Options for opposing Connecticut Avenue changes?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe not infinite, but you can see how a lot of people don't have cars either by finances or choice. On the other hand, there is a lot of room to grow in terms of housing.

Doesn't it make sense as housing options are expanded, to ensure people who live here can get what they need without a car?

Also, doesn't Amazon and the various food delivery services make that easier as well?

There are more cars registered with the city than there are households.

Yes, but 35 percent of households don't have any cars.

My single neighbor has at least 5.

Ha, I think you are talking about me. Divorced woman with 4 cars , 2 short blocks from Conn Ave.

What can I say, I love classic cars ....


And for the record, I predict that the bottleneck bike lanes get removed within 2 years when the area between the Circle and the Zoo becomes an unmitigated clusterfuk.

Exactly like the idiotic project to narrow Wisconsin to a single travel lane a few years ago, in Glover Park

Thanks for painting a very vivid image of the kind of people who are opposing measures to improve the safety of cyclists in DC.

Cyclists would be wise to understand two realities:
1) You’re a small group of people in a much larger city.
2) The world doesn’t revolve around you.

And you don't seem to understand that dedicating so much space and transportation real estate to single occupancy vehicles is past the 'not sustainable' phase and we need to do something different. Status quo is not an option, what do you propose?

By definition: Bicycles are single occupancy vehicles while cars and trucks are multi. Those are just facts. Status quo is always an option.

It's not just that bikes are single occupancy. It's also that there a very few bikes. This is a lot of space to dedicate to a miniscule number of people.

Household surveys suggest that about 5% of commuters bike, which is about a tenth of the number who drive. The amount of road space and road funding dedicated to not just bikes but scooters and other personal mobility devices (including motorized wheelchairs) is much much lower than a tenth (or even 5%). The installation of bike lanes on Connecticut Avenue NW is not going to change that significantly.

Secondly, any city planner that designs projects that encourages people to commute in ways that are expensive, environmentally destructive, and inevitably produces congestion that destroys everyone's happiness and productivity is not very good at their job. Setting aside a miniscule fraction of road space to allow people to commute comfortably in ways that actually have positive externalities for society is basic common sense. I'm sorry if this rubs up against the ways in which you are set, but it is what it is.

I think the issue is that you're like a religious zealot and you're going to build all these bike lanes regardless of whether anyone wants them or uses them.

Lots of people want to use them and will use them. Many people are too scared to bike because they don't like being in the road without being separated from manic drivers. Once the protected bike lanes are installed, cycling will be practical for a lot more people than it currently is.

This is just delusional. People who aren't into bikes have no idea what a protected bike lane even is. The idea that they're waiting around for them to be built is laughable. People don't want to bike because it is completely impractical for a thousand reasons. Probably why polls consistently showing biking is the least popular mode of transportation in the city despite relentless promotion by the city.

Right it’s hilarious people all over the world bike because that is their only option. Cars are too expensive. Poor people (usually brown) all over the suburbs ride hand me down ill fitting bikes (on sidewalks) to and from their minimum wage jobs, in the heat and in the cold, in the middle of the night or early morning because that is their only option, because public transport is non existent or terribly inconvenient, and expensive. Given the chance they’d much rather drive or carpool because then they’d have much more free time to work and earn money or spend doing something they’d actually enjoy.

Bike lane folks in dc are doing it for pleasure, or exercise or ego or a bunch of other reasons that have nothing to do with necessity or saving the planet. There are no trade offs being made. It’s a choice, one of many that they have, since they live close to work they have at their disposal inexpensive, efficient, safe and clean public transport if they choose. Not hours long commutes by multiple buses and trains. They can afford safe, clean fuel efficient, or electric vehicles. If it snows or rains they can pick any of the other methods. Biking to work is practical because they live close enough to their destinations. They have private offices, showers at work, and can store their bikes in their offices. If they work late they can take a car home, on the company, and be home in 15 mins. They aren’t riding home in their bikes at midnight, because they don’t have to.

It’s all so disingenuous, blather in and in about, selfish car drivers all you want. But many of us don’t really want to have to commute downtown in any fashion. We are doing it because we have too. To get to jobs we need to have in cars because it is the only efficient method available to us.

