Rolling forward: D.C. bicycling report for November 2017

Highlights of BAC accomplishments in November:

Members attended a Nov. 9 meeting with Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie regarding the Transportation Benefits Equity Amendment Act of 2017. Members answered the Councilmember’s questions and explained why the BAC supports the legislation.

Ward 5 member Tom Bridge, At-large member Randall Myers and Facilities Committee co-chair Jeanie Osburn joined other bicyclists and pedestrian and transit advocates to voice support for the Transportation Benefits Equity Amendment Act of 2017.

Rachel Maisler joined the BAC as the Ward 4 representative. Councilmember Brandon Todd administered the oath of office on Nov. 14.

Photo: @CMBrandonTodd

BAC members joined Councilmember Elissa Silverman on a Nov. 18 ride along the Anacostia River Trail.

Front row: Ward 4 member Rachel Maisler. Back row: Legislative Committee chair John Serrao, At-large member Jeff Johnson (representing Silverman), Councilmember Elissa Silverman, Ward 5 member Tom Bridge, BAC staff Andrea Adleman. Photo: @CM_Silverman.

This month: December activities

BAC committees will meet on dates to be determined. Please check the Calendar or social media for updates.

The BAC will attend a Major Crash Review Task Force meeting with the Metropolitan Police Department, DDOT and other stakeholders.

The next full BAC meeting is Jan. 10, 2018 at 6 p.m. at 441 4th St NW.

Rolling forward: D.C. bicycling report for October 2017

Highlights of BAC accomplishments in October:

Through its Facilities Committee, the BAC focused on Ward 4. The committee conducted a "rolling" meeting on Oct. 21 to survey parts of the ward and make recommendations to increase safe travel for bicyclists and pedestrians.

The ride visited the convergence of Blair Road, Kansas Avenue, North Dakota Avenue and Peabody Street NW to suggest ways to redesign this complicated intersection.

Blair Road, Kansas Avenue, North Dakota Avenue and Peabody Street NW. Photo by Susan Balding.

The ride surveyed streets that would comprise part of the Metropolitan Branch Trail, topic of discussion at recent Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B meetings. To open communication with ANC 4B commissioners, Facilities Committee co-chair Jeanie Osburn invited the commissioners to attend the ride. The BAC sought to give commissioners a first-hand understanding of factors that affect bicyclist safety and the rationale behind the BAC's position on the routing in question.

Osburn testified at the Oct. 23 ANC 4B meeting to voice the BAC's opinion and answer commissioners' questions. Speaking individually, Legislative Committee chair John Serrao also testified. After lengthy testimony and debate, the ANC voted for a plan that omits key BAC recommendations. The ANC will revisit the issue at future meetings.

Facilities Committee co-chair Jeanie Osburn testifies before ANC 4B. Photo by John Serrao.

At its Oct. 17 meeting, the Legislative Committee discussed snow removal policy, among other issues. The committee submitted official comment to the D.C. Council Committee on Transportation and the Environment, which held an Oct. 16 roundtable on the topic.

The BAC reinforced its support for the Transportation Benefits Equity Amendment Act of 2017. Members contacted Councilmembers Todd and McDuffie to urge their support for the legislation, which would allow employees who walk, bike or take transit to receive the same benefits as those who drive. The bill needs one more councilmember's vote to clear the Transportation and the Environment Committee.

This month: November activities

The BAC holds its bimonthly meeting on Nov. 1.

Members will participate in a midmonth Anacostia River Trail ride Councilmember Silverman's office is organizing. Members will also participate in a local event observing the United Nations World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. The details of both events are pending and will be posted when known.

BAC November 2017 meeting

The BAC meets on Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. at 441 4th St NW, Room 1112. Meetings are open to the public. ID is required to enter the building. The agenda is below.

Bicycle Advisory Council
11/1/17 Meeting Agenda

1. Call to order; introductions

2. Public comment

3. Presentation on JUMP ebikeshare – Nelle Pierson, JUMP Director of External Affairs

4. Councilmember Silverman’s Anacostia River Trail ride

5. MPD report

6. DDOT report

7. Strategic planning and discussion of priority issues

8. Facilities Committee report
        Metropolitan Branch Trail in Ward 4
        • October rolling meeting
        • ANC 4B concerns and BAC testimony

9. Legislative Committee report
        • October meeting
        • Snow removal policy testimony
        • Transportation Benefits Equity Amendment Act testimony

10. Approval of minutes

11. Adjournment

Rolling forward: D.C. bicycling report for September 2017

Highlights of BAC accomplishments in September:

The BAC held its regular bimonthly meeting on Sept. 6. The agenda focused on strategic planning to develop priorities for the new fiscal year, a process continuing at the October committee meetings and November general meeting.

