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Community Corner

Bike Safety: A Georgetown Community Effort

It takes bikes, driver and pedestrians together to make transportation safe for all.

Nothing is more terrifying for a bicyclist than being trapped in rush hour traffic between a honking taxi and a distracted driver.

Fortunately, there is a way for those who partake in all modes of transportation to maintain harmony on the road and to travel safely from Point A to Point B.

“‘Don’t be a jerk’ is a rule that can pretty much apply universally,” said Topher Mathews, a blogger for Georgetown Metropolitan who routinely writes about local bike politics and is secretary of the Citizens Association of Georgetown.

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Of course, the situation is more nuanced than whether or not someone is a jerk, but common courtesy can go a long way toward keeping Georgetowners safe on the road, and the community has been increasingly accommodating of local cyclists. 

“The community of Georgetown is very supportive of bicycling,” said ANC commissioner and avid cyclist Tom Birch.

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“There is growing awareness by non-bicyclists in Georgetown of how many Georgetowners bike to work and to run errands,” said Ken Archer, a bicycle advocate, blogger for Greater Greater Washington and member of the Citizens Association of Georgetown.

There’s always room for improvement, however. Chris Holben, a bicycle program specialist with the District Department of Transportation, suggests cyclists take advantage of lights, bells and reflective vests to keep drivers and pedestrians aware of their presence on the roads and sidewalks. He also noted how important it is for cyclists recognize their role on the road.

“Cyclists on the street have to follow the rules of the road, just like any automobile,” said Holben.

But cyclists cannot maximize safety alone. Bicycle safety will have to be a community wide initiative. 

“I think it’s incumbent upon everyone – bikers, pedestrians and drivers – to be aware that the others exist,” said Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans.

Drivers, in particular, must be conscious of the cyclists with whom they share the road.

“The drivers in their cars need to be alert to what they’re doing,” said Birch. “That means no talking on cell phones, no putting on your eye makeup, no texting while you’re driving.”

Holben noted that even a stationary automobile is potentially dangerous, suggesting that drivers always check for cyclists before opening their street-side doors and potentially knocking down a moving bicycle.

Of course, the community can only do so much without government support. Fortunately, the execution of several initiatives suggest local government is invested in keeping the roads safe. 

There are plans to add commuter-friendly bike lanes on L and M streets, which will extend from Pennsylvania Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue, and will be created next spring.

Until then, if Georgetowners stay aware, alert and courteous, cyclists can feel safe on both the sidewalks and streets, and can keep their fellow community members traveling by car and on foot safe as well.

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