And this is from someone who only commutes in when absolutely have too. It used to be easy in and out, quick and efficient. Not much time spent idling in traffic unless you count accidents. During the pandemic and the aftermath of work from home it was even faster.

The last few times into the office have been brutal, because so many lanes are gone now. In some places trucks parked illegally for loading and unloading reduce thru lanes down to 1 lane in the middle of “rush” hour.

I really don’t see this ending well for the bike proponent people, at some point businesses who want their car commuting people to come back in full force, won’t be able to get them back. If employers force them back then employees will find jobs closer to home, brain drain out of the city. Business will start putting pressure on the dc govt. to do something to make it easier for the 98% of their employees who don’t bike. The whole bike thing is great in theory and when the pandemic emptied the streets I’m sure many thought what’s the harm. And for 3 years there was no harm because the streets were empty. But in the end the city and businesses need the workers to come back and the businesses to stay.

There are far too many people in this area and the geographic distances they have to travel to get to work make the just build the bikes lanes and they will come mission ridiculous on so many levels. It’s all so whimsical and cart before horse really. Why not spend the energy lobbying for better, faster, cheaper modes of public transport. Get the cars off the roads first and then the bikes and people can roam free

[Anonymous]

Been commuting down Connecticut Ave for 20+ years.

I just don’t see how this will work.

Just yesterday, here’s what I noticed:

-Buses blocking the right lane prompt cars to cut off cars to switch lanes, slowing down traffic (and sometimes causing an accident)

-Delivery trucks routinely double-park in the right lane

-Traffic back-ups as cars wait to turn right. Not sure why certain cross streets get backed up, but they do. The result is a stand still on CT. This happens for cars turning left as well.

Why not create a bike lane on streets that run parallel to CT Ave?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Been commuting down Connecticut Ave for 20+ years.

I just don’t see how this will work.

Just yesterday, here’s what I noticed:

-Buses blocking the right lane prompt cars to cut off cars to switch lanes, slowing down traffic (and sometimes causing an accident)

-Delivery trucks routinely double-park in the right lane

-Traffic back-ups as cars wait to turn right. Not sure why certain cross streets get backed up, but they do. The result is a stand still on CT. This happens for cars turning left as well.

Why not create a bike lane on streets that run parallel to CT Ave?

You are describing the problem. The existing situation is already untenable. It will only worsen as the suburb continue to grow. We need to do it another way. That is what is happening. Thanks for making the point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe not infinite, but you can see how a lot of people don't have cars either by finances or choice. On the other hand, there is a lot of room to grow in terms of housing.

Doesn't it make sense as housing options are expanded, to ensure people who live here can get what they need without a car?

Also, doesn't Amazon and the various food delivery services make that easier as well?

There are more cars registered with the city than there are households.

Yes, but 35 percent of households don't have any cars.

My single neighbor has at least 5.

Ha, I think you are talking about me. Divorced woman with 4 cars , 2 short blocks from Conn Ave.

What can I say, I love classic cars ....


And for the record, I predict that the bottleneck bike lanes get removed within 2 years when the area between the Circle and the Zoo becomes an unmitigated clusterfuk.

Exactly like the idiotic project to narrow Wisconsin to a single travel lane a few years ago, in Glover Park

Thanks for painting a very vivid image of the kind of people who are opposing measures to improve the safety of cyclists in DC.

Cyclists would be wise to understand two realities:
1) You’re a small group of people in a much larger city.
2) The world doesn’t revolve around you.

And you don't seem to understand that dedicating so much space and transportation real estate to single occupancy vehicles is past the 'not sustainable' phase and we need to do something different. Status quo is not an option, what do you propose?

By definition: Bicycles are single occupancy vehicles while cars and trucks are multi. Those are just facts. Status quo is always an option.

It's not just that bikes are single occupancy. It's also that there a very few bikes. This is a lot of space to dedicate to a miniscule number of people.

Household surveys suggest that about 5% of commuters bike, which is about a tenth of the number who drive. The amount of road space and road funding dedicated to not just bikes but scooters and other personal mobility devices (including motorized wheelchairs) is much much lower than a tenth (or even 5%). The installation of bike lanes on Connecticut Avenue NW is not going to change that significantly.

