[dc-critmass-list] WABA Calls for Dialog on Trail Speed Limits

[Eric Gilliland]

For Immediate Release
June 4, 2008

 

Contact:           Eric Gilliland
                        Washington Area Bicyclist Association
                        p) 202-518-0524
                        c) 202-215-5249
                        e) gill at waba.org

WABA Calls for Dialog Over New Trail Speed Limits

 

In a letter today to Mary Bradford, the Director of Parks for the Maryland
National Capital Planning Commission (MNCPPC), the Washington Area Bicyclist
Association (WABA), has called for a public discussion over the recent
decision to erect new speed limit signs on the popular Capital Crescent
Trail in Montgomery County.  While the speed limit signs are just one part
of a broader plan to help address concerns over trail safety, they have
proven to be the most contentious.  Other organizations such as the League
of American Bicyclists and Montgomery Bicycle Advocates (MoBike) have signed
on in support.

"We are disappointed that the cycling community was not brought into the
discussion and that the focus of the effort is aimed at cyclists," said Eric
Gilliland, WABA's executive director.  "WABA makes great effort to educate
cyclists on responsible riding behavior, but trail safety is everyone's
responsibility."  WABA, a local bike safety and education organization,
represents over 7,000 area cyclists and played a key role in the initial
planning and construction of the Capital Crescent Trail.    

Among the association's other concerns about the safety plan are:

 

.        A 15 mph speed limit implies that 15 mph is always a safe speed,
though in more heavily congested sections of the trail 15 mph may be too
fast.  

.        The behavior of other trail users such as runners, walkers and
those with dogs is unaddressed.

.        The safety plan includes no educational efforts to help address
problems of trail etiquette.

.        Widening the trail in order to separate user types was not
considered.

While demand for more trails and safer roads for cyclists increases as gas
prices continue to rise,  and as other area jurisdictions such as the
District of Columbia and Arlington County are making great strides towards
promoting cycling, Montgomery County continues to lag behind.   According to
Gilliland progress on the County's Functional Bikeways Master Plan is
lethargic, key trail projects that would help relieve pressure on the
Crescent Trail are being postponed, and bike and pedestrian friendly
provisions in the revisions to the County's Road Code are facing a strong
challenge.  

 

"It seems a lot easier for Montgomery County to install speed limit signs on
a trail rather than bike route signs on local roads," Gilliland said.

 

For more information, and for a copy of the letter, please contact Eric
Gilliland at the Washington Area Bicyclist Association by calling
202-518-0524 or emailing gill at waba.org.  Information is also posted at
www.waba.org/takeaction/CCT.php. 

 

Eric Gilliland

Executive Director

Washington Area Bicyclist Association

1803 Connecticut Ave NW, 3rd Floor

Washington, DC 20009

p) 202-518-0524

f) 202-518-0936

e) gill at waba.org

w) www.waba.org

 

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