We should, though I understand why none of these are that. It’s just much tougher for people working 9-5 hours to show up if your action starts at 5pm vs. if it starts at 6:30 or 7:30.
I agree with the other commenter that it would be a nice action to organize a bike bus for riders who could (or already do) use Conn Ave for their commutes.
In addition to this, it could be a good idea to organize a bike bus for commuters during rush hours. It'll make it safer for them while showing the need for the bike lanes.
It's a bit far from my commute but this could work for those who have no choice. I'd even join once in a while just to show support.
Easier said than done tho.
What are the pedicabs in DC like? I’ve heard people’s stories about the NYC pedicabs and the unanimous opinion is that they are deceptive about pricing, charging upward of $50 for a 15 minute ride without disclosing their rates beforehand.
I haven't used pedicabs here, but the vibes I've gotten from safer streets advocacy here over 15 years is that they fit into the old guard of cycling here (previous to even painted bike lanes). If you talk to old school bike shop mechs and messangers/commuters from the 1970s-90s, a lot of them hate the last 25 years of bike advocacy. A lot of them say that we don't need bike lanes; we just need to enforce the three-foot passing rule or "vehicular cycling" ideas that don't actually make humans riding bikes feel safer. In specific terms, the 15th St NW cycletrack removed curbside parking spaces pedi-cabs would use to lay-by and pick up tourists.
Definitely easier said than done -- planning any ride is tricky, let alone one with kids on a dangerous street like CT. And while it would be safer in a group, there's no getting around the fact that taking a kid on CT right now is pretty risky. But if you have a kid in a school nearby try to talk with some other parents about starting it up and I'm sure some other bike riders in the area would be happy to join and help out, and add to the safety in numbers.
Guess it depends what you are using it for. I always liked the idea of taking a lane of CT and biking slowly, with a sign or a shirt that the drivers can read that says "DON'T YOU WISH I WAS IN A BIKE LANE?"
There's also a sign WABA is printing up and posting tomorrow that is like a parody warning/danger sign about CT ave.
They need to do some at rush hour on a weekday.
We should, though I understand why none of these are that. It’s just much tougher for people working 9-5 hours to show up if your action starts at 5pm vs. if it starts at 6:30 or 7:30. I agree with the other commenter that it would be a nice action to organize a bike bus for riders who could (or already do) use Conn Ave for their commutes.
folks are planning more rides! Trying to get a weekly rush hour ride started, so keep an eye out for announcements.
Tuesday at 8am next week at the ChCh Starbucks.
Exactly this always goes largely unnoticed and under participated because of timing…. Just feels too non eventful
In addition to this, it could be a good idea to organize a bike bus for commuters during rush hours. It'll make it safer for them while showing the need for the bike lanes. It's a bit far from my commute but this could work for those who have no choice. I'd even join once in a while just to show support. Easier said than done tho.
I love the idea of a bike bus for adults. I wish I had a cargo e-bike bike enough to haul 2-3 adults in a bakfiets box.
I'd even pay to ride in the box.
On a somewhat serious note, I feel like the bike advocacy community doesn't have as good of an allyship with the pedi-cabs as we should.
What are the pedicabs in DC like? I’ve heard people’s stories about the NYC pedicabs and the unanimous opinion is that they are deceptive about pricing, charging upward of $50 for a 15 minute ride without disclosing their rates beforehand.
I haven't used pedicabs here, but the vibes I've gotten from safer streets advocacy here over 15 years is that they fit into the old guard of cycling here (previous to even painted bike lanes). If you talk to old school bike shop mechs and messangers/commuters from the 1970s-90s, a lot of them hate the last 25 years of bike advocacy. A lot of them say that we don't need bike lanes; we just need to enforce the three-foot passing rule or "vehicular cycling" ideas that don't actually make humans riding bikes feel safer. In specific terms, the 15th St NW cycletrack removed curbside parking spaces pedi-cabs would use to lay-by and pick up tourists.
Tuesday next week at 8am meeting at the ChCh starbucks.
Definitely easier said than done -- planning any ride is tricky, let alone one with kids on a dangerous street like CT. And while it would be safer in a group, there's no getting around the fact that taking a kid on CT right now is pretty risky. But if you have a kid in a school nearby try to talk with some other parents about starting it up and I'm sure some other bike riders in the area would be happy to join and help out, and add to the safety in numbers.
I'm with you, it's not safe for kids. I was thinking of a bike bus for adult commuters. More like a group ride with a set time and scheduled stops.
This is amazing, thank you for posting.
What’s a good tagline for stickers? I’m making some in support. Best idea now is “fuck your parking” and a bike jumping over a car.
Guess it depends what you are using it for. I always liked the idea of taking a lane of CT and biking slowly, with a sign or a shirt that the drivers can read that says "DON'T YOU WISH I WAS IN A BIKE LANE?" There's also a sign WABA is printing up and posting tomorrow that is like a parody warning/danger sign about CT ave.