Secondly, any city planner that designs projects that encourages people to commute in ways that are expensive, environmentally destructive, and inevitably produces congestion that destroys everyone's happiness and productivity is not very good at their job. Setting aside a miniscule fraction of road space to allow people to commute comfortably in ways that actually have positive externalities for society is basic common sense. I'm sorry if this rubs up against the ways in which you are set, but it is what it is.

I think the issue is that you're like a religious zealot and you're going to build all these bike lanes regardless of whether anyone wants them or uses them.

Lots of people want to use them and will use them. Many people are too scared to bike because they don't like being in the road without being separated from manic drivers. Once the protected bike lanes are installed, cycling will be practical for a lot more people than it currently is.

This is just delusional. People who aren't into bikes have no idea what a protected bike lane even is. The idea that they're waiting around for them to be built is laughable. People don't want to bike because it is completely impractical for a thousand reasons. Probably why polls consistently showing biking is the least popular mode of transportation in the city despite relentless promotion by the city.

Right it’s hilarious people all over the world bike because that is their only option. Cars are too expensive. Poor people (usually brown) all over the suburbs ride hand me down ill fitting bikes (on sidewalks) to and from their minimum wage jobs, in the heat and in the cold, in the middle of the night or early morning because that is their only option, because public transport is non existent or terribly inconvenient, and expensive. Given the chance they’d much rather drive or carpool because then they’d have much more free time to work and earn money or spend doing something they’d actually enjoy.

Bike lane folks in dc are doing it for pleasure, or exercise or ego or a bunch of other reasons that have nothing to do with necessity or saving the planet. There are no trade offs being made. It’s a choice, one of many that they have, since they live close to work they have at their disposal inexpensive, efficient, safe and clean public transport if they choose. Not hours long commutes by multiple buses and trains. They can afford safe, clean fuel efficient, or electric vehicles. If it snows or rains they can pick any of the other methods. Biking to work is practical because they live close enough to their destinations. They have private offices, showers at work, and can store their bikes in their offices. If they work late they can take a car home, on the company, and be home in 15 mins. They aren’t riding home in their bikes at midnight, because they don’t have to.

It’s all so disingenuous, blather in and in about, selfish car drivers all you want. But many of us don’t really want to have to commute downtown in any fashion. We are doing it because we have too. To get to jobs we need to have in cars because it is the only efficient method available to us.

And this is from someone who only commutes in when absolutely have too. It used to be easy in and out, quick and efficient. Not much time spent idling in traffic unless you count accidents. During the pandemic and the aftermath of work from home it was even faster.

The last few times into the office have been brutal, because so many lanes are gone now. In some places trucks parked illegally for loading and unloading reduce thru lanes down to 1 lane in the middle of “rush” hour.

I really don’t see this ending well for the bike proponent people, at some point businesses who want their car commuting people to come back in full force, won’t be able to get them back. If employers force them back then employees will find jobs closer to home, brain drain out of the city. Business will start putting pressure on the dc govt. to do something to make it easier for the 98% of their employees who don’t bike. The whole bike thing is great in theory and when the pandemic emptied the streets I’m sure many thought what’s the harm. And for 3 years there was no harm because the streets were empty. But in the end the city and businesses need the workers to come back and the businesses to stay.

There are far too many people in this area and the geographic distances they have to travel to get to work make the just build the bikes lanes and they will come mission ridiculous on so many levels. It’s all so whimsical and cart before horse really. Why not spend the energy lobbying for better, faster, cheaper modes of public transport. Get the cars off the roads first and then the bikes and people can roam free

This is such complete bullsh*t. EVERYONE has multiple choices in how they get around. Driving yourself in your car -- in a city with extensive public transportation -- is YOUR CHOICE because it is MORE CONVENIENT for you. It's not the only way to get around, with everything else being a fashion choice. Many, many people who drive themselves could take public transit. But they do not. Why not? Because our infrastructure is designed ENTIRELY FOR CARS. So much so that you go absolutely bonkers when infrastructure is developed for any other mode of transit.

