TheWashCycle

Probably Not a Chop Shop

Someone sneaked into the old Wonder Bread Factory and found it full of old bicycles. PoP thought it might be a chop shop for stolen bicycles, but as several commenters point out, they're most likely leftover bicycles from the, now closed, Shaw EcoVillage bike shop. Still someone should organize a mass recovery/donation to Bikes for the World. Douglas Development is the owner now I think.

Pedicabs Being Pushed off the Mall

We Love DC has the story about a recent change in policy with the National Park Police along the Mall.

It seems it all started on Monday, where two drivers on Madison around noon, were approached by a Park Police (PP) officer. The officer, upon finding out what the two drivers were doing - waiting for riders - told them “you can’t be down here getting rides” and informed them that even though the drivers worked for free, just tips, they were soliciting business, something not allowed along the Mall. The officer then told them they could not ride on the streets, only the gravel of the mall and the sidewalk boundaries, and that as soon as they started talking with someone about their business, it was soliciting and therefore, illegal.

“Tourmobile, who has a contract with the park service, was making a complaint about pedicabs and Park Services were pressuring PP to ticket pedicabs on Madison and Jefferson. I claimed that taxis and tour buses operate around the Mall all day long, and they informed him they had a permit to be there.”

The guys at National Pedicab don’t believe they’re breaking any other ordinances. As they understand it, vendors on the Mall need a special license to exchange money, but because the pedicabs are technically free (just tips), they believe they are not affected by it. However, Danny mentioned that after the incident on Monday, he has since inquired if they do indeed need a license or permit; so far, their calls to the Permit department at the Park Police have yet to be returned.

National Pedicab is trying to work this out. But if the Park Service prevents pedicabs from operating near the Mall, it would be a shame. Are taxicabs not allowed to pick up passengers from the Mall?

Arlington County looking for volunteers to count cyclists

From GGW

Arlington County transportation programs BikeArlington and WalkArlington are looking for volunteers to help collect bicycle and pedestrian counts in Arlington County on May 7th and 9th. This regular data collection is part of a national project to document walking and cycling as a mode of transportation. Collecting better data on usage and demand is essential to build long-term support for walking and cycling.

11th Street Bridges Contract Awarded

The RFP for the 11th Street Bridges was issued in February and last week the design/build contract was awarded to Skanska/Facchina

It will create a seamless link for highway commuters, the type of link abandoned when the original Interstate plan for Washington was abandoned decades ago. And local travelers, including bikers and walkers, will have their own span to connect neighborhoods on both sides of the Anacostia River.

Work in the river is scheduled to begin in mid-August, so this isn't a construction project that drivers are going to encounter right away. In fact, much of the detailed plans for the three-span structure have yet to be drawn in this design-build program. When it does reach the level of span construction, there will be no interruption in access to the bridge, Penny said.

I'm not sure how much future input is going to be allowed.

WABA action: restore Columbia Road bike lanes

A few years ago, thanks to your support, WABA was able to restore promised bike facilities along 18th Street NW in Adams Morgan. We had hoped that that would be it, but we have recently discovered that companion bike facilties on Columbia Road have been dropped from the design plans for the intersection. Adams Morgan, Mt. Pleasant and Columbia Heights are the epicenter of cycling in the District of Columbia and residents and visitors alike deserved the best bike infrastructure possible.

We are asking concerned cyclists to write a short message to Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham to ask him to work with the District Department of Transportation to have the bike lanes restored to the intersection of 18th and Columbia Road NW.

Specter

Since he's at the top of the news, Adam Voiland takes some time to point out that, among other things, Arlen Specter is a good friend to cyclists, which isn't surprising considering he used to be a bike messenger.

Pedaling Revolution: How Cyclists are Changing American Cities

There's an article in the Seattle Post Intelligencer about Jeff Mapes' book "Pedaling Revolution: How Cyclists are Changing American Cities" (via RPUS). The article doesn't go too much into the actual "how" but some examples are:

In Amsterdam, 40 percent of non-walking trips are by bike. He quotes, approvingly, Jack Wolters, the city's top traffic-safety officer: "The target of the police is not to control cyclists and pedestrians. It is to control the most dangerous part, motorcar drivers."

Mapes cites a marvelous example, which I've lately seen exiting the University of Washington down toward University Village. The road crosses the popular Burke-Gilman Trail. A majority of motorists slow, almost to a complete stop, watching for bikes.

Apparently the book has high praise for George W. Bush and even quotes him and his father

Former President Bush, an avid mountain biker, gets accolades. Despite right-wing grumbles, W. signed a transportation bill that contained a $100 million model program, providing $25 million apiece for four communities to see if they could increase the percentage of trips taken by bicycle.

Asked by Bicycling magazine if his riding enthusiasm was a factor in approving the bill, Bush replied: "Absolutely. The more accessible (streets and paths) are for bikes, the more likely it is that people will use them. But it's got to start at the local level."

