Dr. Gridlock Chat (5-20-13)

As a public service, DCBAC periodically views bicycle-related comments / questions issued to Robert Thomson on his Monday midday Dr. Gridlock chat on the Washington Post website, unedited.

This week, comments regarding Bike to Work Day and riding on the sidewalk.

Feel free to comment.

M Street Meeting Notes

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) held its public meeting to discuss the proposed M Street NW cycle track, also called a protected bike lane, Wednesday, May 15 at the West End Public Library.  Most of the discussion involved how the proposed cycle track would impact those who attend the 175 year-old Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal church (@MetropolitanAME) in the1500 block of M Street.

M Street Cycle track Meeting (Photo: @ranpuba)

DDOT Presentation
The second floor meeting room of the West End Library appeared to be near capacity with almost every seat taken and several standing when DDOT staff comprise of Associate Director Sam Zimbabwe, Bicycle Program Coordinator James Sebastian and  Bike Program Planner Mike Goodno began their presentation of the project.

The presentation initially discussed certain functional highlights of the bike lane including the integration of automobile turning lanes and protected green sections for the safety of bicyclists. DDOT also discussed how it planned to integrate what it learned from its installation of L street and 15th street protected lanes into the design of M Street. This would include green painted bike boxes in areas that come in contact with automotive traffic and bicycle-priority signalization at the complicated intersection of Rhode Island and Connecticut Ave. and M Street.

Also, DDOT staff explained because of certain dynamics of the street and due to what the agency learned about the L street lanes, that the time impact of the bike lanes on automotive traffic lead to only a 2 to 7 minute increase in projected transit time. Lastly, DDOT would resurface the street and remove duplicate or confusing signage.

Public Comments
Shortly after the DDOT presentation, a few members of public complained that the construction of the M street bike lanes was premature given that all of the data was not yet collected. Also, there was concern that the estimated $150,000 bike lane project takes money away from other more worthwhile projects like the renovation of the library. In addition, a business owner on the 1800 block of M Street voice opposition to the lanes sighting concern that the lanes would reduce parking in front of his business and add to the heavy evening traffic turning on 19th street.

When the members of the Metropolitan AME church, located at 1518 M Street, began their questioning of the project, one of the repeated questions was why the District had not actively engaged the church before the plans were developed. While DDOT posted information on websites and contacted some Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners, some church attendees stated that DDOT had not personally contacted them at the church.

Specific concerns involved the apparent removal of Sunday-only angled parking, the safety of the elderly crossing bike lanes (church members believed that the lanes lead to more crashes with pedestrians) and the overall traffic impact of adding lanes along the corridor.  While the DDOT staff later admitted that he misspoke, parishioners appeared to become agitated when asked one of its members ask if the installation of the lanes was "a done deal", or would proceed regardless of the the outcome of the meeting. DDOT staff essentially said that the lanes would happen, incorrectly implying that comments or suggestions would not be included.  

Members of the bicycling community were also in attendance, however in what appeared to be smaller numbers.  Most of their comments address the need for a westbound route that safely moved bicycles and that the overall impact of adding bicycles would produce a healthier population less reliant on automobiles, which have a negative environmental impact. Some also voice support for the project, explaining that it will help mitigate automobile traffic in the long-term, is a needed link for bicyclists and trail users on the east side of the District and creates an opportunity for businesses to reach new customers.

The Washcycle discusses certain comments made at this meeting with more specificity in its blog.  

Observations
Of the bicycle infrastructure issues discussed at the meeting, the 1500 block of M Street in front of the Metropolitan AME church appear to be the most contentious. The following highlights some of those issues:

Actual location of proposed lanes on the 1500 block.  While there was much discussion about the actual or perceived impact of the bike lanes on church goers, DDOT may not have clearly articulated which side of the street the bike lanes would be installed. On the map below, the church is on the south side of M street and bike lanes pass along the north side.

1500 Block of M Street, click to enlarge

It appeared that most people believed that the bike lanes would pass directly in front of the church, creating a danger for the elderly, according to some speakers.  Please click to see a Google street view image of the relationship between the lane and the church. 

Removal of angle-in parking along the south side of M Street. The church congregation were concerned that the plan advocated for the removal of angled parking on Sundays. According to those who spoke, the church lobbied the District for three years obtain permission to angle park. They view it as both a safety measure (reduction the possibility of passengers being struck exiting cars) and a method of adding more parking spaces. Also, people were concerned that the bike lane would significantly reduce parking on this block. Accord to the presenters, approximately 3 or 4 spaces would be removed to accommodate a right turning motorists.

Confusion regarding use of street. A few in the audience were concerned that the new signage, signalization, configuration and street markings would be confusing and potentially lead to crashed.

Implementation speed. Construction is to begin sometime in August to be completed by late fall. Some felt that because of the concerns discussed in the meeting and that survey and other data has not been fully complied, that DDOT should delay construction. This would likely push the project to 2014 due to the likelihood of unfavorable winter weather conditions.

