Montrose community voices concerns over Congressional Lane bike lane study

Concerns over proposed bike lanes on Congressional Lane dominated the Rockville Mayor and Council meeting on March 17, 2025, as community members voiced their apprehensions about potential impacts on parking and traffic. Jeffrey Gantz, representing the Montrose Civic Association, urged council members to reconsider the Congressional Lane Complete Street Study, which aims to add bike lanes in a section already facing parking challenges.

Gantz highlighted that the study's parking usage statistics, which indicated a 34% to 66% occupancy rate, may not accurately reflect peak usage during the spring and summer months when local recreational leagues are active. He warned that removing parking could force residents to seek alternative parking on nearby streets, exacerbating congestion in the neighborhood.

Additionally, Gantz pointed out discrepancies in the study, including the absence of speed humps on Congressional Lane, which were incorrectly noted in the report. He called for a more comprehensive approach to planning, suggesting that the council consider the cumulative effects of multiple projects, including the upcoming Wegmans store, on local traffic patterns.

The meeting underscored the importance of community engagement, with Gantz inviting council members to participate in neighborhood walks to better understand residents' concerns. As discussions continue, the council faces the challenge of balancing the needs of cyclists with those of local residents, ensuring that any changes enhance rather than hinder community life.