Tribute to Dave Salovesh, Father, Husband, Cyclist, Friend, Advocate

12th and Florida Ave, NE

Grant sends photos from the Ghost Bike installation Saturday morning.

DC Bicycle Advisory Council Statement on the killing of Dave Salovesh:

“The District of Columbia Bicycle Advisory Council issued the following statement on the killing of Dave Salovesh.

The BAC mourns the tragic loss of Dave Salovesh, a community leader struck and killed April 19 while bicycling on Florida Avenue NE.

Individual BAC and Pedestrian Advisory Council members issued the following joint statement:

“The cycling and pedestrian community has lost a passionate advocate to a needless death. The majority of the D.C. Bicycle Advisory Council, with support of members of the D.C. Pedestrian Advisory Council, calls on the Council of the District of Columbia, Mayor Muriel Bowser, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the District Department of Transportation to enact further protections for cyclists and pedestrians, and to provide more funding for safety, enforcement, and facilities for cyclists and pedestrians throughout the District.”

― BAC Chair Rachel Maisler, Chair Pro-tem Tom Bridge, Secretary-Treasurer Jeff Johnson, and members David Alexander (Ward 2), David Cranor (Ward 6), Casey Studhalter (Ward 7), Sade Adeeyo (At-Large Grosso), Anders Pedersen (At-Large Mendelson), Randall Myers (At-Large White, Jr.), Emily Oaksford (Ward 1), Eileen McCarthy (PAC Co-chair), and Priscilla Magee (PAC Treasurer), Ivy Benjenk (PAC Secretary/Silverman Representative), Mark Rodeffer (PAC At-large White, Jr.)

Salovesh was a high-profile spokesman for bicyclist safety, a regular at governmental and civic meetings about bike lanes, law enforcement, real-estate development, multimodal transportation, and other issues affecting bicyclist travel in the urban ecosystem. Through his deep involvement in public affairs, he was known to many elected officials and journalists.

Several D.C. councilmembers posted statements about Salovesh.

“Devastating afternoon. Today’s victim at 12th & Florida NE – Dave Salovesh / @darsal – was a friend to me & a friend to #bikeDC. A leader, an advocate, & someone that always pushed us to be better & do more. I am more than heartbroken today & his family is in my prayers tonight.”
― Councilmember Charles Allen

“My condolence to Mr. Salovech’s family and friends. So sorry for his reckless passing. May you be comforted in knowing that Dave was highly regarded by many for his advocacy and outstanding citizenship.”
― Councilmember Anita Bonds

“My sincerest condolences go out to Dave Salvovesh’s family, friends & the entire #BikeDC community. I pray for his family’s comfort during this extremely sorrowful time. I didn’t know Dave personally but the outpouring of love by so many who did shows his impact on our community.”
― Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie

“We must do more to make our streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. I extend My most sincere thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. #BikeDc should be safe and fun for all, not scary.”
― Councilmember Brandon Todd

“I regret that I can’t join the Memorial Ride for @darsal, but am there in spirit & share in everyone’s sorrow. I planned to introduce a bill on Tues. to hasten/expand our protected bike lane infrastructure, but in light of this grievous loss would like to name it in Dave’s honor.”
― Councilmember Mary Cheh

Councilmember Cheh is referring to a ghost bike ceremony, taking place on April 21 at 11 a.m. at 12th Street and Florida Avenue NE. A memorial ride is being planned.

BAC Vision Zero letter 20 Sept 18 (PDF)

The BAC has most recently recommended safety improvements in its September 2018 Vision Zero statement and FY 2018 performance oversight hearing testimony.

BAC Oversight Testimony 2019 (PDF)

The BAC will propose a policy response and vote on a formal statement at its May 1 meeting, taking place at 6 p.m. at One Judiciary Square, 441 4th St NW, 11th floor. BAC meetings are open to the public.”