Under the leadership of Facilities Committee co-chair Jeanie Osburn, the BAC submitted official comment on the northern extension of the Metropolitan Branch Trail.

The BAC testified in support of the Transportation Benefits Equity Amendment Act of 2017. The BAC submitted its official position in writing. Speaking individually, Legislative Committee chair John Serrao testified in person at the Sept. 25 hearing.

Talking with his hands, BAC Legislative Committee chair John Serrao testifies before the Transportation & the Environment Committee.

The BAC cheered news that we're No. 2. According to new Census Bureau data, D.C. has the second highest percent of bike commuters among large cities. The 2016 figure is 4.6%, up from 4.1% in 2015. (For more information, see the League of American Bicyclists report.) Together with people who walk to work, D.C. has the highest rate of active transportation commuters in the country. 13.7% walk + 4.6% bike = 18.3%, according to the Coalition for Smarter Growth.

BAC chair David Cranor was quoted in the New York Times story, "Bike-Sharing Is Flourishing in Washington. Can the City Handle It?"

This month: October activities

BAC committees are meeting this month as follows:

Legislative Committee Meeting
Tues., Oct. 17
6 p.m.
The Potter's House
1658 Columbia Rd NW

Facilities Committee Rolling Meeting
Sat., Oct. 21
9:30 a.m.
Meeting point and route to be determined.

Safety, Education and Enforcement Committee Meeting
Wed., Oct. 25
6 p.m.
Ancient Rivers
2121 14th St NW

Please check back for agendas. BAC committee meetings are open to the public. Save the date for the Nov. 1 general meeting at 6 p.m. at 441 4th St NW.

Rolling forward: D.C. bicycling report for August 2017

Highlights of BAC accomplishments in August:

The BAC welcomed new member Sade Adeeyo, representing Councilmember David Grosso. Council chair Phil Mendelson administered the oath of office on Aug. 10.

The Facilities Committee held a "rolling" meeting on Aug. 5 to survey the Alabama Avenue SE Corridor and advise about bicycle infrastructure within the study area.

Left to right: BAC member Susan Balding, DDOT bike planner Darren Buck, Facilities Committee co-chair Jeanie Osburn and BAC chair David Cranor discuss bike infrastructure along the Alabama Avenue SE Corridor.  

This month: September activities

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

The BAC is recruiting a new Legislative Committee chair. This position is open to any D.C. bicyclist, not solely appointed BAC members. Please attend the meeting or email the BAC to express interest in leading the committee, which meets in even-numbered months on a day of the chair's choosing.

The BAC is attending and/or monitoring these meetings:

Sept. 7  Vision Zero visit to Ward 8, organized by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association

DDOT online open house to comment on designs for the 16th Street NW dedicated bus lanes, which would permit bicycle traffic in the lane. The public comment period is open through Sept. 8.

Sept. 14 WABA Vision Zero visit to Ward 1

Initial public comment on DDOT study of dockless bikeshare, due Sept. 15

Sept. 15 Park(ing) Day

Sept. 16 Alabama Avenue SE Corridor Safety Study meeting

Sept. 16 Southeast Boulevard Environmental Assessment meeting

Sept. 19 New York Avenue Streetscape and Trail Project final design concepts meeting

Sept. 22 Car-Free Day

The DDOT calendar posts additional meetings concerning bicycle infrastructure. 

BAC September 2017 meeting

The BAC meets on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. at 441 4th St NW, Room 1112. Meetings are open to the public. ID is required to enter the building. The agenda is below.

Bicycle Advisory Council
9/6/17 Meeting Agenda

1. Call to order; introductions

2. Presentation on Georgetown Canal Master Plan

3. DDOT report

4. MPD report

5. Strategic planning and discussion of priority issues

6. Election of chair pro-tem

7. Nomination of new Legislative Committee chair

8. Facilities Committee report

9. Other committee reports

10. Approval of minutes

11. Adjournment

Rolling forward: D.C. bicycling report for July 2017

Highlights of BAC accomplishments in July:

At its July 12 meeting, the BAC hosted a discussion with DDOT Deputy Director Jeff Marootian, who will assume the role of interim DDOT director in mid August. The productive discussion fulfills DDOT's mandate to meet every six months with the BAC, per the Transportation Reorganization Amendment Act of 2015.

BAC meeting with DDOT leaders, at center right.

At its September meeting and thereafter, the BAC will follow up on the issues discussed.

