The new infrastructure plan will add lanes at five downtown locations

DC traffic getting you down? Need a faster way to work? It may be as easy as riding a bike, and new bike lanes could make it even easier.
Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a new policy in March on his blog, which calls for US cities to integrate cyclists into their transportation networks. Washington DC’s District Department of Transportation responded by announcing plans to expand its current bike lane network, with new lanes opening as soon as May.
Double Miles
The new lanes will nearly double the amount of bike lanes in the city, from 45 miles to 80 miles. DDOT’s plan would add lanes along five streets downtown, including Pennsylvania Avenue. The Penn. Ave. lane would the most expansive, with two lanes running down the center median of Penn. Ave. from 15th Street to 3rd Street. The lanes would be enclosed with flexible plastic barriers that could be removed for inauguration ceremonies or other parades.

One of the lanes on 15th Street between U Street and Massachusetts Ave. is already open as a pilot program for the new system. It consists of an enclosed southbound lane running against the flow of traffic and a northbound lane on the opposite side that is shared by cars and bicycles. The new configuration is also a traffic-calming measure for 15th Street. A 2008 DDOT study found that four northbound lanes was more than necessary for traffic volume and created unsafe conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.

Safety First

Contraflow lane flows Southbound on 15th Street

The new lanes promise increased safety for DC cyclists. “Having bike lanes helps people feel more confident about riding because they feel like they belong,” said Taylor Jones from Bicycle Pro Shop in Georgetown. However, Jones also warned that cyclists should not let it get to their heads. “There is a misconception that bike lanes equal complete safety,” said Jones. “Having a lane doesn’t mean your indestructible.”
With the exception of the Penn. Ave. lane, the new lanes put cyclists next to parked cars, and motorists may not think to look before opening their doors. Also, the 15th Street lane includes a “shared lane” on the Northbound side, where cars and bikes will share the road. Jones said this does not offer enough protection and there is no guarantee that drivers will respect cyclists in the lane. Catharine Pear of Bike and Roll, a local bike tour company, said illegally parked cars blocking the lane is also a common problem.

Side Effects
The plan also calls for the removal of one lane of car traffic and several parking spaces at each location, which could potentially affect motorists and businesses along the routes. Taylor Jones, a sales representative at Bicycle Pro Shop in Georgetown, said this could greatly affect small businesses. “If people can’t drive or park nearby, they might go somewhere else,” said Jones. “For small businesses, that could make or break you.” DDOT is cooperating with the Golden Business Improvement District and the Downtown BID to asses the effects of the plan on local businesses.
The Business End
Bicycle retailers in the district are upbeat about the plan. Taylor Jones from Bicycle Pro Shop said the new infrastructure will help business this coming riding season. “If anything, it’s getting more people out riding, and that’s always good for us,” Jones said. The infrastructure is good for everyone who rides bikes, and the more they ride this season, the more they’ll come in and shop.”
Catharine Pear of Bike and Roll said the new lanes will not change their tour routes, but they hope to reap some benefits. “Most of our tours are on the mall so we won’t need to use the lanes,” said Pear. “We’re hoping more people will rent bikes to ride the lanes this season.”
Community Response

The right-hand northbound lane is shared by bikes and cars

The 15th Street lane has received a mixed reaction from residents. Patrick Dean, a 25 year resident of 15th Street, said the new configuration is great for the neighborhood. “We used to jokingly call it I-15”, said Dean in reference to the street’s reputation for high speeds. According to Dean, the fence in front of his home has been hit by speeding cars fifteen times since he has lived there. “When they installed the bike lane last year, it cut back on traffic and noise,” said Dean. “It’s bringing a more local feel to the neighborhood.”
Dean’s neighbor, Mike Paysour, is not as thrilled. “It was a sneak attack,” said Paysour. According to Paysour, DDOT painted the lines overnight and that morning he got a $65 ticket for parking in the lane. He also said the lanes could hurt aesthetics and in turn property values. “It’s not well thought out,” said Paysour. “The cones look ugly in front of the homes here.” He was also not happy about losing parking spots. “I used to be able to fit two cars in front of my house, now I can barely fit one,” said Paysour.
What should you ride?

Hybrid bikes like the one pictured are a popular choice for DC cyclists

Jones said the most popular type of bike at his shop is the hybrid. Hybrids combine an upright riding position of a mountain bike with the speed and light weight of a road bike. They are designed to be versatile and affordable with prices ranging from three hundred to five hundred dollars. Commuters can easily attach racks to carry essentials, while recreational riders will enjoy their simplicity and comfortable ride. “They’re the perfect urban bike,” said Jones. This sector of the market has seen the most growth, according to bicycle retailers. Jeff O’hara, manager of Cycle Craft in Long Valley, NJ said manufacturers like Trek have found niches in the hybrid market and created specialized products to fill them. For example, Trek makes a line of hybrids for fitness riding, and another designed for comfortable cruising.

Related Links:

Bicycle Pro Shop in Georgetown

DC DOT Bicycle Program

Bike and Roll DC

Washington Area Bicyclist Association