Gabe Klein Chat: Bike Share Expansion, 15th, Parking and Wilson Bridge

Here are the questions and responses from the live chat with DDOT Director Gabe Klein that had to do with cycling (and there were quite a few). Gabe Klein's responses are in blue.

As a commuting cyclist, I am delighted with the southbound bike lane on 15th St. Marking the northbound lane for cyclists’ and motorists’ joint use does not make cycling any safer northbound. I propose that the dedicated cyclists’ line on the west side of 15th be marked for bicycle traffic in both directions, perhaps with a line down the middle and signs warning that it is a two-way bike path. At the abrupt end of the bikeway at Massachusetts, it would be useful to have signs directing cyclists onward and to warn motorists to watch for bicycles.

Thank you Marie for your thoughts. We are evaluating the cycle track on an ongoing basis and are adding leading pedestrian intervals and other improvements. We will send your comment to the cycling team 

I've read that DC will be expanding its bike sharing program, but will not be using Clear Channel's SmartBike system. Is this true? If so, do you know what bike sharing system will be used? And, will the two systems be compatible with each other? Lastly, when will this expansion take place?

We are looking to expand bikesharing in the Spring of 2010.   More precise details will be announced in the coming weeks.   We hope to make this a push into bikesharing being a "transit-system" 

The [bike] route from DC to the Wilson Bridge is circuitous and hilly. What is DDOT doing to make a better connection?

Thanks for your comments.   I am going to need to talk to our Bike Group as I am not sure I understand who's jurisdiction this broad expanse belongs to.

Thanks a bunch for spending some time with us today. Can you provide us with an update on when we can expect to see a more robust bike sharing system implemented in DC

May 2010!

Is there a plan for a bike station at the new does bldg? something like union station.

We are right now assessing more bike stations around the city using a modular design, that would be focused around transit of course, and large employment centers. 

[Comment From bikerchic: ] Is anyone looking into adding more bike racks throughout the city? Not the fancy Union Station ones, but just simple ones that I can lock my bike to? There seems to be a great shortage that leads people to locking bikes to trees, etc

First off, I like your screen name.  I agree with you, and we are having a problem keeping up with bike parking (which is great). We are installing 1000 per year, plus the BID's are installing them.  We are also working on tree box/bike rack combos, and are looking at ways to use old meter poles for racks, and are requiring bike parking in all new developments in public space.

What are the prospects for physically protected bike lanes on radial roads with heavy bike traffic (and many, many speeding cars)?

Very good prospects... send us your requests

It's great that DDOT is focusing on bike and pedestrian initiatives throughout the city, along with improvements in driving conditions. The problem, as I see it, is a lack of enforcement on the part of MPD. Stand on any corner downtown and you'll see drivers, bikers and pedestrians doing crazy, dangerous things but it's rare you'll see any enforcement from MPD.

We have been working closely with MPD Traffic Division, and the targeted enforcement seems to be having an impact on driver respect at unsignalized pedestrian crossings.  We have also empowered our own Traffic Control Officers to write tickets for these offenses.   Chief Lanier definitely gets it. There are a lot of priorities for them, but they have really stepped it up in their partnership with DDOT.

Can your provide an update on the met branch trail?

We are making dramatic progress actually. The second segment is under active construction, and working on a permitting issue on the third segment. We will put out   weekly updates on the website going fwd: http://www.metbranchtrail.com

There was also an ongoing poll of what users would like to see DC focus on, with bike and pedestrian projects doing very well.

Public Transit ( 38% )

Bike & Pedestrian Programs ( 29% )

Traffic Congestion ( 5% )

Road & Bridge Construction ( 5% )

Tree Planting & Maintenance ( 24% )

Comments

[jeff]

There's a traffic division at MPD?