Presumed Columbia Pike Crash

[Starduster]

John Harpold, the store manager at Papillon Cycles, Columbia Pike, Arlington, was crashed out by a motor vehicle last night. From what I have been able to discern so far, only substantial bruising and a battle-tested helmet. For that, we are grateful. I do not know where this happened, but since John lives and works on the Pike, that is the most likely location.

Thus far this year, FOUR of our customers have had wrecks with cars in and around our section of Columbia Pike. Injuries ranging from concussion to broken bones. That does not include my mishap leading a shop ride on the Mt. Vernon Trail.

THIS SHOULD NOT BE.

I will post more as I can…

Be safe out there.

Topic

[dasgeh]

As someone who has seen the staff presentations about this area at the BAC, I would say that Arlington County doesn’t take the problems in this area seriously enough. They had an opportunity to do more with the Freeman’s Bridge, they could have moved up construction of the Hoffman-Boston Connector, they had an opportunity to do more with the realignment of Columbia Pike. ACPD came to the BAC, having reviewed the reports, and basically said “this kind of thing happens”. No plans for increased enforcement.

The good news is that 2 of the 3 infrastructure opportunities still exist, and ACPD could always change their enforcement priorities. But the County needs to hear from you: countymanager@arlingtonva.us countyboard@arlingtonva.us

Specific asks could be:
1) Have ACPD prioritize traffic enforcement on the Pike between Courthouse Road and the Air Force Memorial. Strictly enforce the 3-feet-when-passing law. Strictly enforce the yield-to-people-in-crosswalks law. Strictly enforce the no-right-turn-from-center-lane at the times when it is not allowed. Strictly enforce the speed limit.
2) Add signs to this section of the Pike indicating that drivers should expect people walking and biking in the area; and that bikes can and should use the full lane, and that cars must give 3 feet to pass them.
3) Move up the construction of the Hoffman-Boston connector within the CIP, and include a safe, comfortable, convenient connection to 12th Street South.
4) Ensure that the realignment of the Pike includes safe, comfortable bike facilities.

[Author]

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