Advocacy Roundup Winter 2023

During these past few months, our advocacy team was busy collaborating with partners and volunteers on the ground—racking up some major victories to make our transportation system more sustainable for all road users. Check out our winter roundup, which includes info on campaign updates, the building of new coalitions, upcoming events and actions, and more!

Washington, D.C.

Low Stress Bike Network

2022 was a big year in expanding DC’s Low Stress Network! WABA continued our citywide campaign to build DC’s Low Stress Network. This campaign builds support and buy-in for a connected, safe, and low-stress network of biking and walking streets that get people where they need to go. 

Through campaigns, action alerts, and persistent organizing we built demand and showed up to support DDOT completing 3.8 miles of new protected bike lanes, beginning construction on 7.8 miles, and completing planning on another 3.3 miles, now awaiting construction!

To read more about our 2022 Low-Stress bike network campaign victories, check out this blog post! 

If you are interested in joining an advocate-driven campaign to build an entire network, head to waba.org/network, click on Join the Campaign and fill out the form! Let’s complete the whole network!

2023-2024 ANC Vision Zero Caucus

For the past two years, WABA has convened a city-wide vision zero caucus to keep a line of connection and collaboration between transportation advocates and ANC commissioners who champion and advocate for transportation safety issues. 

We are now restarting the Caucus again for the 2023-2024 term!

The Caucus has collaborated on city issues e.g Movedc, Council Legislation, Budget, while also sharing transportation advocacy tips and resources. Past guest speakers at Caucus meetings:

  • Council Member Christina Henderson
  • Council Member Charles Allen 
  • DDOT Director Lott 
  • Transportation Data Experts  

The Caucus has had multiple social events to build community among transportation advocates.  

The Caucus had met bi-monthly but that could change this term. Chairs/Co-chairs of the Caucus help set the agenda and direction of the caucus. 

If you are an ANC Commissioner or know of an ANC Commissioner who may be interested in joining our caucus this coming term, click here to have them or you fill out this interest form!

Legislative Victories 

Over the course of the last few months, the D.C. Council passed three transformative pieces of legislation thanks to the leadership of Council members Janeese Lewis-George, Christina Henderson, Charles Allen, and Mary Cheh. Our council leaders also heard from hundreds of WABA supporters in the form of emails asking them to pass these bills. 

This year the following bills will go into effect in Washington, D.C.

  • The Safe Streets for Students Amendment Act uses a number of tools to make it safer for students to get to school by codifying and expanding programs that address unsafe infrastructure as well as bullying and harassment. The transportation element of the bill:
    • establishes an Office of Safe Passage reporting directly to the Mayor;
    • requires plans for infrastructure upgrades to promote school commute safety;
    • increases the size of school zones—the areas where DDOT implements school safety infrastructure;
    • and requires DDOT to recommend to the Council how to create full-time crossing guard jobs.
  • The Automated Traffic Enforcement System Revenue Designation Amendment Act requires that funds from automated traffic enforcement (e.g., speed cameras) be spent on traffic safety improvements, changing the current practice of sending that money to DC’s general fund. 
  • The Metro for DC Amendment Act takes a massive step toward making transit more equitable in DC:
    • Metrobuses will be free in DC. 
    • Dozens of major bus lines – in all 8 wards – will run 24 hours a day.
    • Creates a $10 million a year new investment in bus service improvements.
    • And, once funded, all DC residents will receive a $100 monthly subsidy to ride the metro rail.

These bills will make a significant impact on how people get around in the District!

What’s next?

This past October, Councilmember Brooke Pinto held a Ward 2 bike ride to solicit ideas and feedback from residents. One idea that came out of that bike ride was the District rolling out an electric bike rebate program, and now it could soon be on the way! 

This January, Council member Pinto introduced a bill to create the District’s first electric bike rebate program! You can read more about the legislation here. 

In 2023, we look forward to supporting the passage of this legislation and other bold pieces of legislation to make our transportation system sustainable for everyone! 

Beach Drive Recap

Simply put- we won! On November 2, 2022, the National Park Service Announced that Beach Drive will remain open for people all year round. 

Upper Beach Drive’s car-free recreation zones have been enormously popular, and now, thanks to the work of the People’s Alliance for Rock Creek (PARC) – of which WABA is a coalition member, and so many others, they are permanent! 