FWIW - you people would be making equally ridiculous and selfish NIMBY arguments for ANY infrastructure changes for anything other than cars. Quit it with your supposed sympathy for the lower classes. If DC wanted to put in a street car on Ct Ave, or dedicated bus lanes, or god forbid, a new subway line (see: Purple Line disaster), or reassert a public right of way (see: Trolley Trail) you would be going ABSOLUTELY BONKERS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Been commuting down Connecticut Ave for 20+ years.

I just don’t see how this will work.

Just yesterday, here’s what I noticed:

-Buses blocking the right lane prompt cars to cut off cars to switch lanes, slowing down traffic (and sometimes causing an accident)

-Delivery trucks routinely double-park in the right lane

-Traffic back-ups as cars wait to turn right. Not sure why certain cross streets get backed up, but they do. The result is a stand still on CT. This happens for cars turning left as well.

Why not create a bike lane on streets that run parallel to CT Ave?

You are describing the problem. The existing situation is already untenable. It will only worsen as the suburb continue to grow. We need to do it another way. That is what is happening. Thanks for making the point.

What’s the solution? People biking to work?

Again: been driving from Olney to K street for decades. I literally recognize my fellow drivers. Nobody is switching to a bike. Nobody is slowing down their commute by riding a bus or driving to a metro station, fighting for the privilege to pay for parking, waiting for a train, then riding with the huddled masses.

The real solution is to create alternate routes for cars—and bikes if you like.

I see less than a handful of bicycles each day.

Guess what?

I’ve been hit by bikes twice over the years. Both times I was stopped at a light and they slammed into me after I had been stopped for a while.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe not infinite, but you can see how a lot of people don't have cars either by finances or choice. On the other hand, there is a lot of room to grow in terms of housing.

Doesn't it make sense as housing options are expanded, to ensure people who live here can get what they need without a car?

Also, doesn't Amazon and the various food delivery services make that easier as well?

There are more cars registered with the city than there are households.

Yes, but 35 percent of households don't have any cars.

My single neighbor has at least 5.

Ha, I think you are talking about me. Divorced woman with 4 cars , 2 short blocks from Conn Ave.

What can I say, I love classic cars ....


And for the record, I predict that the bottleneck bike lanes get removed within 2 years when the area between the Circle and the Zoo becomes an unmitigated clusterfuk.

Exactly like the idiotic project to narrow Wisconsin to a single travel lane a few years ago, in Glover Park

Thanks for painting a very vivid image of the kind of people who are opposing measures to improve the safety of cyclists in DC.

Cyclists would be wise to understand two realities:
1) You’re a small group of people in a much larger city.
2) The world doesn’t revolve around you.

And you don't seem to understand that dedicating so much space and transportation real estate to single occupancy vehicles is past the 'not sustainable' phase and we need to do something different. Status quo is not an option, what do you propose?

By definition: Bicycles are single occupancy vehicles while cars and trucks are multi. Those are just facts. Status quo is always an option.

It's not just that bikes are single occupancy. It's also that there a very few bikes. This is a lot of space to dedicate to a miniscule number of people.

Household surveys suggest that about 5% of commuters bike, which is about a tenth of the number who drive. The amount of road space and road funding dedicated to not just bikes but scooters and other personal mobility devices (including motorized wheelchairs) is much much lower than a tenth (or even 5%). The installation of bike lanes on Connecticut Avenue NW is not going to change that significantly.

Secondly, any city planner that designs projects that encourages people to commute in ways that are expensive, environmentally destructive, and inevitably produces congestion that destroys everyone's happiness and productivity is not very good at their job. Setting aside a miniscule fraction of road space to allow people to commute comfortably in ways that actually have positive externalities for society is basic common sense. I'm sorry if this rubs up against the ways in which you are set, but it is what it is.

I think the issue is that you're like a religious zealot and you're going to build all these bike lanes regardless of whether anyone wants them or uses them.

Lots of people want to use them and will use them. Many people are too scared to bike because they don't like being in the road without being separated from manic drivers. Once the protected bike lanes are installed, cycling will be practical for a lot more people than it currently is.

