Key Bridge rehab: So long bollards, hello bicycle detection cameras

DDOT is looking for a contractor to manage a 2-year rehab of the Key Bridge starting in the spring. For cyclists it means the installation of bicycle/pedestrian detection cameras and warning flashers at the ramp to the Whitehurst Freeway. It will also mean the removal of the two concrete bollards on each side of the ramp.

Comments

[DE]

Good news. Anyone cycling across the southern side of Key Bridge into DC who isn't aware of cars turning onto Whitehurst is in danger of being hit; many drivers just aren't aware (or don't care) that they're turning across a sidewalk. The concrete bollards can actually make it more dangerous since they can slow cyclist's progress across the gap.

[T]

This is wonderful news. Those bollards really don't serve any purpose and I've seen plenty of people tangled up in them--even people walking by each other. And lights to warn motorists would be a welcome sight. Bravo to DCDOT for doing the right thing here.

[contrarian]

I guess DDOT is doing something, but I wish they had considered an actual traffic signal. The problem with crosswalks is that most drivers don't know whether they need to yield or not, and they give themselves the benefit of the doubt. A flashing light is no better at removing uncertainty. What does a flashing light mean? If it's yellow, it means you have the right of way. The traffic signal with no ambiguity is a solid red light.

But I guess motorist convenience trumps non-motorized safety once again.

[T]

A traffic light could work if it were synced to the other lights, but not if it was demand driven as it would be consistently red and then drivers would ignore it. I mean, let's be honest, it's not like people really stop to turn right on red in DC as is.

Maybe with a gate going up and down? But they'll never do that. So I think their solution may be the only practical one.

[scoot]

Will we ever get real bicycle infrastructure on a bridge in this city? Right now on Key Bridge, I have the choice of taking a lane (with drivers who have just escaped traffic congestion leading to the bridge and now seem want to do 50MPH briefly before hitting the lights on the other side) or snaking my way through a gaggle of oblivious pedestrians on a crowded sidepath. And somehow that's actually the best out of the four central bridges!

Protected bike lanes on the roadway would give everyone a much better experience.