Discussion continued after the meeting (Photo: @ranpuba)

After the meeting officially ended, smaller groups were able to discuss the bike lanes and the church's concerns. Below is are potential alternatives discussed for the 1500 block of M street. These were discussion items and are not official DDOT proposed alternatives:

Draft Discussion Alternative 1: Keeping the angled parking. The presented plan removed angled Sunday-only parking because automobiles parked in that way infringe on the only travel remaining motorist travel lane. Angled parking allows more cars but potentially adds doubles the with of parking lane from 11 to 22 feet.

Draft Discussion Alternative 2: Make a travel lane a sharrow. Certain sections of this block would contain sharrows, allowing for more parking.

DDOT stated that it will continue to meet with the church and possibly Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners of that location. DDOT plans to hold an additional public meeting later this year. BAC would like to know what you think about M Street and this issue. Please let us know by leaving comments below or contacting us on twitter @DCBAC.

Public Meeting for M Street NW Bike Lanes

This Wednesday, May 15, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will hold a public meeting to discuss the planned installation of protected bicycle lanes along M Street, from Thomas Circle to 28th. The public meeting will also discuss some of the observations of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association walking tour of M Street held Monday, May 6.

The meeting will be held at the West End Library, 1101 24th St. NW, beginning at 6:30 pm. BAC encourages you to attend this meeting so that DDOT can include your concerns or suggestions in its design for this new infrastructure.

The one-way westbound M Street lanes will provide needed crosstown access for bicyclists and complements the L Street lanes, which were constructed last year.  DDOT and WABA staff noted that it was important for the bicycling community to attend the meeting so that certain concerns addressed during the M Street walk and lessens learned from the installation of the L Street lanes are discussed. For example, as bicycling becomes more prevalent so too will the need for more bicycle parking along this corridor.

Below are pictures from the walking tour as posted on the DCBAC flickr page:

BAC Bimonthly Meeting Wednesday, May 1, 2013

The bimonthly BAC meeting is this Wednesday evening beginning at 6pm, May 1, 2013. BAC will discuss reports from our subcommittees and other bike-related topics including the status of bicycle facilities by the District Department of Transportation.

The meeting will take place at 441 4th Street, NW at One Judiciary Square, in Room 1114, which is on the 11th floor. Please remember to bring government identification to enter the building. To get to the meeting room, please use the South lobby elevators. Bicycle parking is available in front of the building, please remember to also bring your bike lock.

As always, BAC meetings are open to the public and we encourage you sharing your thoughts.

WeMoveDC Web meeting

Tuesday, April 9, 2-13, WeMoveDC held a web-based chat regarding transportation challenges both in the District and regionally. Below is a log containing questions asked and answers provided by WeMoveDC / District Department of Transportation staff.

Audience Question:

Q: Will the slides from this presentation be made available to us after the workshop (emailed or at a website?)

A: Yes, on the website under the resources tab on the website. www.wemoveDC.org

Audience Question:

Q: how about taxi drivers?

A: DDOT works on this with the taxi cab commission, both specifically and generally. Special outreach has been done with this group.

Audience Question:

Q: How can create a better funding and governance mechanism for regional transportation (From Baltimore to Richmond, from Annapolis to Dulles)?

A: We are working with regional, state, and local partners to start to identify solutions. MWCOG has an important role in the finance and funding discussion. Recently, Virginia and Maryland have made changes to the way they fund transportation to try to better address transportation needs. We plan to also evaluate how we fund transportation as a part of this planning effort.

Audience Question:

Q: When will bicycle lanes be placed on Connecticut and Wisconsin avenuess?

A: We will look to this plan to help identify the future networks for all modes, together. Streets like those that you mention are especially complicated because of competing demands. This planning effort will help to resolve those conflicts.

Audience Question:

Q: How many people participated in this webinar?

A: 46 individuals have signed in; however, we do not know whether some attendees represent groups.

Audience Question:

Q: I have also heard about something called the "side car" do you know about that?

A: Personal ridesharing/taxi service that people can hail/offer via mobile app. This is one of those information-based ideas that could be a larger part of the future of transportation in DC.

Audience Question:

Q: Are you taking the future of automated (computer driven) vehicles into consideration?

A: We will be flexible in our accommodation and ability to accommodate modes that may not be prevalent today.

Audience Question:

Q: what is the focus on encouraging older adult participation in the community.  For example sidewalks in good repair.

A: Access for all ages and abilities is important. It should be easy for anyone of any ability to get around.

Audience Question:

Q: Where did the end-of-block bollards on the L Street cycletrack go (the ones that keep cars out of the cycle track), and when will they be back?

A: They went away for snow removal and will be back in the coming weeks.

Q: One of the problems in the District is that while DDOT is an important factor in transportation policy, DPW, Office of Planning, or MPD also have a roll in making transportation effective. What specific changes will WeMoveDC introduce to end the silo mentality.

Audience Question:

Q: If DC wants to attract affluent people, who want to live and shop in DC with children, the focus is easy.  The slower traffic has the priority, walkers first, cyclists second, and vehicles third, jet planes fourth, rockets fifth.

A: Thanks.

Audience Question:

Q: Just to note, police officers are often in that same category.  They park in bike lanes all the time

A: Thanks.

