Franklin Street NE finally gets a protected bikeway. How is it working?

Franklin Street NE, which connects the Edgewood and Brookland neighborhoods and crosses over railroad tracks, has gotten a new protected bikeway from 7th to 12th Streets. As Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for a portion of Edgewood west of the bridge, I had a chance to observe how well this new facility functions in the neighborhood.

Traffic feels much calmer and slower along this stretch, and the protected lanes across the bridge work well in practice. A three-block stretch of road along Franklin Street, which widened out and was often used as a passing lane, was removed to make way for the protected bikeway. This had a huge traffic calming effect.

The bike lanes also push traffic several feet away from each curb, improving pedestrian safety. These are basically de facto curb extensions. This is a big deal given the six schools within a block or so of Franklin.

A “left turn only” eastbound lane from Franklin onto 10th Street, was also installed, cutting down on drivers whipping around vehicles waiting to turn left and veering into a crosswalk between a school and a park.

Another positive effect: reducing pedestrian/cyclist conflicts on the sidewalks across the bridge, behind the concrete barriers. Franklin’s earlier speed track status pushed many cyclists into this space.

And it’s clear that actual protection is key. I saw a few cyclists move from the sidewalk (next to the unprotected lanes between 10th and 12th Streets NE) to the protected lanes on the bridge. Separation matters.

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) hasn’t yet added physical protection to five-foot bike lanes without a buffer on this street, but these lanes are a work in progress, and that could change. DDOT is also acquiring equipment to keep protected five-foot lanes clean.

These changes aren’t just about bikes either. A proper curb cut and ramp on the north/east side of the bridge will be huge. DDOT also plans to install a pedestrian-activated LED crossing beacon at the 6th and Franklin Streets crosswalk.

These additional types of non-bike safety improvements not only serve more of the neighborhood, but they can also make protected bike lanes much more palatable to people who would otherwise oppose them.

Next on my traffic safety wish list: install the pedestrian safety beacon at 6th and Franklin, as soon as possible, and convert the intersection of 7th and Hamlin Streets NE to an all-way stop.

Getting protected bike lanes was hard work which involved talking to residents, flyering, online and in-person engagement, and a half-dozen meetings, including one attended by over 80 residents. DDOT also received a ton of community feedback after it sent out a Notice of Intent (DDOT is required to give notice in writing about any traffic modifications and/or parking requirements) most of it positive.

Was it worth it?

On one hand, given the many safety benefits this brings to the Franklin St. corridor, it’s a bit discouraging how hard and how long the fight had to be. On the other hand, helping to bring tangible and meaningful safety improvements to all road users and residents in Edgewood and Brookland is extremely important.

This project also couldn’t have happened without reaching across ANC borders. I worked closely with Ra Amin, the Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for 5B04, on this project, and owe him a debt of gratitude.

This is a small victory, but it’s the type of work that will need to be done, especially as our neighborhoods, city, and the region grow.

This post has been modified with permission from a Twitter thread.