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