[Lincolnparkdc] Fwd: Plea for Consideration of Sensible Solution to DDOT Bike Infrastructure Improvement - Independence Ave., Kentucky Ave., 13th St. Crosswalk

[Edward Wendel]

Comments I submitted this morning to Will Handsfield.

> Begin forwarded message:
> 
> From: Edward Wendel <wendel.epw at gmail.com>
> Subject: Plea for Consideration of Sensible Solution to DDOT Bike Infrastructure Improvement - Independence Ave., Kentucky Ave., 13th St. Crosswalk
> Date: November 10, 2020 at 8:44:42 AM EST
> To: Will Handsfield <will.handsfield at dc.gov>
> Cc: "Allen, Charles (Council)" <CAllen at DCCOUNCIL.US>, Chandler Jayarman <6b08 at anc.dc.gov>, Kirsten Oldenburg <6bO4 at anc.dc.gov>, Stephen Holtzman <6b05 at anc.dc.gov>
> 
> Good morning Will and other participants -
> 
> In the light of day I would like to ask that serious consideration be given to an alternative that surfaced last night (at least to me) for the proposed crosswalk at this intersection.  I believe it suggests a solution that removes much that is objectionable to the community with regard to the proposal AND actually enhances pedestrian safety.
> 
> It was discussed on the zoom call that there were three possible alternatives for the proposed crosswalk.  First, the plan as set forth, having the crosswalk go from the end of the sidewalk on the south end of Kentucky Avenue, angled (with a substantial width) to the corner of the east side of 13th Street.  Second, going directly across 13th Street from Kentucky Avenue to the east side of 13th Street.  And third, having the cross-walk go WEST from the end of the sidewalk on Kentucky Avenue to the island in the middle of the street, where it can be hooked up with the existing sidewalk there on Independence Avenue.
> 
> The benefits of the last alternative (west to the island, connecting there with existing Independence Avenue sidewalk, are twofold.  First, it removes a major point of contention to the overall project.  The houses on east side of the 100 block of 13th Street (mainly occupied by residents in their 70’s and 80’s) will be largely unaffected.  And second it is simply a much safer alternative.  I had not understood this until the discussion last night. I would say that 95 per cent of the vehicular traffic that crosses Independence Avenue from Kentucky Avenue proceeds ONTO 13th Street (and NOT Kentucky Avenue), which is what the street pattern suggests it should do.  Nothing in this plan changes the expected pattern of vehicular traffic, nor should it.  The only drivers who presently proceed north onto Kentucky Avenue after crossing Independence Avenue are those who live on the 100 block of 13th Street, or those few drivers who do not realize that Kentucky Avenue is going to dead-end at the end of this one block at Lincoln Park and they will then have to make a right turn, then a left, to proceed north.   The present pattern of traffic crossing Independence Avenue and proceeding north on 13th Street has always been the case, for the almost fifty-years I have lived in my house (five houses off the corner on the 100 block of 13th Street, S.E.).
> 
> Any crosswalk that is placed on 13th Street will therefore face the onslaught of traffic coming down that street, day and night.   This is hardly an improvement that enhances safety.  A cross- walk place on Kentucky Avenue, properly marked and made noticeable, will face very little in the way of vehicular traffic making it a much safer alternative.
> 
> I realize that there may be some additional cost in the alternative proposed, but for all of the above reasons I think it is well worth your consideration. 
> 
> Ed Wendel
> 148 13th St., S.E.
> 
> wendel.epw at gmail.com  
> 
> 

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