DC Bicycle Advisory Council Meeting

January 6, 2016
Attendance: David Cranor (Ward 6), Michael Forester (At-Large), Ellen Jones (Ward 3),
David Alexander (Ward 2), Jeff Johnson (At Large), Andrea Adelman (Co-Chair Safety
Committee), Jeanie Osburn (Chair, Facilities Committee), Jim Sebastian (DDOT),
Michael Alvino (DDOT), Gregory Matlesky (Chairman Mendelson Staff), Garrett
Hennigan (WABA), Kelly Park (Rails-to-Trails), Randall Myers (Resident), Joe McCann
(Resident)
New York Avenue Trail Presentation
Kelly Pack, Rails to Trails staff person, presented a feasibility report that her organization
prepared in cooperation with DDOT that was commissioned by Douglas Development
(DD). DD is a large property owner/developer in the New York Avenue corridor going
east from NOMA to the District boundary. They are planning residential projects with
first floor retail in that corridor and are interested in promoting greater accessibility and
mobility with a multi-use trail starting in NOMA.
Jim Sebastian pointed out that the trail project has been in the regional Transportation
Improvement Program for some time after first appearing in the 2005 DDOT Bicycle
Master Plan.
There was general interest in the project. The trail alignment is on the north side of New
York Avenue and the development projects would be on the south side of New York
Avenue. Ellen mentioned the need for safer crossings than currently exist to get trail
users to their destinations.
Administrative Matters
Approval of Minutes. David moved approval of minutes from the November 4, 2015
BAC meeting. Michael Forrester seconded. Unanimously passed.
Election of Officers. Ellen moved that the slate of David Cranor for President, Michael
Forrester for President Pro Tem, and Jeff Johnson, Secretary-Treasurer be approved by
the BAC. David Alexander seconded the motion. Passed unanimously.
Administrative Support Services. Jeff reported on the funding for administrative support.
Today there is only about $800 in our account. Jim Sebastian is going to help the BAC
and PAC get this straightened out. It was agreed that any recruitment for support services
would be put on hold until funding is secured.

Legislative/Regulatory Matters
Vision Zero. Michael Forrester is preparing comments on the proposed regulations
associated with the Vision Zero Program. Ellen suggested that parking in a bike lane be
fined no less than double parking in a vehicular lane. David suggested commenting on
the requirement for all DC registered trucks to have "under guards" to prevent
cyclists/pedestrians being pulled under them in a crash. The addition of points for failure
to stop for a bicyclist to regulation adding points for failure to stop for pedestrians. A
good deal of discussion took place on the matter of the appropriate amount for fines
without resolution. Michael and David will put comments together for submission to the
CM Cheh's roundtable on the regulations on Friday, January 8th.
Facilities Committee
Jeanie reported out on the Facilities meeting and provided written notes. See attached.
A general discussion of the need for improving current security conditions for Union
Station bike parking took place. With the massive redevelopment/expansion being
contemplated for Union Station, there will be a need for greatly expanded the bike
facilities in the future. There was agreement that the BAC should be very involved in this
going forward. Jeanie will plan a Facilities Committee meeting on site to get the creative
juices flowing.
Safety Education & Enforcement Committee
Ellen and Andrea reported on future plans for the SEE. Meeting with Sgt Thorne on Feb
3rd at 6pm at MPDs NY Avenue and 6th Street Building. Want to meet and learn more
about DCPS bicycle safety education roll-out. Will talk to WABA about their take on it.
Phil Koopman suggested that family confident cycling education is an important way to
boost this effort and sustain the education of the children in their communities.
Summary of BAC Comments Since Nov. 2015 (Individually & Collectively)
Vision Zero, Bike & Ped Safety Act, Enhanced Fines for Traffic Safety Act and
BikeShare Master Plan.
Meeting adjourned at 8PM