DDOT Director Lott Calls 17th St. Bike Speedway a ‘Critical Connector’ for Through Traffic
? Why Won’t CM Pinto Give Community a Public Presentation?
In a TV news report on the Heated Debate on Bike Lanes on July 13, NBC NEWS4 reporter Mark Segraves quoted Director Everett Lott of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) as saying “The 17th Street protected bike lane project is a critical connector for cyclists who are riding through the downtown core.”
“It is reckless and dangerous to draw speeding bike traffic through the congested, commercial and social nerve center of the community between P St. and Riggs Pl, NW,” said Nick DelleDonne, president of the Dupont East Civic Action Association (DECAA).
“Every street in the city cannot be a bike speedway for through traffic,” said DelleDonne, who is asking the city to provide the community a public presentation of the confusing traffic changes DDOT is installing on 17th St., NW. Protected bike lanes are already available on 14th, 15th and 20th Streets, particularly through a congested two-block commercial stretch.
Twenty merchants, including Safeway, TrueValue and CVS have joined DECAA in requesting a public presentation. DECAA and Shaw Main Streets are organizing a city-wide coalition on DDOT Bike Plans, noting the widespread dissatisfaction with DDOT Bike Plans.
Last week on WJLA News7 with reporter Sam Ford, Lott appeared to say the project is a year away, there is plenty of time. This week, the 17th St Bike Plan was installed amid widespread confusion. “People will be hurt. Business will Fail. Our unique, vibrant community will wither,” said DelleDonne.