Perils For Pedestrians 253

• A crosswalk enforcement operation in Bethesda, Maryland.
• Topeka, Kansas, has a new pedestrian master plan.
• Topeka Metro's bikeshare system and bus stop improvements.
• Lawrence, Kansas, and the Lawrence Pedestrian Coalition.
• The impact of broken sidewalks on elderly pedestrians in Lawrence.

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Pepco Trail Groundbreaking

On January 25, representatives from Pepco, Montgomery County, and Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (M.O.R.E.) took part in a groundbreaking ceremony for a trail under Pepco's high-tension power lines.

Although initially opposed to the trail several years ago, Pepco is now an enthusiastic supporter.  They realize the positive impact the trail will have on the communities they serve.

The Maryland Public Service Commission included the trail in the conditions for the merger between Pepco Holdings and Exelon.  However, the key to getting support from Pepco was in making sure that their concerns, including safety and liability, were adequately addressed.  Dozens of trails have been build under power lines across the United States, so there are many examples to look to when searching for solutions to problems and concerns.

The plans call for two trails in the power line right of way, which runs a dozen miles from Montgomery Mall in Bethesda to the Soccerplex in Germantown.  The initial trail will be natural surface.  A paved trail will be added as funding becomes available.