BID Testifies at City Council Hearing

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At a DC Council Committee on Environment, Transportation and Public Works hearing on motor scooters last week, the DowntownDC BID supported the District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) efforts to meet the parking challenges that increasing numbers of motorcycles, motor scooters and bicycles pose for Downtown public spaces. Ellen Jones, the BID’s director of Infrastructure & Sustainability, said parking for these transportation modes is inadequate, causing a growing number of them to be chained to trees, street furniture and bicycle parking racks. She offered the following recommendations for how the city can “take a quantum leap” proving more parking for motorcycles, motor scooters and bicycles in Downtown:

  • Expand existing motorcycle parking areas wherever feasible
  • Identify new locations for motorcycle parking and ensure that they have meters and signs
  • Map and incorporate motorcycle and motor scooter parking areas into DDOT’s goDCgo travel information website
  • Install in-street bicycle parking corrals in high demand areas and ensure that bicycles parked strategically on sidewalks are installed where the width and pedestrian volumes permit

The BID, in conjunction with DDOT, is preparing a three-year bicycle parking plan for the BID area. The plan will serve as a blueprint for implementing the above-stated actions, which could be implemented sooner if the city makes parking a priority by providing sufficient staff and funding. Jones asked that the Committee, chaired by Councilwoman Mary M. Cheh, encourage and support DDOT’s efforts to meet Downtown’s motorcycle, motor scooter and bicycle parking needs. Failure to do so, she said, will create more obstacle courses on sidewalks for pedestrians.