WABA Quick Release

Archive for October 20th, 2010

On Monday, DDOT Director Gabe Klein signed a Complete Streets policy. The policy, effective immediately, states in part that DDOT projects “shall accommodate the safety and convenience of all users.”

When it comes to DDOT projects, bicyclists and pedestrians are now officially on equal footing with other modes. Please thank Director Klein, Mayor Fenty and Council Chairman Gray for this policy.

While certain corridors will continue to give priority to some modes over others, and some facilities, such as interstate highways or non-motorized trails, exclude certain modes by law, the policy emphasizes that “connectivity throughout the network for users of all modes is essential” and requires that “all transportation and other public space projects shall…ensure that all users, especially the most vulnerable, can travel safely, conveniently and efficiently within the right of way.”

While it won’t lead to a bike lane and a sidewalk on every street, this policy requires DDOT to do more than simply consider the movement of automobiles, and gives residents and advocates another tool if the agency’s projects don’t live up to its own standards.

Most importantly, the policy requires that pedestrian, bicycle and transit Level of Service (LOS) measurements be used to ensure that projects provide sufficient accommodation for all users. It also requires that projects “consider environmental enhancements” such as stormwater runoff, tree space and planting areas, use of recycled materials and energy efficiency.
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That’s right.  We’re giving away free tickets to the Green Festival, taking place this weekend, October 23-24, 2010.

If you’re not a current member, all you have to do is join at the $35 Individual level (or greater).  As a thank you for joining, we’ll give you a one-day ticket to the festival for either Saturday or Sunday.  Don’t worry, if you’re already a member (we love you too), use the same link and just donate 10 bucks (or more) and a one-day ticket is yours.

We’ll be located outside the festival next to the box office, where you can  join or donate in person and pick up your ticket on Saturday from 10am-6pm or on Sunday from 11am-5pm.

Check out the Green Festival Guide to get the complete list of speakers and exhibitors who will be at the festival.