I love Daily Gripe.
To hear a neighbor describe it, Jones Mill Rd. north of Jones Bridge Rd. in Chevy Chase sounds like a dicey proposition for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers alike.
Hartman wrote that the DOT has plans to study building bike ways along Jones Mill between Stoneybrook Road and East West Highway during the 2012 fiscal year. Sidewalks could also be included in that study.
"In the meantime, DOT will explore whether immediate interim measures to address safety can be taken under the Sidewalks Program," Hartman wrote.
Though I've never had a problem with the road.
Personally, I think both JMR and JBR are crazy traffic wise. Lots of speeding cars.
Posted by: SJE | July 22, 2010 at 09:34 AM
I both cycle and drive this stretch frequently. I agree with the neighbor--there are a range of potentially dangerous situations. Most cars go 10-15 MPH over the speed limit. Some motorists become noticeably impatient when they cannot pass a cyclist immediately (though the cyclists are often moving at close to the speed limit). That is when drivers take the risk of passing on the blind curve; I've observed this many times. There is no shoulder, and numerous trees and exposed guardrails sit very close to the road. This spring, they re-paved the cyclist path on the east side of Jones Mill (a nice improvement), but it doesn't parallel the street very long before it turns into Rock Creek Park, making it impractical for commuters and road bikers. There appears to be space for a sidewalk. A combo cycle-pedestrian lane along that whole stretch would be even better, but I doubt it would be built to a standard that would attract road cyclists.
Posted by: Beaker | July 22, 2010 at 04:57 PM
if the bicyclist is not aggressive as heel, fit as hell, and extremely experienced, they will not fare well on this road. as for roads changes? youre kidding, right? WHEN? 2050?
i love how "Breaker" (above) simply ASSUMES that the POLICE and the COMMUNITY are effectively neutered: "most cars go 10-15 mph above the speed limit" -- AS IF THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT IT!! of course, since we no longer live in functioning democracy, there IS NOTHING we can do about it!!
wait 'til another Stan Miller is killed along tihs stretch as traffic gets worse-- each and every day...
Posted by: mike | July 22, 2010 at 05:09 PM
Mike, I didn't say anything about the police or the community. Jones Bridge Rd near the school has speed cameras and aggressive speed enforcement. Jones Mill Rd along the stretch we are talking about seldom has speed enforcement. Students trump road bikers-at least that is my take home message.
Posted by: Beaker | July 22, 2010 at 10:19 PM
The type of accommodation MCDOT will look at in 2012 is some kind of wide lane or shoulder. That will bring out legions of militant neighbors who will fight the project tooth and nail. A few road cyclists might also oppose it if it means bike lanes. MCDOT is looking into it, but I'm not entirely confident.
Posted by: Jack | July 23, 2010 at 02:25 AM