WASHINGTON — A battle between bike advocates and D.C.'s Department of Transportation has raged for months over the fate of Connecticut Avenue and a three-mile stretch of the road between Woodley Park and Chevy Chase in Northwest.
Business owners in no uncertain terms have demanded the city retain valuable street parking and reject a plan that would bring protected bike lanes to the roadway. That side seems to have won out in a slightly modified proposal released to the public by DDOT Monday night.
"They put out a proposal that's going to make Connecticut Avenue more dangerous for young and old people," said Ward 3 Bike Advocates member Steve Seelig. "For pedestrians, for cyclists, and for bus riders. And it's going to placate Maryland commuters only."
There's no question that cyclists, business owners, drivers, pedestrians, and city leaders all want a safer Connecticut Avenue. That's the umbrella mission the 'Connecticut Avenue Multimodal Safety Improvement Project' is all about.
But it's also about a vision for the future of the city and bike advocates feel like all the air has been let out of their tires.
Right now, Connecticut Avenue is 60 feet across and includes six lanes for traffic, with the outer lanes reserved for street parking during non-rush hours.
The new concept includes four travel lanes and a left turn lane at some intersections plus extended curbs for greater pedestrian visibility. There's also street parking, although the number of spots is slightly reduced from the current configuration.
"I know there's disappointment and we're going to continue to build out our bike network. It's going to be amazing," said Acting DDOT Director Sharon Kerschbaum. "I acknowledge the frustration that people are feeling."
Councilmember Matt Frumin represents Ward 3 and provided this statement to WUSA9:
“I am concerned about how we are going to ensure safety for all Connecticut Avenue users – drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians – and not foreclosing the most natural option for bike transit in upper Northwest. For now, I need to take a hard look at these plans and consider what is the most sensible path forward, including how to ensure full community input.”
DC Councilmembers in the coming days will refine and recommend changes to Mayor Muriel Bowser's budget proposal. It remains to be seen if the Council will accept DDOT's new plan or whether they will demand any changes before taking a second vote on the budget next Wednesday, June 12.
Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing newstips@wusa9.com.
MORE WAYS TO GET WUSA9
DOWNLOAD THE WUSA9 APP
Apple App Store: WUSA9 News on Apple
Google Play Store: WUSA9 News on Android
HOW TO ADD THE FREE WUSA9+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WUSA9.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "WUSA9" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WUSA9 NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our daily WUSA9 Newsletter for top stories from WUSA9 curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Commanders content, weather, and more delivered right to your inbox.