For Release: Monday, June 28, 2021
Contact: Nick DelleDonne ,
delledonne.n@comcast.net, 703 929 6656
DDOT Bike Plans Face Rising Opposition,
Merchants, Civic Associations Demand DDOT Stop Stonewalling
DC neighborhoods, including Dupont East, Shaw, Glover Park and Burleith, are getting together in collective protest of DDOT’s proposed protected bike lanes through congested commercial and residential streets without public engagement by DDOT — the opportunity for residents to learn directly from DDOT about plans that will greatly affect pedestrians, the disabled, merchants and businesses and other users of the public right-of-way in these communities but are so far unexplained by DDOT. The leaders of these communities, together with 15 merchants from East Dupont, are asking Mayor Bowser and CM's Brooke Pinto and Mary Cheh to intervene with DDOT Acting Director Everett Lott for a public, understandable presentation of the agency's plans.
This presentation is urgently needed as construction is scheduled to begin as soon as next week.
In Dupont East, protected bike lanes would plow through the commercial corridor on 17th Street, encouraging bike speeding and endangering pedestrians, including seniors, the disabled and toddlers. Almost all residential (RPP) parking will be removed in the two commercial blocks between P St. and Riggs Pl NW, inconveniencing patrons, impeding deliveries and jeopardizing the survival of retail in what is the delicate social and commercial nerve center of the community. “There is absolutely no accommodation of the handicapped required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),” said Nick DelleDonne, president of the Dupont East Civic Action Association (DECAA).
Shaw Main Streets Executive Director Alexander Padro testified at Council hearings of a similar failure to engage with the churches, restaurants and residents on the 9th St. Bike Plan.
Maggie Simpson, president of the Glover Park Citizens Association (GPCA), complains that DDOT needs to do better – we need bike lanes that make sense! The proposed bike lanes on 37th St. and Tunlaw Rd. would not only be dangerous for pedestrians but also would eliminate over 180 parking spaces. GPCA passed a resolution in June opposing the plan. Eric Langenbacher, president of the Burleith Citizens Association, expressed similar outrage.