Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.
I could say something like that on those rare occasions when I agree with the Automobile Association of America or the Washington Times. Well, today I hit the "daily double," if you will.
The District of Columbia's Department of Public Works says that, later this month, it will begin to levy $150 fines on drivers who stop or park in bicycle lanes. Perhaps not surprisingly, both the WT and AAA hate the idea.
One point on which I agree with them is that the move probably won't help to improve cyclists' safety or the flow of traffic. I am not familiar with that city's bike routes, but if they're anything like some that I've seen here in New York, they're worse than no lanes at all for cyclists. And, of course, they frustrate drivers.
Perhaps more to the point, though, is this: New York's ban against stopping or parking in bike lanes is rarely, if ever, enforced. Will the Capital City do better in making drivers better at respecting the rights and safety of cyclists as well as pedestrians?
If it doesn't, the result will most likely be more injuries and fatalities--and frustrated drivers, which could lead to more deaths and injuries.
Even more important, though, is the design of both lanes and streets. Unless that is improved, no other policy or piece of bicycle "infrastructure" will do anything to help both motorists and cyclists navigate often-chaotic conditions.
I could say something like that on those rare occasions when I agree with the Automobile Association of America or the Washington Times. Well, today I hit the "daily double," if you will.
The District of Columbia's Department of Public Works says that, later this month, it will begin to levy $150 fines on drivers who stop or park in bicycle lanes. Perhaps not surprisingly, both the WT and AAA hate the idea.
One point on which I agree with them is that the move probably won't help to improve cyclists' safety or the flow of traffic. I am not familiar with that city's bike routes, but if they're anything like some that I've seen here in New York, they're worse than no lanes at all for cyclists. And, of course, they frustrate drivers.
Perhaps more to the point, though, is this: New York's ban against stopping or parking in bike lanes is rarely, if ever, enforced. Will the Capital City do better in making drivers better at respecting the rights and safety of cyclists as well as pedestrians?
If it doesn't, the result will most likely be more injuries and fatalities--and frustrated drivers, which could lead to more deaths and injuries.
Even more important, though, is the design of both lanes and streets. Unless that is improved, no other policy or piece of bicycle "infrastructure" will do anything to help both motorists and cyclists navigate often-chaotic conditions.
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