BikeDC

“An Open Letter from District Bicycle Shops regarding Vision Zero”

By Prince Of Petworth

From an email:

“Dear Mayor Bowser,

As DC bike shop owners, we’re committed to keeping our customers mobile and active. Your administration has made this more difficult. We are demanding that you implement policies and practices that make Vision Zero a reality, not just a campaign promise.

Dave Salovesh was not just a customer, but a good friend, loyal supporter, and vocal critic of the DC government’s sluggish pace when it came to Vision Zero. We will miss his tireless advocacy. We now have to attend to his unfinished business.

People from every Ward and all walks of life use bikes as their primary mode of transportation, their means of making a living, and their gateway to a healthy life. We are committed to making sure that these customers, friends, riding partners, and neighbors have safe and connected infrastructure to ride on. Some of our customers use the roads and parks for recreation and training, things that make living in this city and region enjoyable. Some of our customers use their bikes to get to work or do their job. These DC residents and visitors are no less important but far more vulnerable than a car user and should be prioritized in planning decisions. (more…)

“The reinstalled flexposts are now providing separation between the bike lanes themselves leaving the northbound bike lane exposed”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Something has to be done about this section of the protected bike lane along 4th St NE south of Florida Ave (NoMa). The construction crew removed the flexposts and reinstalled them inadequately. The reinstalled flexposts are now providing separation between the bike lanes themselves leaving the northbound bike lane exposed to opposite traffic.”

Ed. Note: I’ll be sure to send this to DDOT to address ASAP.

“After almost hitting me, he honks and peels out around me.”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

In light of the recent incidents I wanted to share the close call I had yesterday crossing Eastern Ave.

Just another case of impatient and inattentive drivers putting others at risk, this time a police car. No blinker, and he was actually running a red light, since the green on my side is extended. After almost hitting me, he honks and peels our around me. If people in their cars, especially the police, continue to not care about those outside of them, more people will continue to die.”

“Sadly it seems bike theft is widely accepted in D.C.”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Erin

“Dear PoPville,

Sadly it seems bike theft is widely accepted in DC. Bike was stolen from a locked bike room, the police won’t file a report of stolen property until they can review video surveillance. Found the bike being sold on Craigslist and asked the police what to do and they said to check the serial number when we meet the guy. Seems like not the best advice. For now they can file a report of lost property which will take 5 business days. Anyone else have any luck with this sort thing?”

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

By Prince Of Petworth


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.” (more…)

“he loved a good beer, was a connoisseur of great music, had a wry sense of humor, and an understanding shoulder”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Bekah Richards

From MPD:

“Detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department’s Major Crash Investigations Unit are investigating a traffic fatality that occurred on Friday, April 19, 2019, in the intersection of 12th Street and Florida Avenue, Northeast.

At approximately 10:00 a.m., an automated license plate reader alerted that there was a stolen white van in the area of Benning Road, NE. Metropolitan Police Department Fifth District officers saw the stolen van near the area of Benning Road and Florida Ave, NE and attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver refused to stop for the officers and fled the area. A short time later, officers from the Fifth District discovered the driver of the stolen van was involved in a traffic crash at the intersection of 12th Street and Florida Avenue, NE. The preliminary investigation into this crash revealed that the driver of the stolen van was speeding, while traveling westbound on Florida Avenue NE. (more…)

“Prolific bike thief caught (finally)”

By Prince Of Petworth

I suppose that’s one way to get around bikes being locked down. Chinatown – Washington, DC

Photo by PoPville flickr user Eric P.

Thanks to C. for passing from MPD:

“Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division have announced an arrest has been made in reference to multiple Theft offenses that occurred at the following locations:

First District:

Theft Two: On Tuesday, January 8, 2019, in the 800 block of 14th Street, Northwest, at approximately 8:00 am, the suspect took a bicycle from the listed location. CCN: 19-004-712
Theft Two/ Destruction of Property: On Friday, February 8, 2019, in the 700 block of 5th Street, Northwest, at approximately 7:00 am, the suspect cut a lock and took a bicycle then fled the scene. CCN: 19-027-272
Theft Two/ Destruction of Property (two counts): On Wednesday, March 20, 2019, in the 400 block of L Street, Northwest, at approximately 12:45 pm, the suspect entered a garage at the listed location. Once inside, the suspect cut a fence to a storage area. The suspect then cut a lock and took a bicycle then fled the scene. CCN: 19-048-277
Theft Two/ Destruction of Property: On Tuesday, March 26, 2019, in the 500 block of Massachusetts Avenue, Northwest, at approximately 9:49 pm, the suspect cut a lock and took a bicycle then fled the scene. CCN: 19-052-827
Theft Two/ Destruction of Property: On Tuesday, March 26, 2019, in the 500 block of Massachusetts Avenue, Northwest, at approximately 9:50 pm, the suspect cut a lock and took a bicycle then fled the scene. CCN: 19-053-513
Theft Two: On Tuesday, April 2, 2019, in the 400 block of Massachusetts Avenue, Northwest, at approximately 6:24 am, the suspect took two bicycles then fled the scene. CCN: 19-055-314

Second District: (more…)

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