DC Protected Bike Lanes & Trails Update: June 2022
Late last year, after more than two years of organizing and work from advocates, Mayor Bowser committed DC to redesigning 3+ miles of Connecticut Ave with continuous, protected bike lanes and advancing the project to the next steps. Next week, we need your help and your voice to get it done right. Read on for details.
Connecticut Avenue is just one of the many campaigns WABA supporters are pushing forward. Join our monthly Low Stress Network Advocate Meetup on Monday, June 27 at 7pm to meet advocates from across the city, share updates on citywide opportunities, and join a work session on a campaign to build a piece of the low stress network near you.
Did You See This?
- A Tenuous Opportunity On Connecticut Ave – next week, DDOT is finally sharing detailed plans for safety improvements and what will be the longest protected bike lane in DC on Connecticut Ave. But two critical questions remain: Will the lanes stop short of Chevy Chase, DC, leaving this neighborhood and retail corridor cut off from the network? And will the block-by-block design stick to the ambitious vision or cave to demands for preserving parking. Come to UDC to have your say on Wednesday, June 29 at 6pm.
- Rock Creek Park Trail opening soon – major sections of the Rock Creek Park Trail are opening south of Calvert Street, around the Zoo tunnel, and across Rock Creek on a new bridge (watch the full presentation). Plus, a new tunnel takes the trail under the Roosevelt Bridge near the Kennedy Center (check it out).
- 7th Street Open Streets – last month, DC closed a few miles of 7th St. to cars and opened it up to people! And boy did they show up! Check it out!
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 the network. Find the most recent actions at waba.org/action.
Safety First on Q And R Streets NW / NE
DC has many north-south protected bike lanes in Ward 2, but the lack of high-quality, east-west routes put people who bike in constant danger. It’s time to put Safety First on Q & R St with continuous, protected bike lanes from Dupont to the Met Branch Trail.
Sign the Petition to put 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 ahead of the June ANC discussion.
Share Your Big Ideas with the DC Build Back Better Infrastructure Task Force
What are your transformative ideas for a bigger, better, more equitable transportation system in DC? Up to $3 billion in federal funding may be coming DC’s way and DC’s Infrastructure Task Force wants to hear your ideas.
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 the survey.
Support DDOT’s Plan to Finish the Met Branch Trail on 8th St. NE
DDOT has a new, thoughtful, & all-around better plan to complete the Met Branch Trail on 8th St. NE with wide protected bike lanes, orderly school pickup/dropoff, and traffic calming. Sign your support!
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.
Events & Places to Go
Low Stress Bike Network Citywide Meeting
Get updates on campaigns across DC and get involved in one near you.
Monday, June 27 at 7pm
Register on Zoom
Connecticut Avenue NW Protected Bike Lanes Design Update
Get the latest on this transformational safety project. Weigh in on the block-by-block design, and help us make the case for continuing the protected bike lanes though Chevy Chase to the Maryland line. Two ways to attend:
Virtual Meeting
Tuesday, June 28 at 9 am
Join on Webex: rebrand.ly/ConnAveRevStudy
In-Person Meeting
Wednesday, June 29 at 6 pm
Van Ness UDC 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW, Student Center Building, 3rd Floor Ballroom
What We’re Reading
- The JFK closure has brought some zen to Golden Gate Park (SFGate) – after a years-long fight, one of San Francisco’s signature park roads is a completely different place, transforming the park and the neighborhoods around it.
- When will we say not another? (GGWash) – a troubling look at the horrible impact cars and guns have on children’s lives in DC and why it’s time to stop talking and instead take action.
Step Up Your Advocacy
- WABA’s Low Stress Network campaign is powered and lead by community advocates like you. 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 my 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.