Liam Heely, the DC Bicycle Advisory Committee member from Ward 6, went to the meeting with the Architect of the Capitol last night. He reports that three of the four WABA issues were discussed (the Met Branch along Louisiana Avenue being the exception.
- They will be installing 4 new bike racks near the new Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) in April. These will have capacity for a total of about 45 bikes. They are not the DDOT-favored inverted-U, but what they called the "S" style; (the undulating snake-like piping). When the questioner expressed displeasure with this type; the architect's representative made some statement about having to pass aesthetic review, etc., but didn't know the details of the choice.
- A questioner asked about the routes from Union Station to the CVC, and the difficulty of traversing Columbus Circle particularly for the handicapped and bicycles. I notice that this was on WABA's talking points. The AOC reps said that Columbus Circle is not AOC territory. Several people pointed out that Columbus Circle is in the process of being redesigned.
- A questioner asked about bike lanes on 1st St. This was also on WABA's talking points. This went unanswered by AOC reps; I mentioned in passing I thought this was DDOT territory.
- Someone asked about biking in parts of the Capitol grounds where it is prohibited for security reasons. He was directed to talk to the Sergeant at Arms.
I stated that I was on the DCBAC and that we were interested in general in improving bike transportation around the Capitol in places where it is permitted but bollards, barriers, etc. make it difficult to pass. I was referred to the Sergeant at Arms. The AOC representative said that the Sergeat of Arms reports to the policymakers and they can bring about changes to the physical impediments. In fact, there are two Sergeant at Arms, one for the House and one for the Senate. Apparently we need to determined whether a bollard is a Senate bollard or a House bollard before discussing the issue with someone. Seriously.
- A questioner asked about the routes from Union Station to the CVC, and the difficulty of traversing Columbus Circle particularly for the handicapped and bicycles. I notice that this was on WABA's talking points. The AOC reps said that Columbus Circle is not AOC territory. Several people pointed out that Columbus Circle is in the process of being redesigned.
- A questioner asked about bike lanes on 1st St. This was also on WABA's talking points. This went unanswered by AOC reps; I mentioned in passing I thought this was DDOT territory.
- Someone asked about biking in parts of the Capitol grounds where it is prohibited for security reasons. He was directed to talk to the Sergeant at Arms.
I stated that I was on the DCBAC and that we were interested in general in improving bike transportation around the Capitol in places where it is permitted but bollards, barriers, etc. make it difficult to pass. I was referred to the Sergeant at Arms. The AOC representative said that the Sergeat of Arms reports to the policymakers and they can bring about changes to the physical impediments. In fact, there are two Sergeant at Arms, one for the House and one for the Senate. Apparently we need to determined whether a bollard is a Senate bollard or a House bollard before discussing the issue with someone. Seriously.
I'm surprised they didn't take the opportunity to come out with a distinctive, aesthetic bike rack like the Nationals did - even if, like those, it was only on the end rack.
photo by Tonyfromdc
I want to commute on bicycle to Cannon HOB. Where can I park my bike?
Posted by: | February 25, 2009 at 11:40 PM
I think we have a map of all the indoor and outdoor bike parking locations on the House side. Send me an email at [email protected] and I'll try to get it to you.
Regarding the meeting, I spoke with someone at the AOC about the security issue and was told that all security decisions are made by the Capitol Police Board, which is made up of the Sgts at Arms for the House and Senate and the AOC. The Capitol Police Chief is an ex-officio member. When I find the time I plan to put all these concerns into letter form and get it over to them. I think our allies on the House and Senate side will be helpful.
Posted by: Eric | February 26, 2009 at 11:00 AM
I know there is bike parking in the parking lot south of Cannon and on the NE corner of 1st and C.
If you're looking for covered parking I'd call EHN or your home town congressperson or even Earl Blumenauer's office (202) 225-4811.
Posted by: washcycle | February 26, 2009 at 11:12 AM