Updated 5.4.09

In the near future the National Park Service and District Department of Transportation will begin an Environmental Assessment for the planned improvements to the Rock Creek Trail from P Street to Broad Branch.  Thanks to WABA's advocacy efforts and the help of local cyclists the plans for the trail include widening the trail to 10 feet where possible, 8 feet where necessary.  Key intersections such as the one at Shorham Hill, will be also improved for safety.  Stay tuned to www.waba.org for details.

WABA's Position on the Rock Creek Trail Widening

Build the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT)
updated 5.4.09

As envisioned, the trail would connect Union Station with Silver Spring loosely following Metro’s Red Line.  It would also link to the extension of the Capital Crescent Trail in Silver Spring and with the trails of the National Mall, completing what has been called the Bicycle Beltway.  A spur trail would also be built from Ft Totten to the West Hyattsville Metro and link up with the Anacostia Tributaries Trail Network. The MBT is a key bike facility in an area of the city that lacks them.  It would provide non-motorized access to five libraries, eight recreation centers and playgrounds, 28 schools, five colleges or universities, seven Metro stations and forty seven places of worship.  WABA's priorities for the trail are:

1. Breakground on the long delayed trail segment from NY  Ave to Franklin Street
2. Secure right-of-way for trail in Ft Totten Park
3. Begin trail branding process
4. Sign interim trail route north of Franklin Street

“WABA wants to thank Rails to Trails and the Coca-Cola Foundation for their support of the Metropolitan Branch Trail”.

Improved Traffic Enforcement, Police education
updated 5.4.09

Over the last few years, WABA has been working hard to better educate police officers on the importance of the proper enforcement of traffic laws for driver and cyclists.  WABA's Pocket Guide to DC Bike Laws will soon be available at all police district stations and officers will receive a copy for their own use.  In addition, WABA is working on a Memorandum of Understanding between WABA, DDOT and MPD that would formally acknowledge each groups’ role in traffic safety outlining steps each would take to improve bike and ped safety. 

Expand Bike sharing
updated 5.4.09

DC's Smart Bike program, the first third generation bike sharing program in the US, started as a pilot project with 10 stations and 120 bikes.  WABA wants to see the system expanded to more locations in DC, and expanded in a way that other surrounding jurisdictions can buy in to the program.

Improved Bike Parking
updated 5.4.09

Legislation passed last year with WABA's help now requires new developments in the District of Columbia to include bike parking spaces.  It also makes it easier for residents at existing buildings to have bike parking installed.  WABA will soon begin work on a study of bike access to DC government buildings to see what can be done to further encourage biking by DC governement employees and visitors to offices.

other priorities

• Anacostia RiverWalk Trail
• Bicycle Transit Center at Union Station
• DDOT's Bicycle Program Website