Audience Question:

Q: FYI valet drivers also pull U-Turns through the PA Ave cycletrack. Some outreach to the valet companies and restaurants would help.

A: DDOT is working with many partners for better enforcement and education to reduce instances of this sort of behavior.

Audience Question:

Q: We also need to have some regulations in place to ensure bicylces are on the street and not the sidewalks.  Is this going to be looked into?

A: This is an issue we'll be discussing as a part of the plan.

Audience Question:

Q: I drive as little as possible, but when I do, I can't help but notice that the timing of lights in DC tends to increase congestion (lights that turn red immediately after the previous light turns green, etc..  I have been in many cities where lights are timed to help the flow of traffic.  Are we recruiting the expertise to help make better use of what we have, as well as increasing capacity?

A: We are working on optimizing our signal system to address this type of issue.

Audience Question:

Q: Aside from the 15th Street Cycle track, there are few north-south  or east-west corridors that are safe for cyclists. are you planning more protected cycle tracks to make cycling safer for everyone?

A: This plan will look comprehensively at the bicycle network.

Audience Question:

Q: There are cycle paths (particularly Rock Creek Pkwy) that are in serious need of repair and revision.  Is the National Park Service party to this planning process?

A: Yes.

Audience Question:

Q: Are there any plans to repave the 15th St. bike lane?

A: Yes. Schedule is uncertain.

Audience Question:

Q: Can we have a coprehensive bicycle parking program, especially in the CBD? Now, the installation process is dictated by the "squeakly-wheel" method. Could we work with BIDs, businesses and communities to better allocate spaces, even if it removes some car street parking?

A: We will be looking at bicycle parking on and off-street as a part of this plan.

Audience Question:

Q: Will we be getting dedicated lanes for buses, especially on high bus volume corridors like 16th Street?

A: This is the sort of issue we will be discussing as a part of this plan.

Richard Whyte (to All - Entire Audience): Last chance for questions.

Richard Whyte (to All - Entire Audience): We look forward to seeing you at a future event in the future. Please visit www.wemoveDC.org for current project information and input opportunities.

Richard Whyte (to All - Entire Audience): Thank you.

Picture This - New Traffic Signal Crossing North Capitol that Contains Bicycle Facilities

Below are images of the installation of a new traffic signal near the 5200 block of North Capitol Street as it crosses Hamilton Street.

The signal will allow bicyclists to use Hamilton Street eastbound and Gallatin Street westbound instead of using Gallatin as a bi-directional bicycle sharrow on a one-way vehicular street.

The installation of the traffic signal will also allow pedestrians, bicyclists and cars to cross North Capitol street, which can be difficult due to heavy traffic in the blocks between Missouri Avenue and Gallatin Street and the relatively high rate of vehicle speed during off-peek travel hours.

BAC Facilities Committee (BAC FAC) - April 20

Please join the Bicycle Advisory Council's Facilities Committee (BAC-FAC) on a ride or 'rolling meeting', Saturday April 20, 2013, The first ride of the season will explore access into and out of the area around the new Costco Warehouse Club store located at 2441 Market Street NE.

The ride will begin at 1:30pm, and start at the Union Station bike station, near First Street NE and Massachusetts Avenue NE. The ride will end at the NoMa-Gallaudet Metrorail Station. As always, we strongly recommend that you bring a helmet and reserve the right not to allow you on this ride without one. Please plan to arrive about 15 minutes before the ride begins, we will leave promptly at 1:30pm.

Below is a tentative route map:

View BAC FAC Ride #1 2013 (Costco) in a larger map

This BAC-FAC ride highlights a void in the District's current bicycle network. Access to the Costco area, also called Fort Lincoln, by biking or walking is difficult for many reasons. The Anacostia River, New York Avenue and Amtrak's Northeast Corridor tracks create a physical and psychological barrier. South Dakota Avenue, a major north - south arterial road that leads to the Costco, does not adequately support the needs of bicyclists.

The ride will also examine bicycle access near Gallaudet University and the communities of greater northeast Washington including Trinidad, Icy City, Arboretum, Gateway, and Langdon Park. The ride will also view bicycle access to the Metropolitan Branch Trail at Rhode Island Avenue NE.

Please contact Jeanie Osburn (BAC-FAC@dcbac.org) if you have questions about the ride.

Thanks and we look forward to seeing you.

BAC Legislative Committee Meeting - April 17

The April 2013 Legislative Committee Meeting will be this Wednesday, April 17th at 6:00pm at the patio at Busboys and Poets. If it rains, the meeting will move to Teaism.

The agenda is pretty open with only two items:
  
1. DC Bicycle Plan update - According to the Sustainable DC plan, DDOT is updating the Bicycle Master Plan. We should talk about what we'd like to see in that and strategies for advising DDOT on it. 

2. Future goals - It's been over a year, with new legislation already passed (defining bikes, Assault law, Bicycle Safety Act of 2013), since we last discussed a "State of DC Bike Legislation." I'd like us to discuss legislation we'd like to push for and legislative goals in general.

 If you have questions, please feel free to contact the committee chair, David Cranor. 

We look forward to seeing you there.