Wednesday Morning Commute - What humanity requires

Not as much snow as previously predicted is good news for bike commuters.

• Alexandria City Staff want the proposed Complete Streets ordinance downgraded to a policy. Staff also had concerns regarding the added time and cost implementing an ordinance would have, namely updating their street design manual (more on this later), as well as the added time and cost of reviewing projects after the ordinance is implemented. They also felt that a resolution instead of a policy would give them more "wiggle room" in the event of a project with limited right-of-way, especially in regard to "Alexandria's narrow streets".
• WABA also has concerns about the St. Elizabeths EIS and the South Capitol Street Trail. Where the document is required to discuss the “environmental consequences” to transportation infrastructure (Section 5.7) it only discusses vehicles and does not disclose its potential impacts on the South Capitol Street Trail.
• Last week I mentioned all the new on-street bike parking that went in downtown (50 new spaces at 5 locations) and now WABA has a list of where it all is. Including one in front of the E Street Cinema - now when I need a baby sitter to go to the movies. Like the fireproof film in "Cinema Paradisio," it arrives just a bit too late for me.
• Creigh Deeds introduced a bill to make reckless cycling illegal in Virginia. So get your reckless cycling in now, while you still can. 
• Arlington County is putting together plans on how to improve pedestrian safety, bicycle access, ADA compliance, lighting, and other factors on the Meade Street Bridge.
• The C&O Canal National Park turns 40.
• Some good advice on cycling etiquette from 1896. Never pass by an accident without dismounting and inquiring what the trouble is and whether you can be of any assistance, but remember that any service you may render to a wheelwoman does not entitle you to her aquaintance without the usual formal introduction. It is always proper to speak to a wheelwoman who may be in need or assistance. Humanity requires this.
  
• The same article calls for building a bike trail to Great Falls, gives information about gearing, how to bike to New York from DC (the roads between Baltimore and Washington were in a "disgraceful condition") and - in one of those "we've come a long way" moments - about the establishment of a new bike club of "colored wheelmen." Their headquarters were at 11th and Q and they were led by Dr. Charles I West.