tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post2893212298285365175..comments2023-02-28T05:31:31.342-05:00Comments on One Good Wheel: Pennsylvania Avenue U-turnsOGWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770570458446337796noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-37463316893448803972012-11-14T14:50:26.193-05:002012-11-14T14:50:26.193-05:00Today I was hit by a taxi and knocked of my bike a...Today I was hit by a taxi and knocked of my bike and across the bike lane right in front of city hall. I was in the bike lane and he was making a U-Turn. He came from behind me and I never saw him until he slammed into me. This is really dangerous - the U-turns aren't actually deemed illegal, but yet these guys don't look for bike traffic coming behind them when they swerve toi get a cab fare or deliver a car to valet. It's worse because there is barely any street light on Penn Ave too. I've alerted WABA and DDOT, posted pictures on twitter.everywhereatoncehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16336612892021848296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-6335640488536412762012-10-26T14:03:15.800-04:002012-10-26T14:03:15.800-04:00I think the signs that indicate "No u-turns&q...I think the signs that indicate "No u-turns" at every single block make it plenty evident that U-turns are illegal. I agree; it's not an issue of ignorance on the part of the drivers, it's an issue of lack of enforcement combined with insufficient infrastructure.Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04783788913878785286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-58174359721176623832012-10-26T12:15:08.837-04:002012-10-26T12:15:08.837-04:00This is infuriating! Great post; I tweeted it. (...This is infuriating! Great post; I tweeted it. (@I_Live_DC) Thanks for taking the time to observe, photograph, and blog this.Julia Sugarbakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04453115138460577276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-5834338646093084372012-10-26T10:18:30.935-04:002012-10-26T10:18:30.935-04:00Thank you for doing this! And great work!Thank you for doing this! And great work!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-38045637758529744622012-10-25T19:15:24.879-04:002012-10-25T19:15:24.879-04:00I just sent a complaint to the DC Taxicab Commissi...I just sent a complaint to the DC Taxicab Commission (tctc3@dc.gov). I encourage everyone to do the same:<br /><br />Dear DC Taxicab Commission,<br /><br />I recently came across a number of online photographs of drivers illegally making U-turns across the median bike lanes on Pennsylvania Avenue NW, near Federal Triangle. The photographs, which were taken along just one block of the avenue, show illegal U-turns at a rate of about one-per-minute. Unfortunately, they also show the majority of the drivers driving taxis. <br /><br />The photos can be found here: http://onegoodwheel.blogspot.com/2012/10/pennsylvania-avenue-u-turns.html. For your reference, I have also noted the company, number, and licence plate (where available) and would encourage you to inform licensed taxi drivers to respect the laws for the safety of all road users.<br /><br />Company / Number / License Plate:<br /><br />Silver Cab Ass'n / 663 / NA<br />NA / NA / H91653<br />Eugene Kelly / 1516 / NA<br />Yellow Cab Company / 216 / NA<br />NA / 180 / NA<br />Dynasty Cab / 3 / NA<br />Yellow Cab Company / 688 / NA<br />Grand Cab / 172<br />NA / NA / H99184 or H99164 and VA IHJ-9483<br /><br />Thank you for your attention to this important matter.<br /><br />RegardsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-66308474693161378932012-10-25T17:14:41.019-04:002012-10-25T17:14:41.019-04:00I t-boned a taxi at night in these lanes. The driv...I t-boned a taxi at night in these lanes. The driver stopped perpendicular to the bike lanes (waiting to turn left) and I applied brakes but could not stop in time, so I hit the rear door panel. I was using a flashing headlight and bell, but he didn't notice me until I slammed into his taxi. It was terrifying that only a tiny amount of speed and distance saved me from just getting straight hit. pixiestyxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10429788908041814210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-55460928345761764952012-10-25T14:13:29.879-04:002012-10-25T14:13:29.879-04:00Ha! That was the best response ultra! "Do you...Ha! That was the best response ultra! "Do you fear for your safety?" Nail on the head!cephashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04881712205613797594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-34200539561392870502012-10-24T14:19:39.345-04:002012-10-24T14:19:39.345-04:00I applaud your efforts to document a growing probl...I applaud your efforts to document a growing problem on the streets of our nation's capitol. Illegal U-turns are just one of the many traffic enforcement issues requiring attention by the DCPD. I have been a DC-area bike commuter for the last 20 years, and have observed that compliance with traffic laws by vehicle drivers, the growing number of cyclists, and pedestrians has increased. <br /><br />Some, but not all, drivers not only make illegal u-turns; they also turn without looking first and signaling; they double-park and block traffic and bike lanes; they drive without their headlights on; they drive the wrong way on one-way streets; they talk and text on their smartphones while driving; and while it is not illegal, they often don't respect bike commuters as having equal rights to use the road for transportation (see Anonymous 11:13 who only thinks bikes are for exercise and recreation).