Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Merry midweek meetings!

Like elves toiling behind the scenes, the BAC is laying the groundwork for 2017 by meeting merrily this midweek.

Legislative Affairs Committee meeting
Wed., Dec. 21 at 6 p.m.
Teaism, 400 8th St NW

Agenda

Information Items

1. Motor Vehicle Collision Recovery Act of 2015 Update
 Now official law L21-0167, Effective from Nov 26, 2016

2. B21-0759 - Bicycle Awareness Motor Vehicle License Plate Amendment Act of 2016 Update
Signed by Mayor this month and awaiting Congressional approval

3. B21-0923 - Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Technical Amendment Act of 2016 Update
 Dec. 12 hearing cancelled. To be reintroduced in the next session beginning Jan. 3.

4. D.C. Council committee structure and chairs

Action Items

5. Approval of testimony for Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Technical Amendment Act

6. Discussion of legislation ideas

 ***

Facilities Committee meeting
Thurs., Dec. 22 at 6 p.m.
Pizzeria Paradiso, 2003 P St NW

Agenda

1. Snow and leaf removal from cycletracks, bike lanes, and trails

2. DDOT priority projects for 2017

3. Eastern downtown bike lane update


BAC meetings are open to the public.

Friday, December 2, 2016

Rolling forward: D.C. bicycling report for November 2016

Highlights of BAC accomplishments in November:

The BAC spent November in meetings and more meetings.

The council held its regular bimonthly meeting on Nov. 2. It attended meetings concerning the Capital Trails Coalition, the proposed K Street streetcar route from Union Station to Georgetown, redesign of Ward Circle at American University, DDOT's Far SE III Livability Study and the Kenilworth section of the Anacostia River Trail.

The BAC submitted public comment about the Union Station expansion, outlining the need for improved bicycle facilities, access and connectivity.

The BAC recognized the Nov. 15 passage of the Specialty License Plate Amendment Act of 2016, which includes a bicycle awareness license plate measure authored by Councilmember Charles Allen. The license plate will display an image and language emphasizing the three-foot passing rule.

The BAC joined Councilmember Elissa Silverman and other officials on a Veteran's Day ride on the new section of the Anacostia River Trail.

This month: December activities

The BAC is monitoring the Council's Dec. 12 Transportation and the Environment Committee meeting, which includes a hearing about the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Technical Amendment Act of 2016.

The BAC committees are meeting as follows:

Safety, Education and Enforcement Committee meeting
Wed., Dec. 7
6 p.m.
Laughing Man Tavern
1306 G St NW
(street level table)

Legislative Committee meeting
Wed., Dec. 21
6 p.m.
Teaism
400 8th St NW

Facilities Committee meeting
Thurs., Dec. 22
6 p.m.
Pizzeria Paradiso
2003 P St NW

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Rolling forward: D.C. bicycling report for October 2016

Highlights of BAC accomplishments in October:



The BAC welcomed a new member, as Casey Studhalter was appointed to represent Ward 7. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson swore in Casey at an Oct. 12 ceremony, pictured above. By day, Casey is a project manager for the U.S. Green Building Council.

With Councilmember Mary Cheh by her side, Mayor Muriel Bowser signs the comparative negligence bill
On Oct. 13, the BAC attended the launch of the Capital Trails Coalition. That evening, the BAC joined Mayor Bowser and Councilmember Cheh at the signing ceremony for the Motor Vehicle Collision Recovery Act of 2016, commonly known as the comparative negligence bill.

Studying plans to redesign Dave Thomas Circle in NoMa 
All three BAC committees met the week of Oct. 17. The Facilities Committee held a "rolling" meeting to survey infrastructure in NE at Dave Thomas Circle and Trinidad, pictured above.

The BAC attended an Oct. 19 public meeting on the Union Station Expansion Project to view the design proposals and prepare to submit formal comment in November.

Ward 2 representative David Alexander
David Alexander, in blue Bike to Work Day shirt, studies the drawings along with former BAC member Randall Myers, right

Ward 3 representative Ellen Jones
Pictured above, the BAC commented on the Downtown West Transportation Planning Study proposals to redesign H and I Streets near Lafayette Park and Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House to Washington Circle. BAC members David Alexander and Ellen Jones participated in the daylong feedback session. Online feedback can be submitted at downtownwestdc.com/engage-online.

The BAC noted the mid-October completion of the Crosstown Multimodal Transportation Study, which recommends new facilities to improve bicycle and bus travel between Columbia Heights and Brookland.

