Speed detector unit blocking S Eads St. bike path

[RideTheWomble]

Does the EPA shuttle bus still block the bike lane at Potomac and Crystal Drive every day? That’s right across US 1. I always thought that to be incredibly hypocritical, too.

[KLizotte]

@PeakCars 7159 wrote:

FYI, Arlington County placed a mobile speed detection unit in the middle of the painted bike lane on South Eads St next to the water treatment plant. The action does not speak well of the county’s position towards bicycles or bicycle safety, nor is it clear if the police department placed the unit there without coordinating with anybody. Thank you.

PeakCars

It’s been there for a while. I really don’t understand why they stuck it on that road to begin with since it isn’t heavily travelled, you’ve got an intersection coming right up, etc. There are far more dangerous roads that could make better use of the machine (and not block the bike lane). I wish the county would get around to repainting the bike lane itself; it’s barely visible at this point.

[Dirt]

Many years ago I had a bunch of “I Parking in bike lanes” stickers made up. I ran out pretty quickly. I might need to revisit that idea.

[Tim Kelley]

This was brought up earlier on the forum and I thought progress had been made: http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?1057-South-Eads-Blocked-Bike-Lane

Apparently not, so I’ll follow up with the police contacts I have to see if I can find out more information.

Thanks for calling it to our attention again!

[Tim Kelley]

I got a quick and favorable response from ACPD:

“We did have our speed trailer in the 2900 block of S. Eads St. for about a week. It was removed yesterday to prep it for another location so it is no longer blocking the bike lane. I have spoken to the operator about avoiding that situation in the future….”

[PeakCars]

@Tim Kelley 7191 wrote:

I got a quick and favorable response from ACPD:

“We did have our speed trailer in the 2900 block of S. Eads St. for about a week. It was removed yesterday to prep it for another location so it is no longer blocking the bike lane. I have spoken to the operator about avoiding that situation in the future….”

That’s great – thanks. As was stated by others in this and the previous related post earlier this year, I hope Eads St itself one fine day receives a bike lane upgrade, particularly on the northbound side where the bus depot entrance, parked cars, numerous entry points (CVS and McDonalds most notably) from the right and a narrow lane in general make for a harrowing last leg of a ride following miles and miles of peace on Four Mile Run, W&OD or Mt Vernon trail. I don’t recall if a Bicycles May Take Full Lane sign is present south of 23rd St S, but those signs tend to be ineffective anyway.

[Author]

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