<br /><br />Some, but not all, cyclists commit illegal maneuvers and practices as well. They don't stop at stop signs or red lights; they "salmon" (cycling against traffic); they don't signal; they don't wear helmets; and they don't have reflectors or lights on their bikes.<br /><br />Some, but not all, pedestrians also violate the rules. They cross against the pedestrian signals and they J-walk.<br /> <br />So, if we are to all get along on these roads in a safe manner, we need to start by complying with the rules which are designed by transportation experts to keep us safe. If we aren't willing to comply voluntarily (as I have observed over the last 20 years), then DCPD needs to start enforcing those rules against all users in an even-handed manner. Rules without enforcement are just "good advice." Strong and fair enforcement will change behavior whether you drive, bike or walk. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16139137184728172432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-91784199686410306382012-10-22T11:35:32.048-04:002012-10-22T11:35:32.048-04:00The CFA rejected the standard yellow center line m...The CFA rejected the standard yellow center line markings for aesthetic reasons. Legally it wouldn't matter - I've been unable to find any reference in DC's regulations that prohibits U-turns across even double yellow center lines or allows them across white lines.<br /><br />Just having markings and laws doesn't seem to matter either. In my conversations with drivers making these turns I've heard layer upon layer of excuses: it's not illegal, the markings aren't clear, it's too inconvenient, everyone does it, enforcement is a job for law enforcement, they were careful, and so on.OGWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02770570458446337796noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-17628041181721160232012-10-22T10:26:12.719-04:002012-10-22T10:26:12.719-04:00I think part of the problem is that the lanes are ...I think part of the problem is that the lanes are painted white and I have spoken to several people who believe that white (as opposed to yellow) lanes are ones through which u-turns are permitted. Sadly, the fact that there are bike lanes between opposing lanes of vehicular traffic doesn't seem to be much of a deterrent.Alan Pagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07349389379428110815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-72739312541359913352012-10-20T22:42:30.877-04:002012-10-20T22:42:30.877-04:00This is really mo.st excellent. Thank you for pos...This is really mo.st excellent. Thank you for posting.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18182542434357364134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-23232246515124548432012-10-19T10:39:21.617-04:002012-10-19T10:39:21.617-04:00I appreciate that you were not singling out cabs. ...I appreciate that you were not singling out cabs. But I still think it is worthwhile to report this to the cab companies. Those companies have the ability to affect their drivers' behavior. If 80% of offenders are taxis (consistent with what you observed), then reforming them will go a long way to making the cycle track safer. Further, for the regular drivers who may or may not realize they are doing wrong, not seeing cabs constantly U turn may reduce the perception that this is acceptible behavior. Finally, I don't see a problem with holding professional drivers to a higher standard. Quite the opposite!<br /><br />Please consider reporting this info.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-81034317062943054012012-10-19T09:17:44.803-04:002012-10-19T09:17:44.803-04:00I don't mind too much the illegal U-turns--I f...I don't mind too much the illegal U-turns--I figure you're never going to stop it in a city like this--but I wish they'd look first. The number of times I've almost been hit (on a bike) by taxis and others U-turning on top of me is ridiculous. I've even had them shout at me for being in the way. It would seem to me that a little respect for the right of others to actually live wouldn't be that difficult to have, but I appear to be wrong.<br />DEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-8002429270085512202012-10-19T07:01:02.288-04:002012-10-19T07:01:02.288-04:00I'm not sure why I observed so many taxis maki...I'm not sure why I observed so many taxis making these U-turns. I'm not surprised, but I don't know what it is about driving a taxi that is incompatible with driving legally and safely. I didn't single them out; the main focus is on the turns and not who did them.<br /><br />The camera is a point-and-shoot, but i took a lot of pictures. The red SUV's U-turn was to let the passenger off at the Ariel Rios building right next to where I was standing, so she saw me doing it and wanted to know why. She didn't really argue with me about that, but she did complain to the security guard about it.OGWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02770570458446337796noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-56917049836219075952012-10-18T20:40:36.872-04:002012-10-18T20:40:36.872-04:00I second reporting it to the cab companies if you ...I second reporting it to the cab companies if you can, especially the first one. A single report may cause no action, but if enough people do it, and pressure is applied...