BAC member David Alexander is seated at right end of the witness table. To his left are representatives of the Pedestrian Advisory Council and All Walks D.C. Listening at right are Del. Holmes-Norton, DDOT Director Leif Dormsjo and National Park Service Regional Director Bob Vogel.






On Oct. 27, the BAC attended a Capital Trails Coalition meeting, then testified at a federal roundtable on D.C. bicycle and pedestrian safety. Del. Eleanor Holmes-Norton convened the roundtable to hear input from public officials and community organizations. David Alexander testified for the BAC alongside representatives of the Pedestrian Advisory Council, All Walks DC and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. In personal followup to the BAC, Del. Holmes-Norton said the BAC's comments were "particularly helpful to me as we implement the surface transportation reauthorization bill and see federal funds flow to the District."

Together with other members of the Capital Trails Coalition, the BAC attended the Oct. 31 opening ceremony for the Kenilworth section of the Anacostia River Trail. DDOT Director Leif Dormsjo joined other public officials from D.C., Maryland and the federal government to cut the ribbon and celebrate the connection that now links 70 miles of multiuse trails in D.C. and Maryland.

This month: November activities

The BAC meets tonight, Nov. 2, at 6 p.m. at 441 4th St NW, 11th floor.

Though members have an obvious scheduling conflict, the BAC is mindful tonight is also the Far Southeast III Livability Study meeting. A second public meeting is on the horizon for Nov. 19.

The BAC salutes Councilmember Todd for leading a Nov. 6 community ride to look at Ward 4 infrastructure projects.

The BAC is attending and/or monitoring these meetings:

  • Nov. 17 meeting concerning the proposed crosstown streetcar route from Union Station to Georgetown
  • Redesign of Ward Circle at American University (Nov. 17, 7-8:30 p.m. in Ward Circle Building, Room 2)
  • Nov. 19 Far SE III Livability Study meeting, previously cited

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

BAC November 2016 meeting

The BAC meets on Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. at 441 4th St NW, 11th floor. Meetings are open to the public. ID is required to enter the building. The agenda is below.

Bicycle Advisory Council
11/2/16 Meeting Agenda 

1. Call to order; introductions; approval of minutes

2. Administration and communications
  • Appointments and nominations for FY17 chair
  • Committee chairs
  • Committee members
  • Capital Trails Coalition: formal vote to join
  • BAC financial report
  • Outreach/partnership with ANC office to educate newly elected commissioners about BAC

3. Facilities Committee report
Reports
Meetings and projects
DDOT report
  • DC's League of American Bicyclists rating - what did LAB say we need to work on, and how is DDOT approaching that?

4. Safety, Education and Enforcement Committee meeting report

5. Legislative Committee meeting report

6. Walk-on topics (time permitting)
  • Bike facilities on the rehabbed East Capitol and Roosevelt Bridges
  • Crosstown multimodal: preferred alternative released
  • Cleveland Park Streetscape and Drainage Improvement Project

7. Adjournment

Friday, October 7, 2016

Rolling forward: D.C. bicycling report for September 2016

Highlights of BAC accomplishments in September:

New participants attended the BAC's Sept. 7 meeting, filling the table with new energy and ideas. 

New members of the public joined the BAC at its Sept. 7 bimonthly meeting, the result of the BAC's efforts to increase public awareness of its function and to fill its vacant seats.

Speaking individually, a BAC member testified at a Sept. 19 Transportation and the Environment Committee hearing on the Bicycle Awareness Motor Vehicle License Plate Amendment Act of 2016.

The BAC applauded D.C. Council passage of the Motor Vehicle Collision Recovery Act of 2016 on Sept. 20. The legislation, known as comparative negligence, institutes a more fair system for cyclist and pedestrian compensation in collisions with vehicles.

The BAC attended a Sept. 28 meeting about the Downtown West Transportation Planning Study. The BAC serves on the community advisory group for this project, which is assessing bicycle, pedestrian and bus improvements on H and I Streets near Lafayette Park and Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House to Columbus Circle.

The BAC attended Ward 3 meetings about the Cleveland Park Streetscape and Drainage Improvement Project and the Klingle Valley Trail Project.

This month: October activities

The Safety, Education and Enforcement Committee meets on Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. at 1250 H St NW. Agenda to follow. Please RSVP to dcbicyclecouncil gmail com to enter the secure building.

The Legislative Committee meets on Oct. 19. Please save the date and watch for the time, location and agenda to follow.