BAC members also attended meetings about the Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE revitalization project in Congress Heights and the Downtown West Transportation Planning Study in Ward 2, among other meetings.

Members David Cranor and Jeff Johnson joined Councilmember Charles Allen on a July 28 ride through Ward 6.

Councilmember Charles Allen, left, leads constituents on a ride through parts of Ward 6. BAC member Jeff Johnson is pictured at right in purple Bike to Work Day t-shirt. To his right is newsman Tom Sherwood. Photo by @GregBilling.

This month: August activities

The Facilities Committee will hold a "rolling" meeting on Aug. 5. Beginning at 10 a.m. at the Anacostia Metro station, the ride will study Alabama Avenue SE and adjacent streets slated for bike infrastructure improvements.

Two ANCs in Ward 6 are holding an Aug. 3 joint meeting about K Street NE infrastructure improvements.

BAC members and concerned D.C. bicyclists are invited to Vision Zero site visits organized by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. Visits are taking place on Aug. 5 in Ward 7, Aug. 19 in Ward 6, and Aug. 23 in Ward 2.

September preview

Save the dates:

• Sept. 6 BAC general meeting
• Sept. 7 WABA Vision Zero visit to Ward 8
• Sept. 14 Vision Zero visit to Ward 1   

Rolling forward: D.C. bicycling report for June 2017

Highlights of BAC accomplishments in June:

BAC members joined DDOT staff and other stakeholders to survey high-crash intersections in June. At six sites over four days, public officials and community leaders gathered to observe the infrastructure and multimodal traffic flow and make recommendations to improve safety.

The intersections were Massachusetts and Observatory NW, Connecticut and R NW, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Good Hope SE, Southern and Wheeler SE, 9th and U NW, and 3rd and D NW.

BAC Ward 1 member Emily Oaksford, leaning against lightpole, at 9th and U NW. Photo by @DCVisionZero.

BAC member Jeff Johnson at 3rd and D NW. Johnson is pictured at center between the DDOT personnel in vests. Photo by @DCVisionZero.

These were the most recent site visits to improve road safety and decrease fatalities and serious injuries, the basis of D.C.'s Vision Zero program. Previous field visits are summarized in these 2015 and 2016 reports.

In other news, the BAC Planning Committee submitted official amendments to the D.C. Comprehensive Plan. Through the spring, the Office of Planning invited the public to propose changes to the core document guiding D.C.'s growth and development. In March, the full BAC received a briefing on the process.

The newly formed Planning Committee then convened to study the existing document and propose changes to the bicycle-related provisions. This was the first BAC project overseen by Mt. Pleasant resident John Serrao, who volunteered to chair the new committee last year.

Serrao led several committee meetings this spring at The Potter's House in Adams Morgan. BAC members attended the in-person meetings and collaborated through an online document to give input that Serrao ultimately edited into official BAC amendment proposals by the June 23 deadline.

Planning Committee chair John Serrao at The Potter's House

A D.C. bicyclist for more than a decade, Serrao got involved in the BAC on the recommendation of a friend in the transportation sector. An eye-opening experience with a novice bicyclist pushed him to step up and take action.

"I really understood how unsafe it can be to bike when my sister-in-law moved here last year," said Serrao. "I took her on a ride and she asked me, 'How do you do this?' I knew I had to do something to improve bicycling in D.C."

Under Serrao's leadership, the committee will continue to work on other projects in the coming months. Meetings are open to the public, as is committee membership. D.C. bicyclists are encouraged to attend committee and full BAC meetings.

Also in June, the BAC's Facilities Committee went on a fact-finding ride through Capitol Hill and the Legislative Committee held its regular meeting.

This month: July activities

The BAC is pleased to welcome DDOT Director Leif Dormsjo to its July 12 meeting. The meeting takes place at 6 p.m. at 441 4th St NW, Room 1112. Meetings are open to the public. ID is required to enter the building.

The BAC will suspend most routine business to focus on discussion with Director Dormsjo. The agenda is here.

The BAC will also monitor and/or attend the Ward 5 transportation roundtable on July 13 and the July 20 meeting of the Downtown West Transportation Planning Study.

BAC July 2017 meeting

The BAC meets on July 12 at 6 p.m. at 441 4th St NW, Room 1112. Meetings are open to the public. ID is required to enter the building. The agenda is below.