This campaign took years of organizing, and if you are interested in reading a recap on the history of this campaign, click here!

Zoo Loop Trail and Bridge 

WABA was excited to hear that the Zoo-loop trail was reopened, including a new 110-foot pedestrian bridge, however we were disappointed to hear that the trail would only be open from 7am to 5pm.
In response to these inconvenient hours, we met with Congresswoman Norton’s office to support her efforts to introduce legislation to expand the hours, and we also started a petition asking the National Zoo to extend the hours. We will continue to advocate for the expansion of the trail hours to ensure that all residents will have reasonable access to the trail.

WABA Advocacy Happy Hour 

WABA’s advocacy team hosted a social happy hour to celebrate some of our campaign successes in 2022 and give a toast to the folks who made it happen: volunteers like you!

We are thankful to Councilmember Brianne Nadeau who stopped by to chat with some of our amazing volunteers. In 2023, we plan to host more social happy hour events around the region, so stay tuned! 

Maryland

Prince George’s County

Prince George’s County Pedestrian & Bicyclist Behavioral Study Community meeting.

In October, our team attended the Prince George’s County Pedestrian & Bicyclist Behavioral Study Community meeting. According to the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, this study will examine whether the presence and location of transportation facilities affect pedestrian and bicyclist behaviors and how to design such facilities that can best anticipate and accommodate future active transportation users. 

The findings will help inform the Planning Department in providing recommendations in area master plans, evaluating submitted development applications, and ensuring conformance with the adopted subdivision and zoning regulations. The next external stakeholder meeting for the study will take place in February 2023. Contact the planner coordinator to get more information. 

Construction work is beginning on a crucial missing link to the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail in Hyattsville.

In November, construction work began on a project that is key because it will directly link the Trolley Trail to paths along the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River, which heads towards Montgomery County, and the Northeast Branch, which leads to D.C. 

WABA has been a long-time advocate of this missing link and we were excited to hear the news that construction has started! Please visit the project website to track its progress! 

Montgomery County 

Advocate training. 

This past November, WABA held an introductory advocate training for Montgomery County residents who are interested in making Montgomery County more bikeable. 
During the training we reviewed how the County sets priorities, collects input, and makes decisions about transportation needs. We also learned about the process, timeframes, identifying decision makers, and our levers to steer them towards safer streets. If you missed the training but are interested in getting involved, please email our Montgomery County Organizer, Peter Gray at advocacy@waba.org!

Ride for Your Life Recap.

On November 19th, Dan Langenkamp, the Washington Area Bicycle Association, and PeopleForBikes hosted a bike ride in memory of Sarah Langenkamp who was killed due to traffic violence. Over 1,800 bike riders rode from Bethesda, Maryland, to Capitol Hill, where advocates and government officials spoke to demand stronger policies for safer streets.

The event was extremely powerful and moving, and we are deeply committed to the organizing work that will be necessary to ensure Maryland’s roads are safe for all users. 

Old Georgetown Road (MD 187)

In October, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration announced a plan to install 3.1 miles of protected bike lanes on Old Georgetown Road (MD 187) in North Bethesda between West Cedar Lane and Nicholson Road, reduce speed limits, and narrow driving lanes as part of a regular repaving project. 

While not perfect, this is the right plan for immediate SHA action, which claims space for vulnerable people and creates opportunities for short-term improvement. This plan, being implemented now, still needs vocal support to ensure it sets a positive precedent for SHA action, and you can show your support by taking our action petition here! 

In addition to the petition, on January 8th, WABA, Action Committee for Transit, and Montgomery County Families for Safe Streets hosted a bike ride to show our support for the bike lanes on Old Georgetown Road. Over 120 people came out to walk, bike, and roll to show their support! We were thankful for the strong show of support for these bike lanes! 

Maryland General Assembly Update

After a three year hiatus, the Bike Maryland Symposium is back! Advocates are invited to come to Annapolis on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 to gather with other bicycle advocates from across the state of Maryland, learn, share, and advocate for change.

The Symposium will take place at the Annapolis City Hall, just a short walk to the Maryland State House. Over coffee, Bike Maryland’s leadership will review its advocacy plans for the 2023 session, and share more about the revitalized organization and Bike Maryland’s new partnership with WABA.