The BAC is attending the Oct. 20 public outreach day for the Downtown West Transportation Planning Study.  At three times and places throughout the day, DDOT staff will solicit public feedback on the draft proposals.

The Facilities Committee is holding a "rolling meeting" in Northeast on Oct. 22 at 1:30 p.m. Beginning at 1st Street and Florida Avenue NE, the ride will survey Dave Thomas Circle and Trinidad.

The BAC is attending a bicycle and pedestrian roundtable Del. Eleanor Holmes-Norton is convening on Oct. 27.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Mid-month update

Highlights of the BAC's mid-month activity.

Contributory negligence reform passes
At today's Legislative meeting, the Council passed the contributory negligence bill, officially termed the Motor Vehicle Collision Recovery Act of 2016. It awaits mayoral signature and the standard 30-day congressional review before it becomes law.

Bicycle Awareness Motor Vehicle License Plate Amendment Act of 2016
Speaking individually, BAC member Bob Summersgill delivered the following testimony at yesterday's Transportation and the Environment Committee hearing:

Testimony on Bill 21-0759
Bicycle Awareness Motor Vehicle License Plate Amendment Act of 2016
By Bob Summersgill for the Bicycle Advisory Council


Chairman Cheh:

Thank you for holding this hearing. I am Bob Summersgill, a member of the Bicycle Advisory Council (BAC), appointed by Councilmember David Grosso.

All the members of the BAC support this legislation.

The bill will allow car owners to buy specialty license plates promoting the 3-foot minimum passing law and by assigning the application and annual fees to the Vision Zero Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Fund. It will also assign $500,000 per year from fines generated from the automatic traffic system to the fund.

There is disagreement on whether or not the bill should be more specific and include language on what words we want the license plate to include. Ideas include:

• please respect cyclists: give 3 feet
• I give 3 feet
• give [insert bicycle line drawing] 3 feet, it's the law!
• Give [bicycle stick symbol] 3 ft?
• Give 3 Feet

The other view is it becomes harder to change if it somehow doesn't work and it makes it less flexible. Thank you. I am available to answer any questions.

Here is the press release by the bill's author, Councilmember Charles Allen, and here is the bill text.

Crosstown multimodal study
Last week, DDOT held the final public meeting for the crosstown Columbia Heights/Brookland study. The final recommendation and other meeting materials can be viewed here. Jump here for a diagram of the proposed bicycle and bus facilities.

Award from federal DOT
On Friday, US DOT presented its Mayors’ Challenge Awards to cities improving bicyclist and pedestrian safety. DC won a Secretary’s Award for Overall Success and an award for improving safety laws and regulations. The BAC is proud of its behind-the-scenes contributions to this success. We're working on a blog post, but here is the DOT write-up and here is a picture of DDOT Director Leif Dormsjo with Sec. Foxx accepting DC's award.

Happy Car-Free Day
Team Bike is in the lead for this Thursday's Car-Free Day. That's the spirit!

New DC Councilmember
In case you missed it, Councilmember Robert White has taken office to fill the at-large seat former Councilmember Vincent Orange vacated.

Looking ahead
We're attending the Sept. 28 Downtown West Transportation Planning Study meeting and saving the date for an Oct. 22 Facilities Committee "rolling" meeting.

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Rolling forward: D.C. bicycling report for August 2016

Highlights of BAC accomplishments in August:

The BAC enjoyed meeting a few dozen D.C. bicyclists at our Aug. 11 meet and greet. We held this social event to talk informally with D.C. residents interested in serving on the BAC. It was heartening to meet other bicyclists with a strong sense of civic participation. Please keep in touch with the BAC through the appointment process as we collectively work to fill the three vacant seats.

Timed to coincide with the meet and greet, the BAC published a Washington Post op-ed entitled "Cities belong to people, not cars."

BAC representatives attended the Maryland Avenue NE redesign meeting on Aug. 10. Formally known as the Maryland Avenue NE Pedestrian Safety Project, the road diet will improve infrastructure and safe travel for bicyclists and pedestrians.

The BAC Facilities Committee held a "rolling meeting" ... in record heat. The Aug. 13 "real feel" of 120 degrees didn't stop the committee from doing its job and assessing K Street from northeast through downtown to Georgetown.

In the comfort of air conditioned cafes, the Safety, Education and Enforcement Committee met on Aug. 15 and the Legislative Committee met on Aug. 17.

