WASHINGTON — Hundreds of bicyclists clogged up Connecticut Avenue on Wednesday evening. The riders pedaled in protest after learning a project to put bike lanes there would not move forward. The lanes would have gone between Rock Creek Park and Chevy Chase.
Traffic was brought to a standstill Wednesday by the cyclists. The protest was put on by the DC Bike Party group. Riders gearing up for the monthly ride wanted to send a message, including ANC Commissioner for Glover Park, Kevin Lavezzo.
"Half the time I ride on Connecticut Avenue I get cut off or almost hit, with the most recent time being on Friday night," Lavezzo said.
The protest was a way for cyclists and safety advocates to make their voices heard after they learned that the Connecticut Ave safety project will no longer include protected lanes for bikes.
"Tonight's ride is really to point out to the mayor that she made a horrific mistake," said bicycle advocate Steven Seelig. "To leave out an entire ward of the city to be able to get to and from local businesses and downtown we think is a crime and the mayor owes us better."
The DC Bike Party's monthly rides have been going on for years. Organizers say they generally have a theme. It's usually about friends and fun, but Wednesday's topic brought a more serious tone.
"DDOT and the Mayor are not taking the wishes of resident who live in that area with enough consideration in this decision," Lavezzo said.
Those who rode down Connecticut Avenue Wednesday hope there is still room for some wheeling and dealing at City Hall to get those bike lanes back into plans.
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