We will also hear from State Senators, Delegates and Governor Moore’s administration about plans for better, safer biking in 2023. Then attendees will head to the state house to meet with Senators, Delegates and their staff to inform them and share perspectives on bills to make State Highways safer and to increase funding for bike infrastructure throughout Maryland.

This is an important advocacy event! To rsvp click here! 

Georgia Avenue Pedestrian Safety Walk

On December 20th, WABA, Montgomery County Families for Safe Streets, and  Action Committee for Transit hosted a safety walk with Montgomery Council Chair Evan Glass, Delegate Vaughn Stewart, and Montgomery Councilmember Natali Fani-González. 

During the walk we discussed the vision zero changes that need to be implemented on Georgia Avenue to ensure no life is lost while traveling on the road.  This year, we look forward to working with elected officials to improve our roads and meet our vision zero goals.

Virginia

Arlington 

Crystal City Bike Network

The Arlington County project team has released the final plan for the Crystal City Bike Network. This year, WABA and our coalition partners will be focused on implementation of the Crystal City Bike Network, and we will be calling on our supporters to support us in these efforts. 

Stay tuned for ways to get involved in the campaign to make long-lasting safety changes to National Landing.

Mount Vernon Trail

Back in December, the National Park Service began accepting public comments on its plans to rehab and rebuild the venerable Mount Vernon Trail. The deadline to weigh in was extended to January 18th.

If you missed the deadline to submit comments, don’t worry! We will keep you updated on ways to get involved to ensure one of our region’s most popular trails gets the needed improvements it deserves.

Alexandria 

 

Seminary Road Complete Streets Project. 

In October, the City of Alexandria Department of Transportation and Environmental Services released a report on Seminary Road safety improvements. You can read the report here! 

Making Seminary Road safe for all road users has been a long-term priority for WABA.

Transportation Projects Impacting Alexandria In NVTA Long-Range Plan

The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority adopted its long-range transportation plan in December. The adoption was the final step in a two-year public engagement process to prioritize transportation funding in Northern Virginia.

Check out the 37 projects in Alexandria that were included in the plan. WABA looks forward to working with our partners to ensure these projects are implemented to create a multimodal future for Alexandria. 

Fairfax

ActiveFairfax Transportation Plan

Fairfax County is updating and combining the Bicycle Master Plan and the Countywide Trails Plan into the ActiveFairfax Transportation Plan. 

WABA has been actively involved in the approval and roll out of this plan and we look forward to the next phase of public engagement in 2023. To learn more about the plan and to get updates please visit the project website here. 

Elections

This year there will be elections throughout Northern Virginia, and WABA will be working with coalition partners to ensure our supporters are educated on the transportation policy positions of all candidates. 

In collaboration with coalition partners, WABA will be rolling out transportation election pledges, questionnaires, and meet-and-greets for candidates running for local offices.

Although WABA does not endorse any candidate for any elected office, we will work to ensure our supporters are educated on where the candidates stand on our collective issues. 

Capital Trails Coalition (CTC) Updates

Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC)’s Recreational Trails Summit

NVRC hosted the Northern Virginia Recreational Trails Summit on October 20th, 2022 to explore region wide priorities and needs for greater access and connectivity between parks, communities, and trails in Northern Virginia. 

Through presentations and roundtables, over 60 local, state, federal, and community partners came together to discuss access to funding sources, support for communities through the development of connected trail systems, the status of the region’s data and mapping efforts, and other regional opportunities for collaboration.

Our Capital Trails Coalition team co-facilitated a workshop on “Collaborating on Priorities & Moving Forward Together”. We were honored to contribute to the summit and look forward to working with NVRC and other partners this year!

East Potomac Park 

This past October, the Capital Trails Coalition hosted a site visit to East Potomac Park to celebrate the Long Bridge bike and pedestrian expansion, and explore connectivity options. 

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) will receive $20M to build a new bicycle and pedestrian bridge across the Potomac River between Long Bridge Park in Arlington, VA and East and West Potomac Parks in Washington, DC. Read more about the plans here.

Learn more about what the CTC has been up to here! 

Interested in staying up-to-date on trail updates on social media? Follow the CTC on Twitter @TrailsCoalition.