Council chairman Phil Mendelson swore in a new BAC member on Aug. 24. Bob Summersgill joins the BAC representing Councilmember David Grosso. Former BAC member Erik Kugler resigned from this seat after years of honorable service.

This month: September activities

The BAC holds its bimonthly meeting on Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. at 441 4th St NW, 11th floor. The meeting is open to the public.

The BAC is attending and/or monitoring several public meetings:

Crosstown Multimodal Transportation Study meeting on Sept. 13. This is a project to improve travel between Brookland and Columbia Heights via bicycle and other modes.

Long Bridge project meeting on Sept. 14, studying the replacement of the trans-Potomac bridge with possible bicycle facilities and connections.

Cleveland Park Streetscape and Drainage Improvement Project meeting on Sept. 15. According to DDOT, the project seeks to "address the recurring flooding problem near the Cleveland Park Metro Station, improve pedestrian safety, access and visibility at all intersections, and upgrade public amenities (curb ramps, adding bike racks, benches and tree boxes)."

The uptown Metropolitan Police Department community bike ride on Sept. 10 at 9 a.m., departing from the Takoma Metro station. The MPD Fourth District is hosting the 10-mile ride, ending with a barbecue at Emery Recreation Center (5701 Georgia Ave NW). The Fourth District includes the communities of Carter Baron, 16th Street Heights, Fort Totten, Lamond/Riggs, Shepherd Park, Takoma and Petworth.

The downtown Metropolitan Police Department community bike ride on Sept. 17 at 11 a.m., departing from Logan Circle at 13th and P Streets NW. The hourlong ride will traverse Logan and Dupont Circles.

Car-free Day on Sept. 22 quantifies the number of people commuting by bicycle and other modes. Sign up for Team Bike and be counted.

Downtown West Transportation Planning Study meeting on Sept. 28. This study is assessing bicycle, pedestrian and bus improvements on H and I Streets near Lafayette Park and Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House to Columbus Circle.

Thursday, September 1, 2016

BAC September meeting

The BAC meets on Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. at 441 4th St NW, 11th floor. Meetings are open to the public. ID is required to enter the building. The agenda is below.

Bicycle Advisory Council
9/7/16 Meeting Agenda 

1. Call to order; introductions; approval of minutes

2. Administration and communications
  • Meet & greet report
  • Washington Post op-ed follow-up
  • Appointments and nominations for FY17 officers (or next meeting acting chair)

3. Facilities Committee report
  • Report on August rolling meeting
  • Far SE livability study meeting
  • Maryland Ave NE road diet meeting/status
  • Crosstown multimodal study -- meeting upcoming in Sept.
  • Downtown west improvements -- meeting upcoming in Sept.
  • Bike lane request from Trinidad resident
  • Vision Zero: Councilmember Cheh's Ward 3 August high-crash intersection visits
  • Kenilworth landfill site -- request NPS to clean up

4. Safety, Education and Enforcement Committee meeting report

5. Legislative Committee meeting report

6. Walk-on topics

7. Adjournment

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

New BAC member sworn in


The BAC welcomes new appointee Bob Summersgill, who Council Chairman Phil Mendelson swore into office tonight. Summersgill represents At-large Councilmember David Grosso.

CM Grosso's former appointee, Erik Kugler, resigned from the BAC and Councilmember Grosso appointed Summersgill to the seat. The BAC is grateful to Kugler for his service on the BAC. Thank you, Erik, for your decades of dedication to D.C.'s bicyclists.

If you don't know Bob and you didn't meet him at this month's community meet and greet or committee meetings, you'll see him at our Sept. 7 general meeting. Welcome aboard, Bob!

Friday, August 12, 2016

Meeting bicyclists in person



Thank you, D.C. bicyclists, for an exciting Aug. 11. It began with publication of our online op-ed in the Washington Post and ended with the pleasure of meeting dozens of D.C. bicyclists for our summer social. It was inspiring to see such interest in the BAC and willingness to serve on our council. View a few more pictures in this album. Please stay in touch with us through the appointment process and in person. August committee meetings are Aug. 13, 15 and 17, as outlined here. Our next full council meeting is Sept. 7.

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Rolling forward: D.C. bicycling report for July 2016

Highlights of BAC accomplishments in July:

The BAC held its regular bimonthly meeting on July 6. The main agency report came from DDOT's trails coordinator, who updated about the Rock Creek Park rehabilitation project (involving DDOT and the National Park Service) and the proposed New York Avenue NE trail between NoMa and the National Arboretum.

