To the Editor:
The Alexandria Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) is
acting to improve safety across the city, with a recent focus in Old
Town. Implementing city plans and policies will make Alexandria more
walkable and bikeable, but we recognize that the behavior of drivers,
cyclists and pedestrians also contributes to how safe and comfortable it
feels to walk, drive, and cycle, particularly in Old Town. BPAC
encourages behavior that is respectful, predictable and lawful. The
value of being predictable and lawful should be self-evident and these
are common themes in transportation safety education. Being respectful
is no less important.
Drivers and cyclists demonstrate respect for pedestrians when they
stop, not only at stop signs, but at other pedestrian crossings when
pedestrians are waiting to cross the street. Cyclists show respect for
pedestrians by avoiding sidewalks where there are safe alternatives.
Where the sidewalk is the only safe option (and where it isn’t
prohibited) cyclists should yield to pedestrians. For me, that means
stopping and stepping aside well in advance of an oncoming pedestrian,
and leaving them a wide berth when overtaking. It is not just a matter
of avoiding the pedestrian, but clearly yielding, and in sufficient time
so the pedestrian knows what the cyclist will do.
What is BPAC doing to encourage more respectful, predictable and lawful
behavior? In September, BPAC launched a two-day education outreach
campaign aimed at cyclists entering Old Town from the north and south
along the Mount Vernon Trail. We set up information booths and talked
to cyclists about safety, and respectful, predictable, lawful behavior.
Each Thursday in October "Bike Ambassadors" from the Washington Area
Bicyclist Association (WABA) and local volunteers from BPAC and
Alexandria Spokeswomen used signs and smiles to encourage respectful and
lawful behavior along Union Street in Old Town. Drivers and cyclists
alike seemed to get the message. BPAC plans to continue these events.
BPAC has also encouraged enforcement by Alexandria's Police Department
(APD). Understanding APD resource limitations and their other
priorities, BPAC's efforts are intended to compliment APD enforcement
efforts. Together, we are starting to have an impact, judging by
anecdotal reports from residents and the APD. Please help by being
respectful, predictable and lawful, whether you are driving, cycling, or
walking.