Barnes Dance, Painted

After nearly five years of existence, the "Barnes Dance" all-ways crossing finally has painted pedestrian lines. The intersection at 7th and H Streets NW offers an all-ways pedestrian crossing period every third light sequence. All vehicular traffic is held by red lights during this time period, and no turns are allowed. Previous paint schemes did not cover the entire intersection.

Slow Down, Pretty Please

This is a neighborhood PSA: Slow down, please. 

One of the first posts on this blog was, in fact, about speeding cars in Mount Pleasant. In my little world, this is still a problem! We can debate all day about whether DC, VA or MD produces the most horrendous driving  But, one offense that drivers from all three are guilty of is speeding through Mount Pleasant.

With virtually no enforcement, no bulb outs and only scattered speed humps I feel like speeding is not really checked in Mount Pleasant. There is usually sufficient traffic on Mount Pleasant Street itself to limit speeding, but the four way stops and pedestrian crossings are fair game for more aggressive drivers, apparently. There's really no straight-shot east/west route in and out of the neighborhood. So, people are always scheming to make a quick left onto Park Road, or cut through on Kilbourne, or beat the light on Irving, or whip around the turn at Monroe Street; the list goes on. 

There are many school kids, elderly, dog walkers, walking commuters, bikers and everyone in between trying to enjoy ourselves and get around. Let us do that in peace and safety. Slow down, please.

Reasons to Be Car Free in DC: MPD's All Seeing Eyes

More radar cameras, less speeding?

First, we thought they didn't work. Now, we think they do. Red light and speeding cameras are here to stay, for better or for worse. 

And now, not only are District leaders expanding the number of cameras, but adding more ticketable offenses. A year from now --when the new deployment is set to be complete-- Metro Police Department cameras will be able to record infractions such as blocking the box at intersections as well as failure to yield to pedestrians. 

I like the idea of increased enforcement of aggressive drivers in regards to pedestrians, but I'm not sure I like the idea of having cameras everywhere to catch every driver who is a few miles above the speed limit or who tried their best, but gets caught in the intersection at a light. There are some terrible drivers in the DC region, no doubt. But, at some point the enforcement is what it is. Put the cameras in the trouble spots and keep attacking the problem from other angles; like traffic calming measures, better lighting and markings at intersections and installing bulb outs for pedestrians. 

Here is a current list of red light camera locations in the District. And here's the current list of photo radar (speeding) camera locations in the District. Drive safely, and slow down!

No Turns at 7th and H NW. Period.

Taxi driver being ticket for turning at 7th and H

Drivers downtown can no longer make turns at the corner of 7th and H Streets NW. Not a left turn, not a right turn, no turns. This has been the case since May of this year. That's when the city installed an all-ways pedestrian crossing pattern and other changes to accommodate foot traffic in the busy Gallery Place and Chinatown neighborhood. I had  never personally seen enforcement until last week. 

This photo (left) is from last Thursday when I witnessed DC traffic enforcement ticketing drivers who made turns at the intersection. It was the first sting I had seen over this issue. Just as a casual observer, I have noticed that most offenders are tuning right onto H from 7th northbound, but I'm sure there is a more even distribution.

Part of the problem may be signage. I think the no turn signs are pretty small. And I haven't seen any media or public service stating the change. 

The change was made to streamline both pedestrian and vehicle traffic at the busy intersection. Pedestrians get normal right of way walk signs on each traffic turn, but also get an all-ways walk signal every third light. They can even cross the intersection diagonally, with no vehicle traffic. Having a no turn restriction also clears the intersection and surrounding streets of cars waiting for drivers ahead to turn against oncoming traffic or pedestrians. Sound ideas, but perhaps better signage and more signage are in order. A few sting operations might do the trick, too.

No turn signage at northwest corner

Major Changes at Key Intersection

Yesterday, the intersection at 7th and H NW in Chinatown took up a new set of rules. In a pilot program by the District Department of Transportation, pedestrians are now allowed to cross diagonally through the intersection while all cars are stopped at red lights. In additional, all turns are prohibited at all times.

There were up to five DDOT traffic controllers at the intersection at times yesterday. I don't think that is a permanent solution, but they sure helped. Crossing diagonally; we can learn to do that. The hardest part will be teaching the drivers that turns are no longer allowed here. Not from H onto 7th and not from 7th onto H. I observed several light cycles and this was the biggest problem. There is some signage on the corners, but maybe some overhead signage is necessary? Something that is front and center to the drivers line of sight that says "NO TURNS." Most of the denied turners were attempting to turn right, eastbound onto H, from northbound on 7th.