Families for Safe Streets Coalition Updates

WABA has been busy collaborating with our Families for Safe Streets chapters throughout the region!

D.C. Families for Safe Streets

In honor of World Day of Remembrance, the DC chapter of Families for Safe Streets installed signs at over 30 crash sites across all eight Wards memorializing loved ones and survivors of traffic violence. 

Many thanks to their volunteers and members Ashton, Bryan, Christine, Dana and family, Helaina, Jennifer, Jessica, Karthik, Sabrina, and Stephanie.

D.C. Families for Safe Streets also hosted an action petition calling on Mayor Muriel Bowser and DC Councilmembers to work together to fully fund and implement life-saving laws now.

Montgomery County Families For Safe Streets 

Montgomery County Families for Safe Streets, Washington Area Bicyclist Association and Action Committee for Transit co-sponsored an observance of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (November 20). The event took place at the Rockville Metro Station.   

We provided an opportunity for family and friends of road traffic victims in Montgomery County to share your memories, concerns, and requests with our community.

Northern Virginia chapters of Families for Safe Streets

Northern Virginia Families for Safe Streets (NoVA FSS) held three World Day of Remembrance events in Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax.

NoVA FSS goals with these WDoR events were to:

  • Call attention to the issue of traffic fatalities and serious injuries on pedestrians and other vulnerable road users;
  • Elevate the voices of those who have been most impacted by traffic crashes;
  • Advocate for traffic regulations that will promote safer streets on our roads, and
  • Promote the Vision Zero goal of zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries in all three Northern Virginia jurisdictions of Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax.

Please email advocacy@waba.org if you would like to be connected to one of our Families for Safe Streets chapter leaders or if you live in Prince George’s County and have an interest in starting a chapter in Prince George’s County.

Washington Region Vision Zero Summit

This year’s Summit will take place in June 2023! This conference brings together elected officials, decision-makers, advocates, thought leaders, and the private sector to share best practices, insights and innovations to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our region’s streets and highways.

Please find a recap of the 2022 Vision Zero Summit here.

Transportation Equity 

Police out of Traffic Enforcement

The Police out of Traffic Enforcement coalition held a campaign kick-off event in October at Martin Luther King Jr. Library with over 100 residents in attendance. Our advocacy director, Jeremiah Lowery was one of the guest speakers on a panel to discuss the topic. 
The Police out of Traffic Enforcement coalition will continue to hold conversations with elected officials and community members, as they seek to move some traffic enforcement responsibilities to the Department of Transportation. If you are interested in learning more about this topic or want to get involved email advocacy@waba.org.

Lobbying to Decriminalize Street Vending

This past November, WABA joined advocates and street vendors to lobby for Council bills 24-49 and 24-50 to decriminalize street vending and make it easier to acquire a license.

Led by Beloved Community Incubator (BCI), Street vendors are responding to DC’s carceral methods of treating this population of working-class Washingtonians with deep history providing for the whole city. 

Vendors cite frequent harassment by police, even those with valid licenses. Many vendors have had their livelihoods confiscated and steep fines imposed against them for minor infractions, like vending too close to the curb.

WABA fully supports the efforts of street vendors to have more public space for people and we look forward to the passage of Council bills 24-49 and 24-50. 

The 2022 Young, Gifted & Green 40 Under 40 Awards

Our advocacy director, Jeremiah, received a 2022 Young Gifted & Green 40 under 40 award for his advocacy efforts related to transportation equity.

Click here to watch a recording of the ceremony! 

Staffing Updates! 

Our team is growing! In January, we welcomed our new D.C. vision zero coordinator, sangam ‘alopeke! sangam will conduct outreach and engagement throughout D.C., so please say hi when you see sangam! 

Also, Kevin O’Brien transitioned to his new role as the WABA Virginia organizer! Kevin will be working with our coalition partners and supporters to expand our bike and trail network throughout Northern Virginia!

Later this month we will be hiring a new Maryland organizer to mobilize our supporters and coalition partners for much needed traffic safety improvements in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County. 

We are excited that our capacity to achieve bigger and stronger advocacy victories has been expanded this year!

Official Testimonies and Comments Submitted by WABA

WABA Advocacy in the News

Upcoming Events and Actions 

Page last updated by Jeremiah Lowery on March 13, 2023.