Improvements on the South side of the White House

For those of us in NW DC, “President’s Park South”, aka the Ellipse, aka the area South of the White House can be an important connection between Foggy Bottom and Penn Quarter. The powers that be are considering a redesign to deal with security issues. 2 of the 5 alternatives being consider would force bikes onto Constitution.

But we can comment! It’s very quick (especially if you copy and edit what I posted). Here’s what I posted:

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As a resident of Arlington, VA and an employee of the federal government in Washington, DC, the area around the White House is an integral part of my daily life. I bike through and around President’s Park South at least once a week. I also bike in the area with my family, including two young kids.

I am writing to urge you to reject Draft Alternatives 3 and 4. E Street NW and the Ellipse are important connections between Foggy Bottom and the cycletracks on Pennsylvania Avenue and 15th Street NW. Routing bikes onto perimeter streets will make this east-west connection considerably less safe. Constitution Avenue, the closest east-west connection, is an eight-lane pseudo-highway in this area. Cars often attain speeds above 50 mph. It is clearly not a safe route for many cyclists.

Similarly, 17th Street NW and 15th Street NW are often crowded with impatient motorists. There are few traffic signals allowing safe crossings on those streets. 15th Street was so unsafe, a cycletrack was installed. However, the cycletrack ends at Pennsylvania Avenue, leaving cyclists unprotected for blocks.

For the safety of cyclists trying to safely travel east-west in this area of DC, please reject Draft Alternatives 3 and 4.

Additionally, I urge you to make any permanent barriers cyclist friendly, and consider how those of us on wheels will travel around those barriers.