I took the opportunity to ride across yesterday. And yes, I was distressed to encounter three hideous, ugly and dangerous (as well as useless) bollards on either end.
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I sent this letter to the chair of the DC BAC.
I had the pleasure of riding across the new Frederick Douglas Bridge yesterday. It’s a very beautiful bridge and an enormous improvement for people walking and biking, of course.
I must say I was very distressed to see the hideously ugly and non-compliant bollards blocking the sidewalk. What a travesty to sully the beautiful bridge with those ugly concrete obstacles.
More importantly they are in direct contradiction to FHWA guidance, which states that “bollards should never be a default treatment, and should not be used unless there is a documented history of intrusion by unauthorized cars, trucks, or other unauthorized vehicles.“
The bollards contradict both of these: they were placed by default, and there is no history of anything, since it’s brand new.
I wonder why DDOT chose to disregard FHWA guidance? Was the bicycle/ped community engaged at any point in providing input on this design element? If not, why not?
AASHTO Guidance published way back in 2012 states:
“The routine use of bollards and other similar barriers to restrict motor vehicle traffic is not recommended. Bollards should not be used unless there is a documented history of unauthorized intrusion by motor vehicles. Barriers such as bollards, fences, or other similar devices create permanent obstacles to path users. Bollards on pathways may be struck by bicyclists and other path users and can cause serious injury. Approaching riders may shield even a conspicuous bollard from a following rider’s view until a point where the rider lacks sufficient time to react. Furthermore, physical barriers are often ineffective at the job they were intended for—keeping out motorized traffic. People who are determined to use the path illegally will often find a way around the physical barrier, damaging path structures and adjacent vegetation. Barrier features can also slow access for emergency responders.”
I think this last point is an important, salient one. The bollards not only block unauthorized vehicles, but will also make it difficult to access the sidepaths for emergency needs or maintenance, such as snow removal.They really are a bad, bad idea; they are not recommended by federal guidance, and are ugly to boot. How do we go about getting them removed?