Bicycle Advisory Council
7/12/17 Meeting Agenda 

1. Call to order; introductions

2. Discussion with DDOT Director Leif Dormsjo
• Questions from BAC appointees
• Public comment

3. DDOT staff report

4. MPD report

5. Facilities Committee report

6. Legislative Committee report

7. Planning Committee report

8. Approval of minutes

9. Adjournment

Rolling forward: D.C. bicycling report for May 2017

Highlights of BAC accomplishments in May:

The council held its regular bimonthly meeting on May 3, setting the stage for an action-packed National Bike Month.

As always, the main event is Bike to Work Day in the Washington metropolitan area. BAC members were among the 18,700+ participants in the May 19 celebration. Three BAC members visited the Freedom Plaza pit stop, along with Councilmembers David Grosso, Brandon Todd and other elected and appointed officials.

Councilmember David Grosso with his BAC appointee, Bob Summersgill

BAC member Randall Myers, representing Councilmember Robert White, Jr.

BAC member David Alexander, representing Ward 2

Mayor Muriel Bowser rolled in to address the bicyclists. Click here for a short video of her remarks.

In other news, the BAC congratulates Ward 8 representative Jay Stewart on his reappointment. Council chair Mendelson administered the oath of office on May 10.

Photo by @ChmnMendelson

This month: June activities

BAC committees are meeting this month as follows:

Facilities Committee Rolling Meeting
Sat., June 10
9:30 a.m.
Barney Circle, Hill East
This "rolling" (on-bike) field meeting will survey Capitol Hill infrastructure and connectivity.

Planning Committee Meeting
Thurs., June 15
6 p.m.
The Potter's House
1658 Columbia Rd NW

The committee will finalize its proposed amendments to the D.C. Comprehensive Plan. It will also review and prioritize upcoming planning projects.

Legislative Committee Meeting
Wed., June 21
6 p.m.
Teaism
400 8th St NW

BAC committee meetings are open to the public. Save the date for the next full BAC meeting on July 12 at 6 p.m. at 441 4th St NW.

BAC May 2017 meeting

The BAC meets on May 3 at 6 p.m. at 441 4th St NW, Room 1112. Meetings are open to the public. ID is required to enter the building. The agenda is below.

Bicycle Advisory Council
5/3/17 Meeting Agenda 

1. Call to order; introductions; approval of minutes

2. K and Water Street improvements in Georgetown

3. Vision Zero reports
• Summit (3/31/17 conference)
• Major Crash Review Task Force

4. MPD report

5. Planning Committee report
• Discussion and vote on proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments

6. Legislative Committee report
• Vote on letter supporting Transportation Benefits Equity Amendment Act of 2017 (B22-0175)

7. Facilities Committee report
• April rolling meeting
• MBT NoMa Green
• New York Avenue NE
• Dave Thomas Circle
• Other projects

8. Safety, Education and Enforcement Committee meeting report

9. Motion to move July and January meetings to second Wednesday to avoid conflicts with holidays

10. Adjournment

Rolling forward: D.C. bicycling report for March 2017

Highlights of BAC accomplishments in March:

The BAC held its bimonthly meeting on March 1. In addition to routine business, members heard an Office of Planning presentation about the current Comprehensive Plan amendment process.

BAC chair David Cranor testified at the annual performance oversight hearing on March 13. Cranor's testimony discussed BAC achievements and challenges in fiscal year 2016. The BAC also testified at the Metropolitan Police Department oversight hearing.

BAC members Bob Summersgill and Jeff Johnson at the Vision Zero Summit

BAC members attended the Vision Zero Summit on March 31. Concurrently, DDOT released its one-year report on the District's Vision Zero plan. The Washington Post and WAMU covered these overlapping events. The WAMU story focuses on the Vision Zero progress report.

This month: April activities

Florida Avenue NE Virtual Circle Multimodal Transportation Project Public Meeting
Tues., April 4
6:30 p.m.
1200 First St NE
The BAC will attend this meeting as part of its ongoing work to help improve bicyclist and pedestrian travel through the virtual circle in NoMa.

Planning Committee Meeting
Wed., April 12
6 p.m.
The Potter's House
1658 Columbia Rd NW

The committee will continue to analyze the D.C. Comprehensive Plan and identify ways it could better serve bicyclists. The Office of Planning is undertaking a Comprehensive Plan amendment process and is accepting proposed amendments from individuals and organizations now through May.

MPD Community Bike Ride
Sat., April 15
9 a.m.
Riggs La Salle Recreation Center
501 Riggs Rd NE
(Meet on the Nicholson Street side)

Led by the Metropolitan Police Department, bicyclists will visit the communities of Lamond-Riggs, Manor Park, Brightwood Park, Petworth, Shaw, Logan Circle, Georgetown and the West End. Participants can join all or part of the ride. Scroll to the second page of the announcement for the route (cue sheet).