The BAC monitored the July 12 D.C. Council vote on the Motor Vehicle Collision Recovery Act of 2016, known as the contributory negligence bill. The BAC issued a statement which was quoted in the Washington City Paper. The BAC will continue to monitor the bill when it is scheduled for a second vote in the fall.

A BAC representative attended the monthly D.C. Pedestrian Advisory Council meeting on July 25. The main agency reports came from the Department of Recreation and Parks and the Metropolitan Police Department.

A BAC representative attended a July 26 meeting to discuss ways to improve transportation in Ward 7. The meeting, part of DDOT's Far Southeast III Livability Study, sought community input about transportation and related quality-of-life issues in the neighborhoods of Fort Dupont, Fort Davis, Twining, Greenway, Benning Heights, Civic Betterment, Benning Ridge, Marshall Heights and Capitol View.

This month: August activities

The BAC will monitor an Aug. 10 community meeting about the Maryland Avenue NE Pedestrian Safety Project. The meeting, taking place at the Northeast Branch Library (330 7th St NE) at 6:30 p.m., will focus on ANC and community feedback about the current plans to redesign the road to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety.

The BAC is hosting a community meet and greet on Aug. 11 to talk informally with bicyclists about getting involved and seeking appointment to the BAC. We'll also have brochures and experts available to help teach beginners about bicycle commuting as an alternative to Metrorail closures and delays. The event takes place at 5:30 p.m. at Right Proper Brewing Co. (624 T St NW).

The BAC Facilities Committee is leading  a crosstown fact-finding ride along K Street from northeast to Georgetown on Aug. 13.

The BAC Safety, Education and Enforcement Committee meets on Aug. 15 at 6 p.m. at Busboys & Poets (1025 5th St NW).

The BAC Legislative Committee meets on Aug. 17 at 6 p.m. at Teaism (400 8th St NW).

The BAC is monitoring public meetings concerning the rehabilitation of Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park and DDOT's Rock Creek East II Livability Study.

The BAC has a new Facebook page. Please RSVP to our meetings and events there.

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

August committee meetings

Please save the dates for these BAC committee meetings and check back for meeting agendas.

Facilities Committee rolling meeting
Sat., Aug. 13, 2016
1:30-3:30 p.m.
RSVP
A fact-finding bicycle tour of K Street crosstown from east to west, beginning at 12th and K Streets NE. The ride will go through downtown to the Capital Crescent trailhead in Georgetown.

Safety, Education and Enforcement Committee meeting
Mon., Aug. 15, 2016
6-7:30 p.m.
Busboys & Poets
1025 5th St NW
RSVP
The main agenda item is suggestions to reduce the risk of bike theft with guest speaker Phil Koopman of BicycleSPACE.

Legislative Committee meeting
Wed., Aug. 17, 2016
6-7 p.m.
Teaism Penn Quarter
400 8th St NW
RSVP

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Meet the BAC and apply to serve

The BAC is holding a community meet and greet on Aug. 11 at 5:30 p.m. in Shaw. The public is invited to join us at Right Proper Brewing Co. (624 T St NW) for informal happy hour conversation about the BAC. Come to learn about the BAC and the ways D.C. residents can serve.

We'll also have brochures and experts available to help teach beginners about bicycle commuting as an alternative to Metrorail closures and delays.

BAC Community Meet and Greet
Thurs., Aug. 11, 2016
5:30-8 p.m.
Right Proper Brewing Co.
624 T St NW
RSVP

The BAC represents the interests of bicyclists in D.C. governmental affairs. The BAC is an official public commission that advises the D.C. Council on bicycle-related transportation matters.

The BAC evaluates legislation, policy and transportation infrastructure and makes advisory recommendations to the Council.

The BAC is comprised of 13 D.C. residents who are voting members. D.C. councilmembers each appoint one resident to the BAC.

D.C. residents with an interest in bicycling are invited to apply for vacant seats on the council. Begin by viewing the application and bringing your questions to the Aug. 11 event. If you can't attend, email us at dcbicyclecouncil-gmail-com.

BAC members are expected to attend bimonthly meetings at 6 p.m. on the first Wednesday of odd-numbered months at 441 4th St NW, 11th floor. Members are urged to serve on a committee, all of which meet in even-numbered months. The committees are Legislative, Facilities and Safety, Education and Enforcement. Committee membership is open to the public. D.C. residents may serve on committees without holding a formal BAC appointment.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

BAC statement in support of contributory negligence reform

Bicycle Advisory Council chair David Cranor today issued the following statement in response to the D.C. Council vote in support of contributory negligence reform.