Along the lines of quotable quotes, try this one on for size: "The more I think about U.S. domestic transportation problems... the more I see an increased role for the bicycle in American life." George H.W. Bush, U.S. ambassador to China, 1975

And there's a local mention

Suffragette Belva Ann Lockwood (she twice ran for president in the late 1800s) was often spotted pedaling around Washington D.C. on her largish tricycle. As she said, "A tricycle means independence for women, and it also means health."

Which brings up the question of why Kriston Capps is against independence for women?

Secretary of Transportation "Bicycling is an important factor in less carbon-intensive commuting"

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray Lahood took the opportunity on Earth Day to write about the funding opportunities for cycling and the importance the new administration places on transportational cycling on his blog "Fastlane".

A number of funding opportunities exist, but cycling advocates must get their cities and states to request funds for these purposes. Many states, counties, and municipalities have already done so.

When I told the League of American Bicyclists National Bike Summit that "Cyclists are important users of America's transportation systems," I meant it. And, when I wrote that "With DOT, bicyclists have a full partner in working toward livable communities," I meant that as well. President Obama has challenged us to transform the way transportation serves the American people by creating more choices and encouraging less carbon-intensive transportation, and we are working hard on that challenge.

The response from cyclists (this one included) has been overwhelmingly positive.

Tip.

Beyond DC compares this Secretary of Transportation with the last.

Photo by WABA - btw, these bikes weren't always included as part of the display of transportation systems at the US DOT headquarters and were added in, I think, after Peters left.

Ride of Silence, May 20th 2009

WABA's press release reminded me. I'm planning to lead a DC Ride of Silence on Wednesday, May 20th.

On May 20, 2009, at 7:00 PM, the Ride of Silence will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.

In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride Of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed. (Read the full history here...)

The Ride Of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride. There is no brochure, no sponsors and no registration fees. The ride, which is held during Bike Safety month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for those who have been killed or injured.

The route I'm planning will start at the Jefferson Memorial, route past the locations where Ian Wolfe and Alice Swanson were killed, past the Capitol, District Building and White House and end at American University where Brent Hurd taught (he was killed while riding in India).

Would people be interested in participating if I did this? They recommend getting a parade permit or escort, can anyone help with that?

I won't be able to provide insurance, so you are very much on your own there.

RSVP and learn more here.

WABA Urges Safe Cycling as Bike Month Approaches

From a WABA press release:

The month of May is National Bike Month and as part of its efforts to encourage safe bicycling for transportation and recreation, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) is stepping up its efforts to teach cyclists about safe cycling behavior by offering free classes to adults where they can learn the basics of bike safety.  At WABA’s “Confident City Cycling” classes, cyclists will be taught about bicycle selection and fit, gearing and cadence, nutrition and hydration, proper use of accessories, bike handling, hazard avoidance, traffic law, proper lane placement, and simple bike maintenance.  The classes are made free and open to the public through grants from the District of Columbia, Arlington County, and the City of Alexandria.  A complete class schedule with more information and online registration can be found at www.waba.org. 

“An increasing number of Washington area residents are realizing all the benefits that bicycling offers,” said Eric Gilliland, WABA’s executive director.  “Whether they choose to ride for their health, for the environment, or for just plain fun, we want to make sure that people are as safe as possible when they choose to go by bike.”

The Association suggests that cyclists follow the following safety tips:

• Obey all traffic laws, signs and signals. Bicycles are considered vehicles on the roadway, and cyclists are responsible for following the same rules as cars.
• Always ride in the same direction as traffic and use hand signals for all turns.  Stay as far to the right as safely possible. When approaching an intersection, position yourself so that you are clearly visible, and out of any blind spot.
• Scan ahead for obstacles in the roadway and learn to avoid them without swerving into traffic. Watch out for opening car doors.
• Be visible. Wear brightly colored or reflective clothing. If you choose to bike at night, a white front light and red rear reflector are required by law in most states.

WABA also urges area drivers to watch for the increased number of cyclists on area roads and trails.

The highlight of Bike Month is Bike to Work Day, which will take place on Friday, May 16^th 15th.  Bike to Work Day is a partnership between WABA and the Commuter Connections program of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, who hold the event as the Washington region’s annual celebration of bicycling as a form of transportation.  This year’s event will feature 26 “pit stops” around the region where cyclists will be offered food, entertainment and prizes.  WABA is also organizing “bicycle commuter convoys” that will converge on downtown DC from around the region in order to help people find the best way to get from home to work by bike.    Each registered participant will receive a free t-shirt and will be entered into a raffle to win a new bike.  Registration is available online at www.waba.org.  Other bike month events include bike and gear swaps, bike rack dedications, presentations on cycling at local embassies, and even WABA’s second annual Bike Prom.