Connecting College Park: A Collective Transportation and Mobility Journey

In graduate school, I remember meeting fellow urban planning students who were passionate about transportation – bikes, pedestrians and trails were all they talked about! At the time, I rolled my eyes. But when I started working in the field, it didn’t take long for me to realize just how integral transportation planning was to so many facets of community development. Mobility was a core component of every plan, workshop and community meeting I led, even if the topic seemed completely unrelated to transportation. Today, my perspective has completely changed. I now understand that how we get around—whether driving, cycling, walking, scooting, or using public transit—is essential to building vibrant, connected communities. 

Transformative Mobility Opportunities in College Park

Transportation shapes our daily lives in more ways than we realize. Whether it’s getting to work, school, or running errands, how we move through our communities—by car, bike, scooter, foot, or public transit—affects every facet of life. For urban planners like me, transportation isn’t just about roads and infrastructure; it’s about building connections, fostering community, and enabling access to everything from education to business opportunities. If you’ve spent any time in College Park recently, it’s clear there are significant transportation changes underway. 

Facilitating Collaboration – The Role of the Partnership 

The improvements we’ve seen across the city—from the introduction of dedicated bike lanes to new pedestrian crosswalks—are powerful examples of what can be achieved through collaboration. 

Despite being a small nonprofit organization, the College Park City-University Partnership has played a central role in bringing transportation-related importance to the community. For many years, the Partnership has convened a cross-sector committee of City, University, community, county, and state leaders to focus on transportation and mobility needs in College Park. Our Transportation & Mobility Committee guides the strategic planning and coordinated efforts necessary to bring these projects to life. In setting a collective vision for the community’s future needs, College Park stakeholders have come together to make progress over many years. It’s through long-term, dedicated collaboration that we’ve been able to see such meaningful progress in the community. 

Ongoing Projects: The Future of Connectivity 

College Park today serves as a powerful example of the power of cross-sector collaboration. The improvements we’ve seen across the city—from the introduction of dedicated bike lanes to new pedestrian crosswalks—are testaments to the collective effort of many stakeholders over many years. Everyday, we are seeing the results of these efforts, whether we’re walking across clearly marked crosswalks on Baltimore Avenue or riding down freshly painted bike lanes that make commuting safer for everyone. There are several ongoing transportation projects in College Park to look forward to: 

• Route 1: A Safer and More Connected Corridor: One of the most visible transformations in College Park has been the redesign of Route 1 – aka Baltimore Avenue – particularly through downtown. The 1.5-mile project enhances safety and traffic flow for all road users, including pedestrians and bicyclists, while supporting revitalization efforts along the busy US 1 corridor. Newly painted bike lanes clearly designate where cyclists can ride safely, signaling to cars to share the road. Pedestrian crosswalks have been improved with clearer markings and timing adjustments, which make it safer and easier to cross. These changes may seem minor on the surface, but they represent significant steps forward in creating a safer, more connected community.
• Campus Drive Bike Path: One of the key projects currently underway involves extending bicycle access from the Trolley Trail along Campus Drive to connect with Baltimore Avenue and the University of Maryland campus. This extension will provide cyclists with a direct, safe route through College Park and further integrate the community with the University.
• Paint Branch Riverwalk Project: Another exciting initiative is the design of a new Riverwalk that will turn informal pedestrian paths along the Paint Branch Creek into a beautiful, accessible pathway for both pedestrians and cyclists. These projects are just the beginning of what’s to come as we continue to improve the city’s transportation network.

Embracing ‘First and last Mile’ Transportation Innovations 

Beyond roadways and bike lanes, College Park has also embraced innovative transportation options that didn’t even exist a few years ago. The introduction of micro-mobility solutions like e-scooters, e-bikes, and rental bikes provide residents with new, sustainable ways to navigate the city.

These travel modes provide access to new ways to get around town, connecting residents and commuters to Metro, MARC, bus terminals, shopping and other amenities otherwise challenging to reach.  These options have emerged through the tireless collaboration between the City, the University of Maryland, and community partners, all working together to create a more accessible and connected community. 

Celebrating Success and Looking Ahead 

As we celebrate new mobility solutions, we know transportation challenges remain. The Partnership is leading conversations with community and university stakeholders to ensure we address key concerns and questions about mobility in College Park. A few key questions arising out of our Transportation & Mobility Committee conversations include: 

• How do we ensure transportation is age-inclusive and serves those with different levels of physical ability?  
• How can we improve coordination among the various transportation agencies operating in College Park to create a seamless system for everyone? 
• How can we keep everyone safe now that bikes and scooters are being used on sidewalks and trails? 

We’re using data and input from transportation experts and community members to continue our Transportation & Mobility Committee discussion and strategic planning in the coming months. 

As we reflect on the progress we’ve made, it’s important to celebrate the successes that have come from this ongoing collaboration – even as we know there is much more to do! The Partnership is committed to continuing our efforts, engaging with the community, and pushing forward towards a collective vision for the future. Our 10-year strategic plan – the University-Community Vision 2030 – outlines our goals, and we will be holding committee meetings in the coming months to review progress and plan for the work still ahead. Together, we are building a more connected, vibrant, and accessible College Park.