Maryland § 2-112

§ 2-112.

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

        (2)    (i)    “Complete streets design features” means design features that accommodate and facilitate safe and convenient access and mobility to facilities by all users, including bicyclists, motorists, pedestrians, and public transportation users.

            (ii)    “Complete streets design features” includes:

                1.    Paved shoulders suitable for use by bicyclists;

                2.    Protected bicycle lanes;

                3.    Share the road signage;

                4.    Crosswalks;

                5.    Pedestrian control signals;

                6.    Bus access and safety measures;

                7.    Sidewalks;

                8.    Shared use pathways;

                9.    Green stormwater infrastructure; and

                10.    Access to retail stores that provide healthy food and other necessities, especially in food deserts designated under § 6–308(c) of the Housing and Community Development Article.

        (3)    “Complete streets policy” means a policy that provides information for the implementation of complete streets design features during the planning, design, construction, and reconstruction of a facility.

        (4)    “Facility” means:

            (i)    An airport facility, as defined in § 5–101 of this article, that is owned or operated by the State;

            (ii)    A State highway, as defined in § 8–101 of this article; and

            (iii)    A transit facility, as defined in § 7–101 of this article.

        (5)    “Green stormwater infrastructure” means infrastructure implemented using best management practices that reduce the volume of stormwater runoff through infiltration, evapotranspiration, the beneficial reuse of water, or any other effective method.

    (b)    This section applies to a facility in:

        (1)    The Maryland Aviation Administration, as required under § 5–408.1 of this article;

        (2)    The Maryland Transit Administration, as required under § 7–310 of this article; and

        (3)    The State Highway Administration, as required under § 8–204.1 of this article.

    (c)    Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a complete streets policy adopted in accordance with this section shall:

        (1)    Be implemented with the objective of creating a comprehensive, integrated, and connected transportation network that allows users to choose among different modes of transportation;

        (2)    Ensure that all users are considered during the planning, design, construction, and reconstruction phases of a facility;

        (3)    Benefit all users equitably to the extent feasible while taking into consideration the needs of the most underinvested and underserved communities;

        (4)    When practicable, require the accommodation of other modes of transportation;

        (5)    Recognize that all facilities are different and user needs should be balanced to ensure community enhancement; and

        (6)    Incorporate best practices related to complete streets design features.

    (d)    Exceptions to the requirements of this section may be adopted when circumstances or laws exist that prohibit or limit the ability to provide favorable conditions for all modes of transportation.