This is just delusional. People who aren't into bikes have no idea what a protected bike lane even is. The idea that they're waiting around for them to be built is laughable. People don't want to bike because it is completely impractical for a thousand reasons. Probably why polls consistently showing biking is the least popular mode of transportation in the city despite relentless promotion by the city.

Right it’s hilarious people all over the world bike because that is their only option. Cars are too expensive. Poor people (usually brown) all over the suburbs ride hand me down ill fitting bikes (on sidewalks) to and from their minimum wage jobs, in the heat and in the cold, in the middle of the night or early morning because that is their only option, because public transport is non existent or terribly inconvenient, and expensive. Given the chance they’d much rather drive or carpool because then they’d have much more free time to work and earn money or spend doing something they’d actually enjoy.

Bike lane folks in dc are doing it for pleasure, or exercise or ego or a bunch of other reasons that have nothing to do with necessity or saving the planet. There are no trade offs being made. It’s a choice, one of many that they have, since they live close to work they have at their disposal inexpensive, efficient, safe and clean public transport if they choose. Not hours long commutes by multiple buses and trains. They can afford safe, clean fuel efficient, or electric vehicles. If it snows or rains they can pick any of the other methods. Biking to work is practical because they live close enough to their destinations. They have private offices, showers at work, and can store their bikes in their offices. If they work late they can take a car home, on the company, and be home in 15 mins. They aren’t riding home in their bikes at midnight, because they don’t have to.

It’s all so disingenuous, blather in and in about, selfish car drivers all you want. But many of us don’t really want to have to commute downtown in any fashion. We are doing it because we have too. To get to jobs we need to have in cars because it is the only efficient method available to us.

And this is from someone who only commutes in when absolutely have too. It used to be easy in and out, quick and efficient. Not much time spent idling in traffic unless you count accidents. During the pandemic and the aftermath of work from home it was even faster.

The last few times into the office have been brutal, because so many lanes are gone now. In some places trucks parked illegally for loading and unloading reduce thru lanes down to 1 lane in the middle of “rush” hour.

I really don’t see this ending well for the bike proponent people, at some point businesses who want their car commuting people to come back in full force, won’t be able to get them back. If employers force them back then employees will find jobs closer to home, brain drain out of the city. Business will start putting pressure on the dc govt. to do something to make it easier for the 98% of their employees who don’t bike. The whole bike thing is great in theory and when the pandemic emptied the streets I’m sure many thought what’s the harm. And for 3 years there was no harm because the streets were empty. But in the end the city and businesses need the workers to come back and the businesses to stay.

There are far too many people in this area and the geographic distances they have to travel to get to work make the just build the bikes lanes and they will come mission ridiculous on so many levels. It’s all so whimsical and cart before horse really. Why not spend the energy lobbying for better, faster, cheaper modes of public transport. Get the cars off the roads first and then the bikes and people can roam free

Such a strange screed. It’s like the person who wrote this has never heard of “Park and Ride” or considered that getting those people who live close enough in to bike or ride might free up road space for those who don’t. The poster certainly does not understand that making everyone reliant on cars by not providing a variety of different transportation options helps no one, except the automotive industry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:$52

What is this about, how is this thread making money for WABA?

A poster vowed to donate $1 to WABA for each page over 100.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Been commuting down Connecticut Ave for 20+ years.

I just don’t see how this will work.

Just yesterday, here’s what I noticed:

-Buses blocking the right lane prompt cars to cut off cars to switch lanes, slowing down traffic (and sometimes causing an accident)

-Delivery trucks routinely double-park in the right lane

-Traffic back-ups as cars wait to turn right. Not sure why certain cross streets get backed up, but they do. The result is a stand still on CT. This happens for cars turning left as well.

Why not create a bike lane on streets that run parallel to CT Ave?

You are describing the problem. The existing situation is already untenable. It will only worsen as the suburb continue to grow. We need to do it another way. That is what is happening. Thanks for making the point.

What’s the solution? People biking to work?

Again: been driving from Olney to K street for decades. I literally recognize my fellow drivers. Nobody is switching to a bike. Nobody is slowing down their commute by riding a bus or driving to a metro station, fighting for the privilege to pay for parking, waiting for a train, then riding with the huddled masses.

The real solution is to create alternate routes for cars—and bikes if you like.

I see less than a handful of bicycles each day.

Guess what?

I’ve been hit by bikes twice over the years. Both times I was stopped at a light and they slammed into me after I had been stopped for a while.

You have park and ride at Rockville and Glenmont, both of which are close to Olney. You drive in because you don’t want to spend time with “the huddled masses”. Honestly, if that’s your attitude, please just stay in Olney.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:$52

What is this about, how is this thread making money for WABA?

A poster vowed to donate $1 to WABA for each page over 100.

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association is a scam. If you look at its tax filings, you'll see almost its entire $2 million budget comes from taxpayer money. Basically, the D.C. government pays WABA to lobby the DC government. Great use of tax dollars (and is this even legal?).

You might also ask why, if the public is so in favor of bike lanes, why WABA is incapable of supporting itself. Out of its $2 million in revenue, just $108,000 came from its members' dues. Sure looks like they're having trouble finding people to support them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe not infinite, but you can see how a lot of people don't have cars either by finances or choice. On the other hand, there is a lot of room to grow in terms of housing.

Doesn't it make sense as housing options are expanded, to ensure people who live here can get what they need without a car?

Also, doesn't Amazon and the various food delivery services make that easier as well?

There are more cars registered with the city than there are households.

Yes, but 35 percent of households don't have any cars.

My single neighbor has at least 5.

Ha, I think you are talking about me. Divorced woman with 4 cars , 2 short blocks from Conn Ave.

What can I say, I love classic cars ....


And for the record, I predict that the bottleneck bike lanes get removed within 2 years when the area between the Circle and the Zoo becomes an unmitigated clusterfuk.

Exactly like the idiotic project to narrow Wisconsin to a single travel lane a few years ago, in Glover Park

Thanks for painting a very vivid image of the kind of people who are opposing measures to improve the safety of cyclists in DC.

Cyclists would be wise to understand two realities:
1) You’re a small group of people in a much larger city.
2) The world doesn’t revolve around you.

And you don't seem to understand that dedicating so much space and transportation real estate to single occupancy vehicles is past the 'not sustainable' phase and we need to do something different. Status quo is not an option, what do you propose?

By definition: Bicycles are single occupancy vehicles while cars and trucks are multi. Those are just facts. Status quo is always an option.

It's not just that bikes are single occupancy. It's also that there a very few bikes. This is a lot of space to dedicate to a miniscule number of people.

Household surveys suggest that about 5% of commuters bike, which is about a tenth of the number who drive. The amount of road space and road funding dedicated to not just bikes but scooters and other personal mobility devices (including motorized wheelchairs) is much much lower than a tenth (or even 5%). The installation of bike lanes on Connecticut Avenue NW is not going to change that significantly.

Secondly, any city planner that designs projects that encourages people to commute in ways that are expensive, environmentally destructive, and inevitably produces congestion that destroys everyone's happiness and productivity is not very good at their job. Setting aside a miniscule fraction of road space to allow people to commute comfortably in ways that actually have positive externalities for society is basic common sense. I'm sorry if this rubs up against the ways in which you are set, but it is what it is.

I think the issue is that you're like a religious zealot and you're going to build all these bike lanes regardless of whether anyone wants them or uses them.

Lots of people want to use them and will use them. Many people are too scared to bike because they don't like being in the road without being separated from manic drivers. Once the protected bike lanes are installed, cycling will be practical for a lot more people than it currently is.

This is just delusional. People who aren't into bikes have no idea what a protected bike lane even is. The idea that they're waiting around for them to be built is laughable. People don't want to bike because it is completely impractical for a thousand reasons. Probably why polls consistently showing biking is the least popular mode of transportation in the city despite relentless promotion by the city.

Right it’s hilarious people all over the world bike because that is their only option. Cars are too expensive. Poor people (usually brown) all over the suburbs ride hand me down ill fitting bikes (on sidewalks) to and from their minimum wage jobs, in the heat and in the cold, in the middle of the night or early morning because that is their only option, because public transport is non existent or terribly inconvenient, and expensive. Given the chance they’d much rather drive or carpool because then they’d have much more free time to work and earn money or spend doing something they’d actually enjoy.

Bike lane folks in dc are doing it for pleasure, or exercise or ego or a bunch of other reasons that have nothing to do with necessity or saving the planet. There are no trade offs being made. It’s a choice, one of many that they have, since they live close to work they have at their disposal inexpensive, efficient, safe and clean public transport if they choose. Not hours long commutes by multiple buses and trains. They can afford safe, clean fuel efficient, or electric vehicles. If it snows or rains they can pick any of the other methods. Biking to work is practical because they live close enough to their destinations. They have private offices, showers at work, and can store their bikes in their offices. If they work late they can take a car home, on the company, and be home in 15 mins. They aren’t riding home in their bikes at midnight, because they don’t have to.

It’s all so disingenuous, blather in and in about, selfish car drivers all you want. But many of us don’t really want to have to commute downtown in any fashion. We are doing it because we have too. To get to jobs we need to have in cars because it is the only efficient method available to us.

And this is from someone who only commutes in when absolutely have too. It used to be easy in and out, quick and efficient. Not much time spent idling in traffic unless you count accidents. During the pandemic and the aftermath of work from home it was even faster.

The last few times into the office have been brutal, because so many lanes are gone now. In some places trucks parked illegally for loading and unloading reduce thru lanes down to 1 lane in the middle of “rush” hour.

I really don’t see this ending well for the bike proponent people, at some point businesses who want their car commuting people to come back in full force, won’t be able to get them back. If employers force them back then employees will find jobs closer to home, brain drain out of the city. Business will start putting pressure on the dc govt. to do something to make it easier for the 98% of their employees who don’t bike. The whole bike thing is great in theory and when the pandemic emptied the streets I’m sure many thought what’s the harm. And for 3 years there was no harm because the streets were empty. But in the end the city and businesses need the workers to come back and the businesses to stay.

There are far too many people in this area and the geographic distances they have to travel to get to work make the just build the bikes lanes and they will come mission ridiculous on so many levels. It’s all so whimsical and cart before horse really. Why not spend the energy lobbying for better, faster, cheaper modes of public transport. Get the cars off the roads first and then the bikes and people can roam free

The idea of adding bike infrastructure is not some new pandemic-era thing; some of the specific bike lanes are, but it's nonsense to say, oh, they figured they'd try this out when no one was downtown.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:$52

What is this about, how is this thread making money for WABA?

A poster vowed to donate $1 to WABA for each page over 100.

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association is a scam. If you look at its tax filings, you'll see almost its entire $2 million budget comes from taxpayer money. Basically, the D.C. government pays WABA to lobby the DC government. Great use of tax dollars (and is this even legal?).

You might also ask why, if the public is so in favor of bike lanes, why WABA is incapable of supporting itself. Out of its $2 million in revenue, just $108,000 came from its members' dues. Sure looks like they're having trouble finding people to support them.

You're partly right: They do get a lot of money from the government. But this 990 indicates that about $800,000 came from government grants, not $2 million, and none of the grants were for lobbying. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/237305477/202122239349300402/full

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Been commuting down Connecticut Ave for 20+ years.

I just don’t see how this will work.

Just yesterday, here’s what I noticed:

-Buses blocking the right lane prompt cars to cut off cars to switch lanes, slowing down traffic (and sometimes causing an accident)

-Delivery trucks routinely double-park in the right lane

-Traffic back-ups as cars wait to turn right. Not sure why certain cross streets get backed up, but they do. The result is a stand still on CT. This happens for cars turning left as well.

Why not create a bike lane on streets that run parallel to CT Ave?

You are describing the problem. The existing situation is already untenable. It will only worsen as the suburb continue to grow. We need to do it another way. That is what is happening. Thanks for making the point.

What’s the solution? People biking to work?

Again: been driving from Olney to K street for decades. I literally recognize my fellow drivers. Nobody is switching to a bike. Nobody is slowing down their commute by riding a bus or driving to a metro station, fighting for the privilege to pay for parking, waiting for a train, then riding with the huddled masses.

The real solution is to create alternate routes for cars—and bikes if you like.

I see less than a handful of bicycles each day.

Guess what?

I’ve been hit by bikes twice over the years. Both times I was stopped at a light and they slammed into me after I had been stopped for a while.

You should want the bike lanes. Because the more people who have that option, opens up the capacity to make it easier for someone like you to make that drive.

And oh, there are kids at adjacent private schools who live in Olney and bike it every day. So ya, you could do it if you wanted to. If a 15 year old can then you could too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Been commuting down Connecticut Ave for 20+ years.

I just don’t see how this will work.

Just yesterday, here’s what I noticed:

-Buses blocking the right lane prompt cars to cut off cars to switch lanes, slowing down traffic (and sometimes causing an accident)

-Delivery trucks routinely double-park in the right lane

-Traffic back-ups as cars wait to turn right. Not sure why certain cross streets get backed up, but they do. The result is a stand still on CT. This happens for cars turning left as well.

Why not create a bike lane on streets that run parallel to CT Ave?

You are describing the problem. The existing situation is already untenable. It will only worsen as the suburb continue to grow. We need to do it another way. That is what is happening. Thanks for making the point.

What’s the solution? People biking to work?

Again: been driving from Olney to K street for decades. I literally recognize my fellow drivers. Nobody is switching to a bike. Nobody is slowing down their commute by riding a bus or driving to a metro station, fighting for the privilege to pay for parking, waiting for a train, then riding with the huddled masses.

The real solution is to create alternate routes for cars—and bikes if you like.

I see less than a handful of bicycles each day.

Guess what?

I’ve been hit by bikes twice over the years. Both times I was stopped at a light and they slammed into me after I had been stopped for a while.

DC doesn't have more space to create new roads. How is this a solution?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:$52

What is this about, how is this thread making money for WABA?

A poster vowed to donate $1 to WABA for each page over 100.

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association is a scam. If you look at its tax filings, you'll see almost its entire $2 million budget comes from taxpayer money. Basically, the D.C. government pays WABA to lobby the DC government. Great use of tax dollars (and is this even legal?).

You might also ask why, if the public is so in favor of bike lanes, why WABA is incapable of supporting itself. Out of its $2 million in revenue, just $108,000 came from its members' dues. Sure looks like they're having trouble finding people to support them.

No, it wouldn't be legal, and at the same time, if you looked at the public filings that ALL legitimate non-profits make, you would know that they don't do this. WABA gets grants from the DC government to conduct educational programs in schools and for adults- how to ride safely, how to change tires, how to maintain the equipment etc.

The money they use for lobbying comes from donations and other sources, AS SHOWN ON THEIR FORMS.

So let's stop with the lying, it really undermines your arguments.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Been commuting down Connecticut Ave for 20+ years.

I just don’t see how this will work.

Just yesterday, here’s what I noticed:

-Buses blocking the right lane prompt cars to cut off cars to switch lanes, slowing down traffic (and sometimes causing an accident)

-Delivery trucks routinely double-park in the right lane

-Traffic back-ups as cars wait to turn right. Not sure why certain cross streets get backed up, but they do. The result is a stand still on CT. This happens for cars turning left as well.

Why not create a bike lane on streets that run parallel to CT Ave?

You are describing the problem. The existing situation is already untenable. It will only worsen as the suburb continue to grow. We need to do it another way. That is what is happening. Thanks for making the point.

What’s the solution? People biking to work?

Again: been driving from Olney to K street for decades. I literally recognize my fellow drivers. Nobody is switching to a bike. Nobody is slowing down their commute by riding a bus or driving to a metro station, fighting for the privilege to pay for parking, waiting for a train, then riding with the huddled masses.

The real solution is to create alternate routes for cars—and bikes if you like.

I see less than a handful of bicycles each day.

Guess what?

I’ve been hit by bikes twice over the years. Both times I was stopped at a light and they slammed into me after I had been stopped for a while.

You should want the bike lanes. Because the more people who have that option, opens up the capacity to make it easier for someone like you to make that drive.

And oh, there are kids at adjacent private schools who live in Olney and bike it every day. So ya, you could do it if you wanted to. If a 15 year old can then you could too.

To drive on Porter and 34th Sts, along with lots of other drivers diverted from Connecticut Avenue!