With the forced resignation of Richard White and the installation of Dan Tangherlini , area cyclists have a real advocate (and fellow bike commuter) serving as the head of Metro (even if it is only temporarily).
"We've focused the last 25 years on optimizing the automobile commute," Tangherlini said. "As we run out of space for them, we realize we have to enhance the other alternatives. . . . The streets aren't getting any wider." With money tight, roads jammed and pollution at unhealthy levels, Washington area governments are promoting bicycling more than at any time since the 1970s. And not just for leisurely weekend rides on scenic paths.
Mr. Tangherlini was instrumental in hiring a bicycle coordinator for DC, he pushed for the DC bike plan and for bikes on buses.
With a push starting to hire a bicycle and pedestrian safety coordinator for Metro, the change couldn't have come at a better time.
The major policy change I'd like to see Metro make is to remove the rush hour restriction on bikes. Yes, bikes take up space, but aren't many stops short on parking? Allowing bikes might help with that. Luggage also takes up space, but there's no rush hour restriction on taking luggage on Metro. Even a more reasonable rule of "no bikes on a crowded train" would allow those with a reverse commute to use metro during rush hour.
Addendum More here.
What's interesting about the article linked to is the stat that only 0.3% of Metro riders get to the station by bike. If you consider that it is estimated that 2% of all trips in DC are by bike, it would appear that cycling is dramatically under-represented. It shows how far Metro has to grow, since there should be a natural synergy that allows people to live car free.
While we're talking about Metro, I'll add that as a cyclist I fear Metrobuses as a group more than any type of vehicles. The drivers tend to have a bad attitude about cyclists in general. Maybe this new position and new leadership will change this.
Posted by: Contrarian | January 17, 2006 at 07:21 PM
What is interesting about Contrairian's comment is that they are basising their comment on current statistics. This fails to consider that if our local elected officals and law enforcement agencies would make and enforce laws to ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE CYCLIST, more people would ride bicycles as a mode of transportation instead of putting their bike on their car to drive to the trail to bicycle.
Posted by: PodiumZoentjes | January 19, 2006 at 01:57 PM
The laws are there, the enforcement is the problem. Did you know that by law, in DC cyclists are entitled to the entire lane if it is 11' or less in width? Of course, traffic enforcement is basically missing in the region, not just for bicycles.
Posted by: Contrarian | January 20, 2006 at 02:34 PM