DDOT estimates 27,000 pedestrians and 26,000 vehicles use this intersection each day. That's more than 1 person for every car. Pedestrians are given an exclusive cross signal for about 30 seconds every three cycles. That means they can cross 7th, H, or diagonal while ALL vehicular traffic is stopped. Pedestrians also get to cross with the vehicle lights as they were before. The difference now is that there are no turns allowed, so the traffic, in theory, will flow much faster through this area.

Champlain Street-Marie Reed Underpass

Finally had a chance to go see the new Champlain Street-Marie Reed School underpass this weekend. Previously, Champlain Street NW in Adams Morgan was interrupted by a pedestrian only underpass at Marie Reed School. The school straddles both sides of Champlain Street. On the other side of the interrupting island was a street called Old Morgan School Pl. Old Morgan School Pl continued south and connected at an intersection with Florida Avenue.

The area around the former pedestrian way was often dimly lit and sketchy, although it was adjacent to the busy Reed city pool entrance and the school playground. It was known as a trouble spot for as long as I can remember. Not a place you would want to be alone after a certain hour.

But opening the street up to vehicular traffic --along with more lighting and a bike path-- has livened up the immediate vicinity. Its not nearly as intimidating as before. The new car lane is one way, southbound. And it's closed to traffic during school days (until 3:30pm), which makes sense. Bicyclists get a "sharrow" lane with the southbound cars and also get their own contraflow lane in the northbound direction. The northbound bike lane is not protected from cars in the adjacent lane (unlike the buffered 15th Street southbound bike lane). We'll have to rely on drivers slowing down and bikers keeping a straight and steady hand at the wheel.

This has to be great news for residents of all the new-ish condos and apartments on Champlain Street as well as the long time residents. An easier route to Florida Ave and generally greater traffic flow through the neighborhood. Great job by the city on this one.

New Signage at Busy Intersection

Late last week the city placed two new stop signs in the intersection of Lamont and Mount Pleasant Streets NW. The new signs are in the middle of the street and add another layer of safety precaution for drivers, bikers and pedestrians who all share the busy corner.

Mount Pleasant Street carries north-south traffic at all hours, Lamont is the terminal for the 42 bus, and has H buses stop on either side of the intersection. Mount Pleasant Street is so wide at this point, maybe drivers were missing the normal (albeit HUGE) stop signs on located on the sidewalks? At any rate, the new signs are right in the middle of the street, so if there was a problem before, hopefully this goes toward fixing it.

CH Under Construction

While the Mount Pleasant portion of Park Road is very close to being polished and done, Columbia Heights is a mess of construction workers, narrow and restricted lanes and traffic backups. 14th Street has been reduced to two lanes between Irving and Park. That's slowing he 50s buses and makes for rough turning angles for larger vehicles. The Kenyon St-14th Street intersection has been temporarily reduced to one lane. The landscaped plaza (pictured left) in front of Park Triangle Apartments is taking shape, but remains mostly roped off as of last night. It is looks like it could be a valuable and active public space that's actually. The gravel pit which was there before was rarely used, naturally. It was all gravel!

Park Road in between 16th Street and Mount Pleasant Street is much improved. I will post photos of it after all the work is done, but the work is virtually finish as I write this. The changes at the intersection of 17th St, Park Rd and Mount Pleasant Street have made life a little easier on pedestrians. And the general streetscape improvements --including bulb outs, new light fixtures and new sidewalks-- were spot on and worth the wait.

The folks in Columbia Heights are still dealing with a Park Road with severely restricted parking and one travel lane instead of two. And that's all the way from 13th Street to 16th. Three painfully long and slow traveling blocks. After the 14th Street and Park Road reconstructions, DDOT will move onto Irving Street between 16th and 14th. All work is scheduled to be complete by Spring of 2010.

Even Hiatt Place, the short street connecting Irving and Park Roads, is getting some action. The Bell Multicultural High School is getting a new athletic field. The new space is adjacent to the rear of DCUSA, where the old Bell School was located before being expanded an rebuilt on 16th Street. The new athletic field is made of a field-turf like artificial material similar to the new fields at other Ward One schools Harriet Tubman Elementary and Cardozo Senior High. Thanks to Derek for the photo of the field construction in progress.

