultation with the Police Department, will validate the petition.

Planned Sidewalk Projects