Sorry for the radio silence. I don't know what I had, but I have some footage of me sick at home. But don't worry, I have used the last bit of Krypton's power (Yeah I know, I already did that in Superman II, but no one said this movie was good) to heal myself.
Anyway, while I was staving off death, DDOT released the Updated Eastern Protected Bike Lane Study. It's extensive - nearly a 100 pages long, and I haven't read it all because that would leave no time to look up deleted scenes from Superman IV. The main message is that DDOT has eliminated two alternatives (1 and 2) and what now remains are No-build, Alternative 3 and Alternative 4.
In addition to the No Build alternative, DDOT will advance Build Alternatives 3 and 4 for further design and analysis, both of which would provide a two-way protected lane on the east side of the street. Both alternatives result in beneficial bicycle infrastructure and each would expand the bicycling infrastructure on the eastern side of downtown. .... Both build alternatives result in minor traffic impacts...Both build alternatives require some changes to parking. Alternative 3, on 6th Street, affects more metered parking downtown and 16 Sunday angled spaced. Alternative 4, on 9 th Street, removes 35-45 residential spaces in Shaw and zero Sunday angled spaces. The Sunday parking effects on 6th Street in Alternative 3 could be mitigated by expanding the angled parking provision to an additional block on 6th Street or by modifying parking configurations on other side streets.
On the subject of church parking, which has been the primary source of contention, the report adds
Some churches along on 6th Street and 9th Street have stated their concern that the addition of a protected bicycle lane will negatively affect the ability of people to access services and other church functions. Currently, select segments of 6th Street and 9th Street allow parking diagonally, in order to allow more cars to park in front of churches. Alternatives 1 and 2 would remove about 28 diagonal backin spaces; Alternative 3 would remove about 16 angled spaces; and Alternative 4 would remove zero spaces but relocate one of the four block faces to the opposite side of 9 th Street. In addition to designated parking, some churches also use roadway space for loading and unloading cars and buses during large events, such as funerals or large gatherings. DDOT has worked with church leaders to minimize effects on parking, by allowing angled parking through the bike lane on Sundays in Alternatives 1 and 2. Each of the alternatives offers flexibility for large events, such as funerals, to manage parking and provide improved bike facilities. Alternatives 3 and 4 provide greater flexibility in this regard for churches on the west side of both streets.
I'll note that in the description of the meetings with churches, not all oppose bike lanes and none mention gentrification as a concern.
The majority of comments showed support for bike lanes in a 52% to 48% split with the latter in favor of the no-build option. The most favored option is Alternative 3, the bi-directional protected lanes on the east side of 6th Street NW, which gained 40% of the overall preferences expressed. This was favored largely because of the minimal effects on church parking, traffic congestion, travel time, and the ability to function as a full-time protected bicycle facility.
The next step is to advance both build alternatives to the 30% stage.
After the preliminary design stage, if a build alternative is selected, DDOT can proceed with final design and then installation. Developing 30% design is typically a 6 to 9 month process for a project of this type, and final design and installation can take an additional 12 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of construction. During the 30% design process, DDOT will be able to better determine the timeline and timing of installation, if a build alternative is selected.
So 18-27 months till installation, if a build option is selected. Meanwhile, UHOP still opposes bike lanes on 6th, which is where Alternative 3, the most popular option, places them.
I notice a small error in their base case scenario, which is they show a bike lane on 9th St between G and E. There is no bike lane on those blocks.
Posted by: AC | February 09, 2017 at 07:16 AM
My experience is that the reason folks should not have kids when they are over a certain age is because older people have less ability to combat the colds their kids bring home from school. I've been out twice (and counting) this winter. Feel better, Washy.
Pretty much a lead pipe disgrace this is taking so long. I am at a loss as to what one more minute of community engagement will yield from the status quo that you identified.
If I have my mayoral primary data correct, that will take place in April 2018. Girlfriend Muriel, as does any candidate, needs the support of the Church leadership. Anyone wanna bet no decision made until after that date?
Posted by: fongfong | February 09, 2017 at 01:32 PM
So what's the absolute best-case scenario here? A new bike lane by 2020? And given the way things go, I'm pessimistic about even that.
To summarize, AAAAGGGGGGHHHHHH
Posted by: Ampersand | February 09, 2017 at 03:29 PM
I think late 2018 would be best-case scenario.
Posted by: washcycle | February 09, 2017 at 09:06 PM
A broken arm and now sickness; let's hope your bad luck doesn't run in threes.
I'd like to state that bronchitis and biking are a crappy combination.
And oh yeah, build the bike lane etc.
Posted by: DE | February 13, 2017 at 09:53 AM
Washcycle never seems to have a critical word for DDOT. The length of this process is pathetic. Federal rulemaking for far more complicated and impactful agency rules takes less than this. We're talking about 1.5 miles of bike lanes, 2 years, 100 pages, and still no decision.
I can't wait for some DDOT lackey to shrug their shoulders and give excuses. You are public servants. Your job is to get stuff done and not hide behind excuses. This is pathetic.
Posted by: JR | February 14, 2017 at 11:26 AM
Blaming DDOT for this slowdown is like blaming the quarterback because you didn't like the play that was called.
Posted by: washcycle | February 14, 2017 at 11:32 AM
^^ That was predictable.
So true. I look around at the transportation infrastructure in this city and I can't help but say, DDOT is really doing an outstanding job.
Posted by: JR | February 14, 2017 at 11:34 AM
That's not much of a metric. What are the things you're measuring them by? We're the 3rd safest city in the US for pedestrians. We have the 5th safest infrastructure. fatalities are down from the high 50's per year in the 1990's to the low 20's.
http://mpdc.dc.gov/page/traffic-fatalities
I would not say DDOT's doing an outstanding job, but they're doing pretty good, especially compared to other US cities.
They really flubbed the Streetcar, for like 15 years running. I would like to see them be more aggressive with maintenance and with streetscape modernization, but they can only go so fast thanks to the 2010 election.
Posted by: washcycle | February 14, 2017 at 11:48 AM