2011 East of the Anacostia Program Update

Approximately one month ago, we announced an ambitious plan to improve cycling and empower cyclists in parts of DC east of the Anacostia River.

Thanks to the generous contributions of many, we now know that we will be able to begin the program–but we have not yet reached our full goal. Nonetheless, we plan to start immediately and not waste a beautiful spring for getting people on bikes.  We know that WABA supporters will come through if we demonstrate that we are serious about expanding cycling in Wards 7 and 8. So let me tell you how serious we are:

Initially, we had planned to host five mobile bike shops in DC’s wards 7 and 8.  Now, with a commitment from The Bike House to increase our mechanical aptitude and outreach ability–we’re doubling that number.  We will have ten mobile bike shops East of the Anacostia this season.

We had planned classes to get riders onto bikes and teach them to ride safely.  We have already scheduled classes in Deanwood, Anacostia, and Benning, and we are taking registrations now.  If you live in Ward 7 or 8, come take a class, or forward this link to your friends and neighbors who do.

We have secured the twenty Capital Bikeshare memberships we plan to give away.

We have begun recruiting new staff, and have hired an Assistant Bicycle Ambassador to focus entirely on encouraging cyling East of the Anacostia.

We have secured commitment from Johns Hopkins University staff to conduct a Health Impact Assessment on targeted bicycle infrastructure in Ward 8.

But we have not fully achieved our needs.

We have not yet been able make our major capital purchase of this program: 10 sturdy and reliable bikes, 10 high-quality locks, and 30 helmets.

We have not yet secured a health professional to conduct the important health screenings of program participants.

We have not yet secured the all funding need to maintain the additional community-based Bike Ambassador staff east of the river through the full season.

We are well on our way, but these final items are critical to making this program work.  We are grateful for the contributions that our supporters have made and continue to make.  And we are excited to have gained enough support to begin the work. But we still need a bit more to make it to the finish line and deliver the full 2011 East of the Anacostia program. If you are able to contribute to WABA’s 2011 East of the Anacostia program, we would appreciate your continued support. Thank you.