Could This Work in DC? Car Free Streets

Here is a nice look at a pedestrian plaza on what used to be a taxi, bus and car filled Broadway in New York City. The NYC Council closed parts of the busy thoroughfare and turned the streets over to pedestrians, loungers, musicians and tourists. This is the area in and around Times Square. The jury is still out on whether it was a good move or not, but it can not be denied that the newly created spaces are being used by, well, all types of people. Traffic seems to be no worse for the wear.

Imagine a car-less 18th Street NW in Adams Morgan, or Connecticut Ave NW on both sides of Dupont Circle, or Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House. Well, Bill Clinton gave us the last one. But could DC do more to emulate New York by giving parts of our street grid to pedestrians? Yes, Council could. Will they? Probably not, but just for ha-has, where would those places be?

Sections of Park Road Sidewalk Reopen

Good news for you folks living on Park Road between 16th and Mt Pleasant Streets. Sections of the sidewalk are starting to be released back into the public domain. And they are much wider now than before. I'd say a good two feet wider. That formerly narrow stretch of sidewalk is much trafficked and was due for an upgrade any year now. Enjoy it. Car traffic shouldn't suffer much. Well, after the construction anyway. Not so fun to drive on Park Road right now in its current condition. There's basically a little less than one complete lane available. Stay away; unless you're walking!

Multi Space Meters for Mount Pleasant

Looks like the Mount Pleasant parking scene is going the way of Adams Morgan and Penn Quarter. Solar powered multi space meters are being installed all along the commercial strip. The green parking posts will replace the old meters, which allowed for only one car per meter. The new multi space meters allow as many cars hat can fill a block's worth of curb space. They accept coins (no pennies) and credit/debit cards. Take the receipt you get after payment and place it in the front window, left side of your dashboard. No word if the double parkers will make use of the extra spaces.

Park Road Under Major Construction

As part of a year+ long project that affects Mount Pleasant and Columbia Heights, Park Road is under major construction. The always busy street is even more congested from 14th Street NW to Mt Pleasant St NW as of last month. There is one west bound travel lane between 16th & Mt P Streets and reduced sidewalk space.

The utility work is being done in conjunction with the Columbia Heights Street Scape. When finished, the road will have a completely new serface, markings and both north and south sidewalks will be widened. The south sidewalk is particularly in need of widening. Expect at least one sidewalk to be completely open at any given time along the route.

Mt Pleasant Transportation Study Meeting

This may be the last chance to see and ask about the recommendations and improvements included in the Mount Pleasant Transportation Study.

Generally, the purpose of the DDOT study, in it's own words are:

"...to examine the existing and future traffic conditions in Mount Pleasant, and to identify transportation-related improvements needed to enhance efficiency of all modes of transportation, promote safety of all road users (vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians), enhance streetscape. and to address transit, bicycle and pedestrian transportation needs."

The details:

Public Meeting

Sacred Heart 1625 Park Rd. NW,
Washington, DC 20010

Saturday, November 15, 2008
9 a.m. to Noon
9:00 to 10:30 a.m. — Presentation
10:30 a.m. to Noon — Open House

More information on the web at: http://www.dci-projects.com/Pleasant/

I'm guessing Ward One council person Jim Graham will be there, as well as some significant staff from the Department of Transportation.

No Poll Needed: MD Drivers are the Worst

Last week the Washington Post decided to have a little fun and installed a poll on their website's new "Friday Follies" column. The question was simple: "Which region has the worst drivers?"

I immediately thought of an experience I wrote about more than a year ago! It was the second post ever on this blog. Its all anecdotal, but face it, Maryland drivers are the worst. They are most often those who take up the entire crosswalk at a light, speed through Mount Pleasant streets, intimidate pedestrians on 16th Street and generally disregard common courtesy, if not the law.

Sorry to pile on MD driver, but I have to say the poll sort of validates all the worst things I had been thinking. Don't take it personal, just resolve to drive better.

If you want to weigh in, here you go. The poll is still open on twiigs.com.

Which region has the worst drivers?

• The District
• Maryland
• Virginia

Created on Aug 14, 2008

View Results

poll by twiigs.com

Yes to Traffic Circle at 16th and Columbia

Should 16th Street and Columbia Road be the site of DC's newest traffic circle or park? An idea that's been floated in recent years, the circle would beautify a rather mundane looking but busy intersection as well as have a traffic calming potential. A new gathering place for the community could be created and Mount Pleasant could get an appropriate entrance, replacing the confusing s-curve left turn from northbound 16th Street.

