Release: Monday, Sept. 27, 2021
Contact: Nick DelleDonne ,
Bike Protests Spread to NE DC
No Comment from DDOT
On Friday, NBC4 News reported on a protest of the installation by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) of protected bike lanes on busy West Virginia Avenue, NE. Residents of Ivy City told reporter Darcy Spencer that the bike lanes deprive them of needed parking, are unsafe for pedestrians and were installed without adequate community consultation and input. These are the same complaints that are being heard in Shaw, Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill, Burleith and Glover Park. https://t.co/Xxplsc3xTJ
DJ One Luv, host of the Luv Lounge radio show, told the protesters, “Our goal is to protect the seniors, the disabled and physically challenged and parents with children. They should not have to walk long distances at all hours of the day and night, in adverse weather conditions because the Mayor and DDOT installed protected bike lanes.”
Dr. Allison Agwu, an Ivy City property owner, said that DDOT must proceed “in conjunction with things that work for all the residents of the city.” Sharece Crawford, an at-large council candidate in the June, '22 Democratic primary, echoed the complaint about DDOT communication, “We cannot stop until we have a seat at every table.” They were joined by Ward 5 candidate Gordon Fletcher.
When asked for comment, WABA, the bike advocacy organization, told Darcy Spencer that “the lanes are needed to keep riders safe and to build connectivity throughout the city.” DDOT did not respond to NBC4. Also, DC Auditor Kathy Patterson has begun an investigation of the poor record DDOT's Vision Zero efforts have had in reducing traffic deaths. Vision Zero is the policy basis for imposing bike lanes onto DC streets.