The legislation, the Motor Vehicle Collision Recovery Act of 2016, will be enacted pending a second affirmative Council vote, anticipated in the fall. The act would permit bicyclists and pedestrians to receive compensation from a driver's insurance as long as the non-motorized party is less than 50 percent at fault. Under current law, a bicyclist or pedestrian deemed 1 percent at fault is ineligible for any compensation. This contributory negligence policy would be replaced by a form of comparative negligence.

Said BAC chair Cranor:

"The Bicycle Advisory Council supports this measure. The consequences of a crash between a cyclist and driver are often unevenly distributed, with the cyclist generally bearing the greater burden. Under current law, cyclists also generally bear the greater financial burden even when other parties might be more at fault. This is wholly unfair. Changing the law does not change the distribution of risk, but brings the law more in line with our sense of fairness. The BAC applauds and supports the District's goal of creating a safer and more bicycle-friendly community and we believe that this law is a significant step in that direction."

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

BAC meeting agenda for July 6

The Bicycle Advisory Council meets on July 6, 2016 at 6 p.m. at 441 4th St NW, 11th Floor.

The meeting agenda is as follows.

6:00 p.m. Call to Order; Introductions; Approve minutes

6:10 Legislation - Mike Forester
- Motor Vehicle Collision Recovery Act of 2016
     First vote delayed until July 12; possible amendment
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Act of 2016
     Second vote passed; awaiting mayoral signature
- Bicycle Awareness Motor Vehicle License Plate Amendment Act of 2016
     Sent to committee

6:40 Facilities - Jeanie Osburn
- NY Avenue NE Rail-with-Trail walking tour
- DDOT report (Rock Creek Trail rehab, NY Avenue NE Trail and VRE, L Street NW Safe Accommodations)
- East Capitol Street Bridge rehab
     DDOT needs to rework bridge, keep open during construction
     Possible connection of southeast span
- Monroe Street Bridge Reconstruction
     Long bike detour mapped, but bridge will remain open
     Traffic light added where MBT meets Monroe Street
- Far Southeast III Livability Study
- Crosstown multimodal traffic study
- Downtown West Transportation Planning Study - David Alexander

7:10 Safety and Security - Ellen/Andrea
- Stolen bikes; invite MPD to next meeting to discuss?

7:40 Vision Zero advocates update - David Cranor

7:50 Walk-on topics - David Cranor

8:00 Adjournment - David Cranor

BAC meetings are open to the public. ID is required to enter the building. Once inside, take the south elevators on the right to the 11th floor. The Judiciary Square Metro station and a Capital Bikeshare station are immediately in front of the building.

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Facilities Committee walking tour of New York Avenue NE June 17



The BAC Facilities Committee is meeting on June 17 at 5:45 p.m. at the corner of 5th Street NE and Neal Place NE adjacent to Union Market. The meeting is fieldwork to tour a proposed multiuse trail along the New York Avenue NE railroad tracks, connecting the Metropolitan Branch Trail to the National Arboretum via Ivy City. The Washington Area Bicyclist Association and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy are leading the tour. The Facilities Committee is joining to learn about the proposed trail.

Click here for more information. The trail has not been constructed and the tour route is not bikeable. It is not advisable to walk a bike on the tour. Capital Bikeshare vouchers will be available for transportation back to the starting point.

Friday, May 6, 2016

District Government Employees Eligible For Discounted Capital Bikeshare Memberships

Photo: @RanPuba
Thousands of District employees who use Metro, fleet vehicles, personal cars, Taxicabs, Uber, and other methods to get around the city now have another option. 

According to the the District Department of Human Resources, District government employees may purchase Capital Bikeshare memberships for an annual fee of $25, a savings of $60 off of the standard membership rate of $85.

The program will begin Monday, May 16, with emails sent to employees that will contain the program password and registration instructions. For employees who are already members, they can renew their individual memberships up to two months in advance at the employee rate. The program also provides helmets for an additional $16.

The District would be one of a few cities that provide this type of benefit to its employees. Earlier this year, California instituted its own employee bike sharing program to help its Department of Transportation (Caltrans) employees travel to meetings where a vehicle might otherwise be used. Smaller cities like Burlington, Vermont, through its City Green program, have a bike sharing amenity.  With thousands of bikes in the Capital BikeShare fleet combined with the thousands of government workers, this may be the largest program of its type in the country.

