Posts by Jonathan Krall — Contributor
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Check out Alexandria’s efforts to make crossing a busy street on a bike safer
Sometimes called “bike crossings,” intersection crossing markings that both tell cyclists where the safest place to cross a street and remind drivers to watch out for cyclists may be coming to Alexandria. Would what’s planned for Alexandria make cyclists safer? Keep reading…
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Alexandria’s streets could be for people instead of cars, at least some of the time
Cities all over the world are trying out the concept of open streets, where a temporary event closes a street to cars so people can enjoy the space by doing things like walking, riding bikes, or rollerskating. Alexandria could join the fun. Keep reading…
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To create safer bike routes, Alexandria can learn from other cities
Bike boulevards are an excellent way to keep roads safe for everyone. It’s possible they’ll come to Alexandria, but before that happens, planners should take note of what’s worked and what hasn’t elsewhere. Keep reading…
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Budget cuts in Alexandria would delay more Capital Bikeshare stations
Alexandria’s plans to expand Capital Bikeshare next year are on the chopping block in the city’s proposed FY2016 budget. The cut will save the city an estimated $150,000 in operating costs up front. But cutting the operating budget will be particularly harmful to Alexandria’s Capital Bikeshare because it limits the program’s access to capital funds,… Keep reading…
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New transit in Alexandria could be great, but not if riders can’t walk to stations
Alexandria is planning a new bus rapid transit corridor that could be great for development. But the fenced-off apartment complexes and pedestrian-hostile roads surrounding it could discourage people from taking the bus. Keep reading…
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Media reports downplay the dangers of driving while sensationalizing everything else
The media pays a lot more attention to bicycle and pedestrian fatalities than it does car deaths. If reporters went beyond sensationalism to give commuters more accurate, thorough information, people could make smarter choices about how to get around. One transportation myth the media often fuels is that driving is unusually safe. Car crashes are actually the nation’s… Keep reading…
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The roads don’t work, and neither do the sidewalks: How Maryland has failed Wilson Bridge cyclists
Want to ride a bike from Virginia to DC via the Wilson Bridge Trail? Sounds simple enough, right? Guess again. Thanks to poor planning and neglect, it’s far easier said than done. Keep reading…
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Let’s plan a Bike to Anywhere But Work Day
The annual Bike to Work Day is coming up on May 16. It offers a great annual opportunity to encourage people to try bicycling, but can’t we come up with somewhere else to bike to as well? Personally, I’ve attended the venerable Bike to Work Day so many times that I’m looking forward to Bike to Retirement Day. Nevertheless, B2WD is a great party with lots of food,… Keep reading…
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Despite community support, Alexandria board again wants to delay King Street bike lanes
Almost 60% of residents spoke up for Alexandria’s King Street bike lanes Tuesday night, but the city’s Traffic and Parking Board once again voted to recommend that the City Council delay building them because of concerns about lost parking. The proposal would remove 27 parking spaces and add bike lanes to King Street between Russell Road and Highland Place, west… Keep reading…
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Putting pedestrians and cyclists first upsets the social order of the roads
Complete streets, or the idea that roads should be safe and effective for all users, aim to upend the social order, moving cars from first to last. Despite endless discussion of “safety” and “the law,” many people seem to be upset by social, rather than legal violations of the rules. While the majority remains polite, a vocal minority is extremely attached… Keep reading…