<br /><br />Also, Im surprised people noticed you taking pictures, especially in DC where tourists photograph everything. What kind of camera was it, point and shoot or big lens? James Sinclairhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00948509061118072998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-13941992573677047992012-10-18T13:43:37.845-04:002012-10-18T13:43:37.845-04:00Can you provide the photos to the relevant cab com...Can you provide the photos to the relevant cab companies and the taxi commission? I know it's not "news" to them, but maybe it would put a little pressure on them. Even if nothing is likely to come of it directly, complaints add up and documenting the problem in their own records could be useful -- especially if (hopefully not when) one of these cabs causes a serious accident.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-41361007127725723202012-10-18T13:19:39.209-04:002012-10-18T13:19:39.209-04:00But there are many cyclists that use bikes to comm...But there are many cyclists that use bikes to commute to work and run errands, not just for exercise and recreation. For the former, a winding road through Rock Creek Park doesn't serve that purpose like on-street bike lanes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-88817470945336590482012-10-18T12:58:24.096-04:002012-10-18T12:58:24.096-04:00For DC, 311 is the only method. I've used 311 ...For DC, 311 is the only method. I've used 311 for many service requests, but it's sometimes hard to find out what, if anything, was done in response.OGWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02770570458446337796noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-9143394458083818632012-10-18T11:49:55.121-04:002012-10-18T11:49:55.121-04:00I have almost been hit on Penn several times for d...I have almost been hit on Penn several times for drivers' disregard for cyclists lanes. <br /><br />Taken straight from DC Pocket Bike Law Guide: <br />Does a cyclist have to ride in a bike lane?<br />"There are no regulations in DC which state that<br />bicyclists must use a bike lane when one is provided."<br /><br />Bike lanes are put there for the safety of vehicles and pedestrians, as it is illegal to ride bikes on the sidewalk in that part of the city. But it is also part of the cyclists duty to pay attention to the laws and follow them. "We" the cyclists would be just as bad as those vehicles who make those illegal U-turns.<br /><br />Great research! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-33706670690180168882012-10-18T11:39:53.319-04:002012-10-18T11:39:53.319-04:00A network of bike lanes serves the same purpose as...A network of bike lanes serves the same purpose as a network of roads, getting people from one place to another. If anything, providing bike lanes where people already use bikes improves the roads for non-bikers too.<br /><br />Wherever you see bike lanes or bike paths and there are bikers who pick an alternative such as riding on the roadway, that's a sign that the lanes or paths aren't meeting their needs. The Pennsylvania Avenue bike lanes need improvement, not elimination.OGWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02770570458446337796noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-45529368024832695962012-10-18T11:34:33.315-04:002012-10-18T11:34:33.315-04:00Anonymous at 11:13,
while it is difficult to fit b...Anonymous at 11:13,<br />while it is difficult to fit both bicycles and motorized vehicles on the roadway it does not mean that cyclists should be shoved off of roadways that provide the most direct access to their workplace or other location simply because they are smaller. If roadway users used the roadway as is legally expected there would be no issues here, but because many of the vehicles cross over bike lanes a danger is created for cyclists and for drivers (emotionally, I wouldn't want to deal with seriously injuring or killing a cyclist because I pulled an illegal U-Turn). It is often argued that cyclists break many laws (such as running red lights) because they get so little respect on the roadway. If motorized vehicles acted the way they are supposed to, and if space were provided for, and actually given to, cyclists, they may be more inclined to follow the laws as well. As it is, they have to compete with cars, and often, in order to ensure their safety.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-44888099279324896352012-10-18T11:30:25.336-04:002012-10-18T11:30:25.336-04:00I always hate seeing that. How do you feel when yo...I always hate seeing that. How do you feel when you see that, Anonymous? Did you fear for your safety, or just feel frustrated because it is illegal and should be punished?ultrarunnergirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12509015436909032553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-40637776290794437022012-10-18T11:20:25.071-04:002012-10-18T11:20:25.071-04:00I wish MPD *at least* had a program like Rockville...I wish MPD *at least* had a program like Rockville's WRITE program: http://www.rockvillemd.gov/police/forms/write.htmlBossihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15032063076539453859noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-80658908547013154262012-10-18T11:13:54.261-04:002012-10-18T11:13:54.261-04:00I can see how those U turns would be a problem for...I can see how those U turns would be a problem for the cyclists. That bike lane really shouldn't be there. We have plenty of paths through parks and other parts of the metro area where people can get their excercise. Putting a path on a busy city street like this doesn't make much sense as your pictures prove. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747683193295874752.post-59642705898550712982012-10-18T10:59:54.122-04:002012-10-18T10:59:54.122-04:00@ Anonymous, 10:05 AM - Cyclists who don't sto...@ Anonymous, 10:05 AM - Cyclists who don't stop don't excuse drivers who make U-turns through two bike lanes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com