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Facilities Committee Meeting - May 7, 2016

Photo:
Elvert Barnes
The Bicycle Advisory Council Facilities Committee (BAC-FAC) will hold its rolling meeting on Saturday, May 7, 2016.

The ride will review the District Department of Transportation's plans and options for the Crosstown connection (connecting Wards 1 and 5) along the Michigan Avenue/Irving Street NE corridor.

The ride starts at 1:30 PM at the Brookland Metrorail station on the bus-bay side.

Hope to see you there!

General Council Meeting - May

Photo: @Ranpuba

The next District of Columbia Bicycle Advisory Committee is tomorrow evening Wednesday, May 4, 2016, 6pm at 441 4th Street, NW on the 11th Floor (Room 1112).

There are several projects accepting comments right now for the next few weeks. Below are links to each:

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Legislative Committee Meeting - April 27th

Photo: @Ranpuba
The next Legislative Committee is scheduled for 6:00pm, April 27th at Teaism in Penn Quarter (400 8th Street NW). We will meet downstairs.

The Legislative Committee Chair, Mike Forster, plans to discuss the following:
  • Contributory Negligence legislation
  • a bike sales tax holiday; and,
  • a potential legislative fix to require DDOT to address dangerous intersections more quickly.

If time permits, we will discuss other bike-related topics.

If you have questions or suggestions, please leave them in the comments section or send contact us on Twitter.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

MPD Community Bike Ride - Sunday April 10, 2016

The Metropolitan Police Department will hold a Community Bike Ride this Sunday, April 10, 2016. The ride will begin at 10 a.m at the Takoma Metro Station, 327 Cedar Street, NW.

Supported by the Department’s First, Fourth, and Fifth Districts, the ride will cover Wards 2, 4, 5, and 6. There will be a bicycle rodeo for children at 1st and L Streets, NE, where there will be bike games, a skills course and an obstacle course.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

General Council Meeting - March

Photo: @ranpuba
The next District of Columbia Bicycle Advisory Committee is Wednesday, March 3, 2016, 6pm at 441 4th Street, NW on the 11th Floor (Room TBD). Please let use know if there is something you would like to see added to the agenda.
  • 6:00pm Call to Order; Introductions; Approve minutes (Attached) - David Cranor
  • 6:10pm Search for admin staffer, vacancies, report on oversight hearing - David Cranor, Jeff Johnson
  • 6:25pm East Side Bike Lane comments - David Cranor
  • 6:45pm Bike to Work Day - Ellen Jones
  • 7:00pm Committee notes - Jeannie, Mike Forster, Ellen/Andrea
  • 7:30pm DDOT Report - Rock Creek Park Trail update
  • 7:50pm Walk-on topics - David Cranor
  • 8:00pm Adjournment - David Cranor

Members of the public are welcome. The meeting is held in a government building so be prepared to show ID to enter. Once you pass the security checkpoint, please use the 'south' elevators on your right and go to the 11th floor. A Capital BikeShare station is located at the from of the building and the Judiciary Square Metro station is located at the entrance, as well as plenty of bike parking. 

If you cannot make it, feel free to reach out to us on Twitter (@DCBAC) or in the comments section.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Facilities Committee Meeting - February 18th

Photo: @ranpuba
The next Bicycle Advisory Council Facilities Committee meeting (BAC-FAC) is Thursday, February 18, 2016 from 6PM - 8PM at Union Station. The primary topic of discussion will be the proposed expansion of Union Station and its impact on bicycling facilities.

We will assemble at the bike parking facility at on the west side of Union Station, at First Street NE, near Union Station Drive NE, by the Bike Station. After a discussion of conditions, we will proceed to Pizzeria Uno, on the second level, for the rest of the meeting.

Agenda:
  • Discussion of the current conditions of the existing bicycle parking at Union Station and Station's development plans as discussed at the Federal Railroad Administration's initial Public Scoping meeting held December 7, 2015.
  • Discussion bike parking at Union Station.
  • Discussion and consensus of preferred options for the proposed north/south corridor for eastern downtown. If you were unable to attend DDOT's public meeting to see the alternatives, covered here.
  • Discussion of traffic patterns around Union Station.
Please let the chair of the committee, Jeanie Osburn, know if you plan to attend to ensure a reservation for the correct number of meeting attendees.

If you cannot attend, please place your comments below or let us know by Twitter @DCBAC.



Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Legislative Committee Meeting - February 10th (CANCELED)

Tonight's meeting has been canceled, sorry for the late notice.