Today the intersection is a busy, yet, controlled crossroads connecting Columbia Road, Mt Pleasant Street, 16th Street and Harvard Road. The crisscrossing roads create three islands; Rat Park and two smaller cement pedestrian islands. There are 9 legal places to cross the streets as a pedestrian, although jaywalking is not uncommon. Bicycles share the road with the pedestrians and daily car traffic from the District, Marylanders and Virginians alike. 16th St, Columbia, and Mount Pleasant St are each key bus corridors carrying the popular H series buses, S series buses, and of course the 42 buses.

A circle, or square, would break up the trip from Adams Morgan into Columbia Heights and act as a barrier and break in between those two neighborhoods and Mount Pleasant. Buses may be delayed from their current timetable, but crosstown traffic on Columbia and north-south traffic on 16th would be slowed. Dog owners would have a place to run and relieve their pets, greatly reducing the use of our front yard. As much as I love Lamont Park Rat Park, a new, grassy park with a memorialized historical figure would look even better. Hmmm.... who? There are plethora of choices. I nominate Walter Washington, the first modern mayor of the District. Or Alexander Graham Bell, or Harriet Tubman. They both have schools nearby.

This, of course is all speculation and dream, but ideas like this have to start somewhere. Here's to dreaming, once again.

18th and Columbia Getting Key Upgrades

The messy intersection of 18th Street and Columbia Road NW is getting a long overdue facelift. Work recently started to improve what is considered one of the most dangerous crossings in the city. A key stop along the 42 bus route, the intersection isn't particularly pedestrian friendly, with a wide Columbia Rd crossing, and a long "super block" on 18th Street with only two traffic lights between Florida Ave and Columbia Rd.

The work is scheduled to be complete in December of this year.

One of the major safety concerns is the pedestrian island that allows west bound cars on Columbia to turn onto northbound Adams Mill Road by way of a slip through lane. Although the city added a traffic light specifically for that particular pedestrian cross walk, it was routinely ignored by both pedestrians and drivers. The new pattern will eliminate the island all together and add a bulb out, increasing the sidewalk space for pedestrians and shortening the distance needed to cover when crossing both Columbia and 18th St/Adams Mill Rd. Drivers will be able to make a normal right hand turn onto Adams Mill Road. I won't be sad to see the kiosk/billboard post removed either. It was only good as a rain shelter. There is other work scheduled for the area includng extensive work on Adams Mill Road itself. See the DDOT project page for details.

The work will take place from 7am-7pm Mondays through Fridays.

The next project for the city should be to increase sidewalk space on both sides of 18th Street between Wyoming Ave and Columbia Rd. There is no space to walk more than one or two abreast. Add a leashed dog or a stroller or two and its impossible. Friday and Saturday nights make for interesting people watching as pedestrians spill out onto the street due to sheer sidewalk overload. Hopefully its on the radar and can be addressed in the next few years.

No Congestion Fees for New York, or DC

New York's state government killed the proposal for congestion fees in Manhattan yesterday; meaning the long-shot that we could experiment with them in DC has disappeared, too. I guess last week's report really was an April Fool's joke. Too bad. I was hoping to seriously entertain the idea here. Maybe in another 50 years...

Congestion Pricing May Get Approval...

...in New York that is. A few months ago, I wondered in a post, if a FREE buses and subway system could fly here in DC. The theory stood that if motorists were charged a steep, but rigid and enforced congestion fee for driving in the downtown core of Washington, the revenues could subsidize public transportation. An NYC-centric proposal was put together by Nurture New York's Nature, but remains just a neat idea with no political teeth. That exact plan is still not close to reality.

However, the New York City Council recently approved a plan, charging an $8.00 congestion fee for all cars entereing Manhattan below 60th Street. That means you'd be charged for driving into roughly the lower third of Manhattan, including most of the trendy neighborhoods (Lower East Side, Financial District, Times Square, the Village, etc), plenty of tourist attractions, museums galore, theaters and music venues, 5th Ave shopping and hotel, hotels, hotels. Most visitors already pay to enter Manhattan through the Holland, Lincoln and Brooklyn Battery tunnels. Never have drivers been charged to just drive beyond a numbered street on the city grid before. The city must get state approval before implementing the plan and there's still an issue of securing a large chunk of federal dollars in order to get the project off the the ground. So, its not a done deal, but a step has been made to move forward.

What do you think? Are congestion fares, well, fair? Would they result in less cars on the road and more people on trains? Or will this be an exercise in messy futility? And... could it work in DC?