Ward 8 Vision Zero Workshop
Sat., April 15
9:30 a.m.
Anacostia Library
1800 Good Hope Rd SE

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association continues its series of traffic safety workshops throughout D.C. This one will survey the intersection of MLK and Good Hope Road to examine ways to make it safer for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Legislative Committee Meeting
Wed., April 19
6 p.m.
Teaism
400 8th St NW

The committee will discuss the Vision Zero progress report, the Transportation Benefits Equity Amendment Act of 2017 (bill | Washington Post story) and other agenda items to be determined.

Facilities Committee Rolling Meeting
Sat., April 22
10 a.m.
This "rolling" (on-bike) field meeting will survey the area of the Far Southeast III Livability Study. Meeting point and route TBD.

Ward 3 Vision Zero Workshop
Thurs., April 27
6:30 p.m.
Tenley-Friendship Library
4450 Wisconsin Av NW

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association continues its series of traffic safety workshops throughout D.C. This one will survey the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Albermarle Street to examine ways to make it safer for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Please check back for the date of our Safety Committee meeting.

***

As always, we look forward to National Bike Month in May. Mark your calendar for our May 3 general meeting and Bike to Work Day on May 19. Register to claim your free t-shirt and be counted as a bike commuter.

BAC March 2017 meeting

The BAC meets on March 1 at 6 p.m. at 441 4th St NW, Room 1112. Meetings are open to the public. ID is required to enter the building. The agenda is below.

Bicycle Advisory Council
3/1/17 Meeting Agenda 

1. Call to order; introductions; approval of minutes

2. Planning Committee report
• Office of Planning report on Comprehensive Plan
• Committee report on February meeting; BAC Comp Plan amendment research

3. Legislative Committee report
Reports
• February meeting report

Upcoming legislative matters
-- Vision Zero rulemaking roundtable March 3 and possible BAC comment
-- Oversight hearings
• BAC and DDOT March 13
• Other agencies: MPD March 2, OP March 6, DPW March 16

4. Facilities Committee report
Reports
• February meeting

Projects
• Florida Avenue NE
• NY Avenue NE
• Far SE III Livability Study
• Foundry Branch Bridge

5. Safety, Education and Enforcement Committee meeting report

6. Adjournment

Rolling forward: D.C. bicycling report for February 2017

BAC committees are meeting in February. Committee meetings are open to the public, so why not show your bike♥ and attend one or more?

Planning Committee
Wed., Feb. 8
6 p.m.
The Potter's House
1658 Columbia Rd NW

This newly formed committee will review the D.C. Comprehensive Plan and identify ways it could better serve bicyclists' interests. The Office of Planning is undertaking a Comprehensive Plan amendment process and will solicit proposed amendments from individuals and organizations this spring.

Legislative Committee
Wed., Feb. 15
6 p.m.
Teaism
400 8th St NW

The committee will review the proposed system of Vision Zero infractions and fines, as well as other agenda items to be determined.

Safety, Education and Enforcement Committee
Wed., Feb. 22
6 p.m.
Bakers & Baristas
501 7th St NW

Agenda TBD

Facilities Committee
Thurs., Feb. 23
6 p.m.
Gallaudet University
Student Academic Center
800 Florida Av NE

The first order of business is to attend part of the New York Avenue NE Streetscape and Trail Project meeting. Afterwards, the committee will hold its regular business meeting at Granville Moore's, 1238 H St NE.

To locate the committee meetings at the venues, please look for signage and/or a pile of helmets and panniers. You can also email dcbicyclecouncil at gmail com or tweet @DCBAC.

Save the date for the full BAC meeting on March 1.

BAC January meeting

The BAC meets on Jan. 4 at 6 p.m. at 441 4th St NW, Room 1117. Meetings are open to the public. ID is required to enter the building. The agenda is below.

Bicycle Advisory Council
1/4/17 Meeting Agenda 

1. Call to order; introductions; approval of minutes

2. Presentation by Renee Moore, WABA Vision Zero Community Organizer

3. Facilities Committee report
∙ December meeting
∙ Far SE III Livability Study
∙ Union Station Expansion Plan
∙ Anacostia River Trail Kenilworth Section Phase II
∙ Buzzard Point Park redesign
∙ Other projects (time permitting)

4. Safety, Education and Enforcement Committee meeting report

5. Legislative Committee meeting report

6. Planning Committee report
Office of Planning comprehensive plan amendment. In the spring, OP will accept proposed amendments from the public. See background information at plandc.dc.gov/page/amendment-process.

7. Adjournment