The next Legislative Committee is scheduled for 6:30pm, February 10th at Teaism in Penn Quarter (400 8th Street NW). We will meet downstairs.

We will discuss contributory negligence and any other issue you are interested in talking about.

Monday, January 25, 2016

DDOT Issues a Statement Regarding Bicycle Facilities After Winter Storm Jonas

Photo: @ranpuba
James Sebastian, District Department of
Transportation (DDOT) bicycle program manager, issued an email this morning regarding the impact of this weekend's blizzard and the clearing of snow from the District's bicycle infrastructure.

Key points:
  • Much of the Metropolitan Branch Trail and Pennsylvania Avenue Protected bike lanes are clear. It could be several days before other trails and protected lanes are clear of snow
  • Bike lanes on many streets will remain snow covered for several days as parked cars inhibit clearing
  • DPW and DDOT crews are working to clear bridge sidewalks
  • Capital Bikeshare is closed until further notice as crew work to clear snow from stations
  • Use the 311 app to report uncleared facilities or email jim.sebastian@dc.gov
Please see the full email below:

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

BAC-PAC-DDOT FY 2015-2016 Performance Oversight Hearing

Photo: @ranpuba
The Council of the District of Columbia has released its Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Performance Oversight Hearings schedule.

The Bicycle Advisory Council, as well as the Pedestrian Advisory Council and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will provide testimony before the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, chaired by Council member Mary M. Cheh (Ward 3).

The hearing is tentatively scheduled for Monday, February 29, 2016, in Room 412 of the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW at 11:00 am.

The purpose of the Performance Oversight Hearings is to allow the Council to ask questions regarding the current operations of District agencies, committees, and other government organizations. The Council looks at current fiscal year operations, which began October 1, 2015, as well as operations during the previous year. As always, we invite you to testify at the hearing or tell BAC some of the issues and progress #BikeDC has experienced this year. This would include the maintenance of the current bicycle facilities, plans for expanding the infrastructure, and your thoughts about make bicycling easier and safer for current and future users.

Friday, January 15, 2016

DDOT Releases Report on High Crash Intersection Site Visits

In August of 2015, the District of Transportation (DDOT) in partnership with Council Member Mary Cheh, Chair of the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, initiated visits to 5 District intersections that have experienced high crash rates, injuries or fatalities.  That report, "High Crash Intersection Site Visits Summary and Next Steps" was recently released by DDOT.

BAC, along with the Pedestrian Advisory Council, local Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, and other concerned groups met DDOT staff at these locations and discussed the potential reasons behind crashes and to help determine the best possible solutions for their elimination. Many sites listed in the report have been visited by the BAC Facilities Committee.

Safety Committee Meeting - February 3, 2016


Photo: @Ranpuba
The DC Bicycle Advisory Council Safety Committee will meet with Sgt. Terry Thorn of Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) on Wednesday, February 3rd, 6pm at the Traffic Safety and Special Enforcement Branch, 501 New York Ave., NW, located at the intersection of New York Avenue and 5th Street NW.

We'll discuss MPD's training efforts on bicycle rules of the road and MPD's public education and safety programs conducted in 2015 and its plans for 2016.

Please join us. We will make time to discuss additional safety issues that you want to share. Please feel free to leave questions/suggestions in the comments.



Tuesday, January 5, 2016

General Council Meeting - January

Photo: Elvert Barnes
Join us for a General Council meeting at 6 p.m. this Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at One Judiciary Square, 441 4th Street NW,  Rm. 1117.

Agenda:

6:00pm Call to Order; Introductions; Approve minutes - David Cranor

6:10pm Election of new officers and search for admin staffer - David Cranor, Jeff Johnson

6:25pm Discussion of Vision Zero Regulations and testimony for Friday - Mike Forster

7:00pm Committee Reports - Jeannie, Mike Forster, Ellen/Andrea

7:30pm DDOT Report - New York Avenue Trail report. (New York Avenue Corridor Study - 2006)

7:50pm Walk-on topics - David Cranor

8:00pm Adjournment - David Cranor

Members of the public are welcome. The meeting is held in a government building so be prepared to show ID to enter. Once you pass the security checkpoint, please use the 'south' elevators on your right and go to the 11th floor. A Capital BikeShare station is located at the from of the building and the Judiciary Square Metro station is located at the entrance, as well as plenty of bike parking. 

If you cannot make it, feel free to reach out to us on Twitter (@DCBAC) or in the comments section.

Below are draft Vision Zero regulations: