With all this negativity about bikes and pedestrians

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, I was aware about meetings on the “Conn. Ave. Reversible Lane and Safety Study.” I think there is 100% agreement that something had to be done. But, I had no clue that it morphed into getting rid of two travel lanes and parking and creating permanent bike lanes. That’s a much different animal. It was a clever slight of hand by the bike lobby and a dirty trick to pull on many parents who were struggling to educate their kids and keep their heads above water during COVID. This is obviously a divisive issue and deserves a reset informed by post Pandemic data.

No it isn't a different animal. If you had attended ANY of the 50+ meetings that took place, you would have heard the DDOT representatives talk about the different options and benefits of different considerations. It was clear from public input that pedestrian and bike safety were more important that throughput for Maryland commuters. The ANC Commissioners offered additional meetings both as an ANC as well as single member district, to dig into what the constituents wanted. Some of the neighborhood groups also met with DDOT and held additional discussions.

Bottom line, constiuents were engaged, none of it was done in secret - I dont know how one calls public zoom meetings secret, alas, and here we are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Exactly. The city went through a three year engagement process with dozens of public meetings. The ANCs up and down Connecticut Avenue support the project as well as the Mayor, the Councimember and DDOT.

It is only now, AFTER the public engagement and votes and AFTER the money has been designated, that people are trying to use their entitled clout to reverse the decision because they happen not to like it.

They could have attended the same public meetings everyone else did. They could have spoken up on the neighborhood email groups etc. But the ANC commissioners and DDOT have all noted the overhwhelming support from the community on this issue.

In other words, the complainers are the deep, but very vocal minority on the issue.

If you want to get involved and live in Ward 3, then reach out to the Ward 3 bikers group. If you are a DC or regional resident, then reach out to WABA.

People didnt even know this was happening. I didnt know until I saw the DCUM thread. People have busy lives.

Many people knew. If you read this forum, or any of the neighborhood emaill groups, or receive CM Cheh's newsletter or the ANC email notices, you would have known about it.

Really, you had to be living under a rock to miss it, and the fact that part of it happened during COVID meant the meetings were online, which meant even more people than normal participated.

Our neighborhood doesn't have an email group (what is that?), I didn't know Cheh had a newsletter and we never got one though we've lived here for over 20 years, and the ANC stopped emailing years ago.

Sorry you aren't engage with your community, but really, how is it that thousands of your neighbors are engaged with their government, but you aren't? That really isn't anyone else's fault.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We could talk all day about who should have known what and when they should have known it, but that's just a waste of time. Some people knew about it, some people didn't. Let's accept that as fact and just move on.

The plan has been approved and it's in all of our best interests to focus on the implementation of it. Could someone who is in the know share here what the process is for implementation feedback and planning? If I live in the 3000 block of Connecticut, for example, how and when can I have input into what the implementation will look like in the Woodley and Cleveland Park segments? Or if I'm on a side street and I want to be part of the conversation around diverted traffic — where and when can I participate in that? If I have a disability and want to be part of discussion on signal timing and raised crosswalks -- how/when/where do I do that?

If those who are in charge of Plan C could share that information here, it would give everyone something concrete to do and a chance to have a voice in the ultimate outcome. Thank you.

DDOT is doing walk throughs this week. Look at the Forest Hills Connection for yet another micro-local source of news and information, if you are not on any of the neighborhood email groups.

Was it on the Cleveland Park email list? I didn’t see it and just did a quick search and didn’t find anything. I did find the article on Forest Hills Connection’s website, but that was just published yesterday and the first walkthrough is Monday morning. Is there a single official site where meeting dates/times are announced? Here’s the Forest Hills link in case anyone wants to read it: https://www.foresthillsconnection.com/news/ddot-holding-connecticut-ave-walkthroughs-to-discuss-parking-and-loading-needs/

DDOT announced the walk throughs at the last 2-3 public meetings, including the one 3 weeks ago.

[Anonymous]

2021 https://wtop.com/dc/2021/12/dc-plans-to-eliminate-reversible-lanes-on-connecticut-avenue-add-bike-lanes/

2019 - see question number 53 https://dccouncil.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/2019-DDOT-Performance-Oversight-Questions-Responses-to-Council-02.17.19.pdf

There is even a 2002 DDOT study about ending the reversible lanes, that cited bike lanes as among the many improvements that could come.

Really, none of this should be a surprise to anyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, I was aware about meetings on the “Conn. Ave. Reversible Lane and Safety Study.” I think there is 100% agreement that something had to be done. But, I had no clue that it morphed into getting rid of two travel lanes and parking and creating permanent bike lanes. That’s a much different animal. It was a clever slight of hand by the bike lobby and a dirty trick to pull on many parents who were struggling to educate their kids and keep their heads above water during COVID. This is obviously a divisive issue and deserves a reset informed by post Pandemic data.

No it isn't a different animal. If you had attended ANY of the 50+ meetings that took place, you would have heard the DDOT representatives talk about the different options and benefits of different considerations. It was clear from public input that pedestrian and bike safety were more important that throughput for Maryland commuters. The ANC Commissioners offered additional meetings both as an ANC as well as single member district, to dig into what the constituents wanted. Some of the neighborhood groups also met with DDOT and held additional discussions.

Bottom line, constiuents were engaged, none of it was done in secret - I dont know how one calls public zoom meetings secret, alas, and here we are.

You are aware that parents during that time were engaged in an existential battle with the city to try and get their schools reopened? Please pardon us for taking our eye off the ball with regards to bikes and scooters on Connecticut Avenue.

[Anonymous]

I'm confused. Which parents don't want a safe Connecticut Ave? The ones I know are excited about this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm confused. Which parents don't want a safe Connecticut Ave? The ones I know are excited about this.

The ones that live on side streets just off Connecticut that will become much less safe.

[Anonymous]

What is "the bike lobby" supposed to be, exactly? People who oppose this project simultaneously think no one rides a bike anywhere and that cyclists are an irresistible force in city politics, which doesn't seem to make sense. You think WABA, with a total annual revenue of $1.6 million in 2019, is running this town?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Exactly. The city went through a three year engagement process with dozens of public meetings. The ANCs up and down Connecticut Avenue support the project as well as the Mayor, the Councimember and DDOT.

It is only now, AFTER the public engagement and votes and AFTER the money has been designated, that people are trying to use their entitled clout to reverse the decision because they happen not to like it.

They could have attended the same public meetings everyone else did. They could have spoken up on the neighborhood email groups etc. But the ANC commissioners and DDOT have all noted the overhwhelming support from the community on this issue.

In other words, the complainers are the deep, but very vocal minority on the issue.

If you want to get involved and live in Ward 3, then reach out to the Ward 3 bikers group. If you are a DC or regional resident, then reach out to WABA.

I have two small kids and a big job and still knew all about these changes. Which I very much support btw. I don’t own a bike but anything that slows the damn MD drivers down is fine by me. What’s your next excuse for why you couldn’t possibly have known about this and the city should cancel everything until you personally are on board?
People didnt even know this was happening. I didnt know until I saw the DCUM thread. People have busy lives.

Many people knew. If you read this forum, or any of the neighborhood emaill groups, or receive CM Cheh's newsletter or the ANC email notices, you would have known about it.

Really, you had to be living under a rock to miss it, and the fact that part of it happened during COVID meant the meetings were online, which meant even more people than normal participated.

You obviously don't have kids. If you one day have kids, you will laugh at how insane you sound.

Zoom meetings are great for parents! I have been able to attend so many more community meetings! Although now that every meeting is a webinar, and you can't read anything that any attendee says, and if you ask a question, it gets sorta interpreted rather than even read, it's not really participatory anymore, I'll concede.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is "the bike lobby" supposed to be, exactly? People who oppose this project simultaneously think no one rides a bike anywhere and that cyclists are an irresistible force in city politics, which doesn't seem to make sense. You think WABA, with a total annual revenue of $1.6 million in 2019, is running this town?

Uh, an entity that is legally mandated to register as lobby group constitutes a lobbying organization. Second, $1.6 million is a lot of money for a local organization focused on bicycles. You should see the budgets that social service groups operate on. Third, what’s their budget in 2022? How much revenue? Embarrassed to say?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Exactly. The city went through a three year engagement process with dozens of public meetings. The ANCs up and down Connecticut Avenue support the project as well as the Mayor, the Councimember and DDOT.

It is only now, AFTER the public engagement and votes and AFTER the money has been designated, that people are trying to use their entitled clout to reverse the decision because they happen not to like it.

They could have attended the same public meetings everyone else did. They could have spoken up on the neighborhood email groups etc. But the ANC commissioners and DDOT have all noted the overhwhelming support from the community on this issue.

In other words, the complainers are the deep, but very vocal minority on the issue.

If you want to get involved and live in Ward 3, then reach out to the Ward 3 bikers group. If you are a DC or regional resident, then reach out to WABA.

I have two small kids and a big job and still knew all about these changes. Which I very much support btw. I don’t own a bike but anything that slows the damn MD drivers down is fine by me. What’s your next excuse for why you couldn’t possibly have known about this and the city should cancel everything until you personally are on board?
People didnt even know this was happening. I didnt know until I saw the DCUM thread. People have busy lives.

Many people knew. If you read this forum, or any of the neighborhood emaill groups, or receive CM Cheh's newsletter or the ANC email notices, you would have known about it.

Really, you had to be living under a rock to miss it, and the fact that part of it happened during COVID meant the meetings were online, which meant even more people than normal participated.

You obviously don't have kids. If you one day have kids, you will laugh at how insane you sound.

Zoom meetings are great for parents! I have been able to attend so many more community meetings! Although now that every meeting is a webinar, and you can't read anything that any attendee says, and if you ask a question, it gets sorta interpreted rather than even read, it's not really participatory anymore, I'll concede.

You mean Zoom meetings are great for YOU.

[Anonymous]

All this supposed debate and still no one can give a coherent answer to this simple question:

“Traffic calming” is also a nice euphemism for promoting congestion as a matter of policy through reducing roadway capacity.

Where do the cars go when this happens? Everyone has been asking this question and the responses have been total nonsense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Exactly. The city went through a three year engagement process with dozens of public meetings. The ANCs up and down Connecticut Avenue support the project as well as the Mayor, the Councimember and DDOT.

It is only now, AFTER the public engagement and votes and AFTER the money has been designated, that people are trying to use their entitled clout to reverse the decision because they happen not to like it.

They could have attended the same public meetings everyone else did. They could have spoken up on the neighborhood email groups etc. But the ANC commissioners and DDOT have all noted the overhwhelming support from the community on this issue.

In other words, the complainers are the deep, but very vocal minority on the issue.

If you want to get involved and live in Ward 3, then reach out to the Ward 3 bikers group. If you are a DC or regional resident, then reach out to WABA.

I have two small kids and a big job and still knew all about these changes. Which I very much support btw. I don’t own a bike but anything that slows the damn MD drivers down is fine by me. What’s your next excuse for why you couldn’t possibly have known about this and the city should cancel everything until you personally are on board?
People didnt even know this was happening. I didnt know until I saw the DCUM thread. People have busy lives.

Many people knew. If you read this forum, or any of the neighborhood emaill groups, or receive CM Cheh's newsletter or the ANC email notices, you would have known about it.

Really, you had to be living under a rock to miss it, and the fact that part of it happened during COVID meant the meetings were online, which meant even more people than normal participated.

You obviously don't have kids. If you one day have kids, you will laugh at how insane you sound.

Zoom meetings are great for parents! I have been able to attend so many more community meetings! Although now that every meeting is a webinar, and you can't read anything that any attendee says, and if you ask a question, it gets sorta interpreted rather than even read, it's not really participatory anymore, I'll concede.

You mean Zoom meetings are great for YOU.

Are you paid hourly to throw ridiculous prompts of idiocy baiting good willing posters on anonymous forums to respond?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Exactly. The city went through a three year engagement process with dozens of public meetings. The ANCs up and down Connecticut Avenue support the project as well as the Mayor, the Councimember and DDOT.

It is only now, AFTER the public engagement and votes and AFTER the money has been designated, that people are trying to use their entitled clout to reverse the decision because they happen not to like it.

They could have attended the same public meetings everyone else did. They could have spoken up on the neighborhood email groups etc. But the ANC commissioners and DDOT have all noted the overhwhelming support from the community on this issue.

In other words, the complainers are the deep, but very vocal minority on the issue.

If you want to get involved and live in Ward 3, then reach out to the Ward 3 bikers group. If you are a DC or regional resident, then reach out to WABA.

People didnt even know this was happening. I didnt know until I saw the DCUM thread. People have busy lives.

Yes, clearly, there was a conspiracy to silence you. That’s why they had all those public meetings.

ANCs have historically been the back waters of politics. People only paid attention when they needed a curb cut or building permit. There was no reason to pay attention otherwise. During the pandemic the ANCs were co-opted by progressive activists who somehow think they have a mandate for major social change. It’s bizarre.

Oh FFS. This has been DC law FOREVER. You elect the mayor. The mayor appoints the head of DDOT. DDOT oversees traffic safety and public space. The ANCs must receive notice of any DDOT plan to change traffic patters and their views must be given great weight. DDOT must provide the public with opportunity to comment. Then DDOT takes it all into consideration and makes a decision.

Traffic modifications do not come from ANCs. They come from DDOT. But the ANC is your best venue for a local voice.

You don’t like it, elect a different mayor who will take a stand for prioritizing drivers from MD over road safety and use of public space by all modes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Exactly. The city went through a three year engagement process with dozens of public meetings. The ANCs up and down Connecticut Avenue support the project as well as the Mayor, the Councimember and DDOT.

It is only now, AFTER the public engagement and votes and AFTER the money has been designated, that people are trying to use their entitled clout to reverse the decision because they happen not to like it.

They could have attended the same public meetings everyone else did. They could have spoken up on the neighborhood email groups etc. But the ANC commissioners and DDOT have all noted the overhwhelming support from the community on this issue.

In other words, the complainers are the deep, but very vocal minority on the issue.

If you want to get involved and live in Ward 3, then reach out to the Ward 3 bikers group. If you are a DC or regional resident, then reach out to WABA.

People didnt even know this was happening. I didnt know until I saw the DCUM thread. People have busy lives.

Many people knew. If you read this forum, or any of the neighborhood emaill groups, or receive CM Cheh's newsletter or the ANC email notices, you would have known about it.

Really, you had to be living under a rock to miss it, and the fact that part of it happened during COVID meant the meetings were online, which meant even more people than normal participated.

You obviously don't have kids. If you one day have kids, you will laugh at how insane you sound.

what more do you want? seriously. how do you feel you should be catered to? should you get notices delivered to your window by carrier pigeon?