Earlier this month, Councilmembers Mary Cheh and Tommy Wells introduced the “Bicycle Safety Amendment Act of 2013”. The bill increases penalties for drivers who fail to yield to cyclists or are at fault in crashes involving cyclists and increases education requirements for new DC drivers on how to share the road. It also establishes a requirement that public space permit holders blocking a sidewalk or bicycle lane provide a safe accommodation for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Also this month, DDOT released a report analyzing bicycle and pedestrian crash records for the last two years, which concluded that the intersections of 14th & U Streets NW and 16th Street & New Hampshire Ave NW are among the most dangerous for bicyclists in the city.
My colleague Kishan Putta and I led several public safety listening sessions in 2012 before we were elected as Commissioners. One of those, in September, was specifically on bicycle safety in the neighborhood. We heard about issues concerning bicycle lanes, signage, bicycling on sidewalks, and pedestrian safety.
At our March 13 ANC meeting, I will introduce a resolution in support of the bill and make several suggestions to clarify its intent and language. The bill, DDOT report and draft resolution are available below.
Also this month, DDOT released a report analyzing bicycle and pedestrian crash records for the last two years, which concluded that the intersections of 14th & U Streets NW and 16th Street & New Hampshire Ave NW are among the most dangerous for bicyclists in the city.
My colleague Kishan Putta and I led several public safety listening sessions in 2012 before we were elected as Commissioners. One of those, in September, was specifically on bicycle safety in the neighborhood. We heard about issues concerning bicycle lanes, signage, bicycling on sidewalks, and pedestrian safety.
At our March 13 ANC meeting, I will introduce a resolution in support of the bill and make several suggestions to clarify its intent and language. The bill, DDOT report and draft resolution are available below.
| Bicycle Safety Amendment Act of 2013 |
| Review of Bicycle and Pedestrian Crash Locations 2012 |
| Draft Resolution in Support of the Bicycle Safety Amendment Act of 2013 |
Here is the highlight from the resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that ANC 2B supports the passage of the “Bicycle Safety Amendment Act of 2013” with the following recommendations:
1. New laws governing the actions of drivers and bicyclists are only effective if properly enforced; the City Council must fund and direct the Metropolitan Police Department to increase traffic enforcement efforts as part of the normal duties of all of its officers and increase ongoing traffic enforcement training.
2. The City Council must include language in the law that more clearly defines the term “safe accommodation” as it relates to the proposed requirement for construction projects blocking sidewalks and bicycle lanes. More clarity is important to avoid unintended regulatory flexibility that could result in unsafe accommodations. That definition must include requirements to protect and cover pedestrians and that the accommodations not be unduly burdensome.
As I continue to work to increase safety for pedestrians and bicyclists in our neighborhood, please let me know what you think of the bill and proposed resolution. Reply here or click on Contact Me above and give me a call anytime. Thanks!
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