More Metro Improvement Ideas

Additions to the ones collected here from Adam Voiland

1. Consider creating special "bike cars" for use during rush hour. These bike cars would have on board bike storage and probably be the first or last cars to minimize friction with pedestrians.
2. Upgrade the design for bike lockers to make them more appealing visually. Take a look at alternative designs such as this one and this one and this one and this one for inspiration. Perhaps run a contest to come up with a new design.
3. Develop a system to keep the elevators smelling better.  Some of them, especially the one at Eastern Market, have an awful stench.
4. Have only two escalators at each entry point--one going up and one going down. Install standard stairs in the remaining space. Cyclists could use these stairs to carry their bikes in and out of the system rather than riding the escalator, which is often a slow and cumbersome process.  More stairs would also encourage pedestrians to walk--a good thing considering the obesity problem.
5. Install signage to discourage people who aren't a) disabled b) a cyclist with a bicycle c) a pedestrian with a stroller or luggage from using the elevators.

Comments

[Richard Layman]

I am pro bicycling, but dedicating cars to bicyclists doesn't make sense, not at $3 million/car, and given the rush hour crowding.

However, we should advocate for significantly different interior configuration, a kind of universal design that makes accommodating bicycles easier. Plus, 4 doors...