April Low Stress Network Updates

There’s a sweet flowery scent floating in the air around DC these days. And if you know where to look, fresh, safe, joyful, low-stress streets are budding, just about to bloom. This month is packed with opportunities to support a street transformation near you, pass needed laws, and celebrate the change we are making happen.

Did You See This?

6 DC Council Bills to Support Now – The DC council is abuzz with new ideas to change how DC’s streets and sidewalks are built and managed to prioritize safety for people walking and biking. Two bills, the Safer Intersections Amendment Act and Upgrading Tactical Safety Projects Amendment Act have a hearing set for May 5. One provision would bring the Safety Stop (aka the Idaho Stop or Delaware Yield) to DC. Read our full breakdown on why this policy is right for DC.

Streetfilms visits DC during the National Bike Summit – Last month, bike and safe streets advocates met up in DC for the annual National Bike Summit. Videographers from Streetfilms shared some highlights of DC’s recent efforts. 

Things To Do

Good things happen when advocates like you are speaking up for DC’s Low Stress Bike Network. Here are some quick actions to support building parts of that network. Find the most recent actions at waba.org/action.

Reimagine Bladensburg Rd NE
DDOT wants your help reimagining Bladensburg Rd NE from Maryland Ave to the Maryland line. Drop your thoughts on the map and survey by the end of May.

Take Action


People First on I (Eye) St. SE/SW
Sign the petition to support DDOT’s plan for protected bike lanes, traffic calming, and safer intersections on I St. in SW Waterfront and Navy Yard.

Sign the Petition


Weigh in on Columbia Road NW Bus Priority & Bike Project
DDOT wants your ideas for making Columbia Rd in Adams Morgan work better for buses and bikes.

Take Action


Walk/Bike lanes for Ohio Drive at Hains Point
The National Park Service wants to make Ohio Dr in East Potomac Park safer to walk and bike with dedicated, painted lanes. See the plan & share your feedback by May 19.

Take Action


Support Traffic Calming on New Jersey Ave NW
New Jersey Avenue between N Street and Florida Avenue NW is a dangerous and a glaring gap in the low stress network. Sign this petition to support DDOT’s plan to fix it.

Sign the Petition


A New Vision for Pennsylvania Ave NW “America’s Main Street”
National Capital Planning Commission wants your ideas on a new vision for “America’s Main Street” aka Pennsylvania Ave. Share your feedback by July 13.

Take Action


Safe Biking & Walking on Lincoln Road NE Now!
Join us in urging DDOT to take this next step in connecting the bike lanes of Northeast DC, and taking the next step towards a safe commuting future for the District.

Take Action


Thank Mayor Bowser for Putting People First on Connecticut Ave
DC Mayor Bowser announced that 3+ miles of Connecticut Ave NW will be redesigned with new protected bike lanes, traffic calming, and no more dangerous reversible lanes. Join us in thanking the mayor!

Take Action


Events & Opportunities

Low Stress Bike Network Citywide Meeting
Get updates on campaigns across DC and get involved in one near you.
Monday, April 18 at 7pm

Register on Zoom

Hains Point Walk/Bike Safety Project Open House
Learn more about the NPS plan to make Ohio Dr in East Potomac Park safer to walk and bike with dedicated, painted lanes.
Tuesday, April 19 at 5pm

Attend on Microsoft Teams

A New Vision for Pennsylvania Ave NW “America’s Main Street”
The National Capital Planning Commission wants your feedback on their early concepts on a new vision for Pennsylvania Ave NW aka “America’s Main Street” between the White House and Congress. Attend to learn more about the alternatives and how to weigh in.
Tuesday, April 26 at 7pm

Register on Zoom

What We’re Reading

  1. Why Vision Zero Hit A Wall (Bloomberg) – despite pledges to make streets safer and commitments to zero out fatalities and serious injuries from traffic crashes, Vision Zero initiatives have been far from successful in the US. Here’s a deep look at why, and how the automobile is at the center of it.
  2. The 12 Best Ways to Get Cars out of Cities, Ranked (Streetsblog) – US cities have proven strategies to make streets dramatically safer, cut emissions, and improve livability, but success starts with tackling the legacy and ongoing dependence on cars in cities. Here is a review of the best tactics.
  3. Protected Bike Lanes Deliver Numerous Benefits, Study Says (Planetizen) – a recent report from Philadelphia found a 20 percent reduction in crashes, a 6 percent reduction of vehicle speeds, no increase in congestion, and a 96 percent increase in bike trips after protected bike lanes were added to city streets!

Advocate resources

  • WABA’s Low Stress Network campaign is powered and lead by community advocates, so we have tons of resources to share. Visit waba.org/network for videos of past trainings, helpful how-tos, and more. 
  • Grab a slot at our Advocate Office Hours to dig into an issue, find opportunities to get involved in a campaign, or plot the first steps of your own. Sign up for office hours here.