This has to be connected with their plan to severely restrict personal vehicles, eventually forcing everyone to use public transport.
"Montgomery County, Maryland, is extending a popular program that allowed residents and businesses in the Maryland jurisdiction to use public streets for leisure and retail activities. The “Shared Streets” initiative started as a response to the coronavirus pandemic, and it has been extended to at least March 2022. The county’s Department of Transportation manages the program that lets residents enjoy activities such as biking, walking, outdoor dining and shopping. Shared Streets programs are in downtown Bethesda, Wheaton and Silver Spring. A similar program in D.C. has also been extended to 2022."
https://wtop.com/montgomery-county/2021/11/montgomery-countys-shared-streets-program-extended-to-at-least-march/