General Comments, Q&A
Bike to Work Day, May 18
Metro will provide a rest stop at Franconia-Springfield with bike checks, water and other refreshments.
Bike rack installation
Comment: Metro should prioritize the new racks in areas that need more.
Response: The amount of funds available for racks will govern rack installation. We hope to receive federal funding for racks and lockers in FY 2008.
Folding Bikes on Metrorail
Comment: WMATA allows folding bicycles on its trains, but the bicycle has to be in a case and this makes it difficult to carry. Folded bicycles are difficult to handle when they are encased, as they must be carried (they are heavy) and cannot be wheeled. Will Metro consider dropping the requirement for folding bicycles to be in cases?
Response: Metro will look at it and see what can be done.
Question: Where are the new racks going and who is guiding the specifications.
Answer: U racks are the standard used now. Old type III racks will be replaced on a most-needed basis.
Metro’s Strategic Planning Activities
Strategic Planning Activities presentation
Pedestrian and bicyclist strategic planning is underway at Metro, focusing on 5 areas: Regional Partnerships, Business Practices, Access Signage, Way Finding and Safety.
Comments on the draft plan:
- Metrobus training programs should also be a part of the plan.
- Lighting at bicycle parking facilities should be uniform, with no "overlighting" that doesn’t allow people to see beyond lighted area.
- The scale of the lighting needs to be appropriate for pedestrians – high "streetlight"-type lights don’t always adequately light pedestrian areas.
- "Crime" should be added to the goal of bicycle safety. Consideration needs to be given to putting bike racks inside stations, as there are some stations with space available inside the station.
- There is no designated bike travel route within Metro stations. An important goal for bicycle safety should be to minimize crashes through proper delineation of access within Metro station properties.
