WABA is trying to get the NPS to include cycling in their Visitor Transportation Study for the National Mall.
Among [WABA's] recommendations were to
- update the 1991 Paved Recreational Trails of the National Capital Region and include a prioritization of implementation of the plan.
- integrate bicycle information in all National Park Service communications regarding transportation to and through National Capital Area Parks, such as, websites, wayfinding and directional signage, maps and brochures
- improve bike parking at Mall destinations by added new parking racks and replacing broken ones
- widen and improve Mall trails and improve connections between area parks and the DC street network.
It may not be fair to say that NPS "forgot" bicycles. They stated in the introduction that all alternatives include:
- replacement of bike racks in disrepair and additional bike racks at all key locations throughout the National Mall and Memorial Parks especially along the East Coast Greenway
- including East Coast Greenway trail designations
- bicycle racks on transit vehicles
And there are some regulations that would go into place (not sure if these are already in place though), but they're unlikely to be enforced - except the rule about securing your bike, which will be vigorously enforced by property seizing bike thieves.
•wear helmets at all times
•use a pedestrian warning device (bell) affixed to the transportation vehicle
•secure vehicles to a bicycle rack when not in use; never leave vehicles unattended and unsecured
•yield the right-of-way to pedestrians
•obey all applicable traffic signals and traffic signs
Still it doesn't go quite as far as it should, or as far as WABA recommends. Trails that separate slow movers (pedestrians and segways) and cyclists are key. WABA is asking cyclist to attend an open house next week or write a letter. Go here for more information.
Attend the open house
Monday, December 4th, 3pm to 6pm
Room 09 at the Old Post Office Pavilion at
1100 Pennsylvania Ave NW
WABA needs your help to make the voices of area cyclists heard. The NPS will hold an open house on the Visitor Transportation Study--come in your helmets and represent.
Addendum: Additional story here
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