WASHINGTON — Bicyclists could legally pedal through stop signs if a proposal being considered by the D.C. City Council’s transportation committee is approved.
The possibility sparked discussion at a public hearing on Tuesday, where more than 24 expert witnesses and local residents shared opinions on four proposed bills aimed at making city streets safe for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
In the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Act of 2015 is the idea of letting cyclists yield at stop signs when traffic is clear. It’s part of an effort to move bicycles into neighborhoods and off busy streets.
The Metropolitan Police Department opposes the measure. Roads are safer when everyone obeys established laws, said Assistant Police Chief Lamar Green.
Elsewhere, a proposal in the Enhanced Penalties for Distracted Driving Amendment Act of 2015 recommends motorists who get three violations in 18 months to have their license and registration suspended for up to six months. The fine would be $400.
The Vision Zero Act of 2015, introduced to the council by Chairman Phil Mendelson on behalf of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, has a goal of zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries in the city by 2024.
One measure in the Vision Zero Act was criticized by advocates against drunk driving as not going far enough. It proposes ignition interlock systems be mandatory for drunk drivers convicted of a second offense, or a first offense with a blood alcohol level of .16, which is twice the legal limit.
Twenty-five states — including Virginia, Delaware and West Virginia — require ignition interlock devices for cars of first-time offenders.
Upon a third conviction for drunk driving in D.C. a driver’s license would be revoked permanently under the proposal in its current form.
Someone commenting on the Failure to Yield for Emergency Vehicles Amendment Act 2015 noted that being directed to pull over as closely as possible to the “right” side of the road would waste opportunities available to the left on so many of the city’s one way streets.
Drivers failing to yield to police and fire vehicles could be fined a minimum of $150 and get a minimum of six points added to their driving records.
While parsing details of all the proposed legislation to improve street safety for drivers, walkers and cyclists – city leaders expressed frustration at having to anticipate the legislation needed to fully realize the “Vision Zero” goal when the District’s Administration has yet to publish its Vision Zero plan that was expected months ago.
