Tommy Wells is keeping with his promise to promote "bikeable, walkable communities"
On Feb. 6, Councilmember Tommy Wells introduced legislation calling for an increase in bicycle parking options at DC government buildings, recreation centers, public schools, libraries, and in particular, the council offices at the John A. Wilson Building.
And pursuing a fix to the bicycle registration problem.
Additionally, Wells introduced legislation to change the way residents must register their bicycles. Under Wells’ proposal, bicycle registration would become voluntary and residents would no longer need to visit a police station to register their bikes, using instead an online application or mailing a registration card.
That's how Arlington does it.
lift the ban on cycling on downtown sidewalks NOW
Posted by: w | March 29, 2007 at 02:11 PM
lift the ban on cycling on downtown sidewalks NOW
Posted by: w | March 29, 2007 at 02:11 PM
W- I know asking you to give up your dreams of having everyone to ride on the sidewalk is a long shot, but I just want to make sure you are aware how out of step that notion is with the rest of the cycling advocacy and access community. The more common theme in advocacy is that of "vehicular cycling." While the guy is a bit of a kook, John Forester puts its best when he says "Cyclists fair best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles." http://www.johnforester.com/
Studies have shown this to be true, and that you are more likely to be involved in a crash while riding on the sidewalk. Between closer interactions with pedestrians, vehicles exiting driveways and pulling through crosswalks it just isn't safe!
Should transportation planners create seperated areas for cyclists? Sure, when it will fit and usage rates make it appropriate. Can automobiles and bicycles coexist on the road together without special accomadations? Yes, with thoughtful planning to slow down or limit the amount of cars on the roadway and mutual respect from both drivers and cyclists, this actually works quite well.
I support lifting the ban on cycling on sidewalks, but only in the sense that no law ever made us free. I don't think or care if this post will help you see the light and take to the streets- I'd just appreciate it if you stopped with the half-hearted rants about that being the only safe place. Sure they do things differently in Berlin, Copenhagen, etc. Guess what? This ain't Europe. Your going against all popular conventions on cycling infrastructure is just as much typical American rugged individualism as the a-hole in the SUV who honked at me on my way to work this morning.
Posted by: !!! | March 30, 2007 at 11:26 AM