Updates to the Design Manual were required by the Howard County Complete Streets policy, which was adopted by County Council in October 2019. The Design Manual includes a Community Engagement Plan that allows for greater opportunities for public engagement throughout projects, particularly by groups that have been historically disinvested. With the Design Manual approved, the Complete Streets Implementation Team will now work to update Subdivision and Land Use regulations, so that new development better supports the multimodal transportation network.
The Howard County Complete Streets Design Manual recognizes that traffic includes pedestrians and cyclists, and it strikes a better balance for all road users. It contains design requirements that over time will guide drivers to maintain appropriate speeds, help them be aware of where they may encounter cyclists and pedestrians, and if necessary, to separate motor vehicles from cyclists and pedestrians altogether.
For more information, please visit the Howard County’s Complete Streets Policy and implementation page. If you have further questions about the Howard County Complete Streets Design Manual or Complete Streets policy, please contact the Office of Transportation at transportation@howardcountymd.gov.