[Lincolnparkdc] Other suggestions for improving bicycle and pedestrian safety

[Roxanne Walker]

While I recognize the intent is to increase safety, my reaction to the
plastic pylons that have been installed on Capitol Hill is similar to that
of many other neighbors:

   - They don't seem to slow down cars or make them stop for
   pedestrians (or stop signs);
   - They make turns at intersections very difficult when there are two
   cars (even at slow speeds);
   - Driving: they are very confusing at complex intersections (meaning if
   you slow down to decipher what you're seeing you often get passed, which is
   not good at an intersection);
   - Walking: they are confusing at many intersections and it
   actually feels like the visual clutter *makes it harder for drivers to
   see you trying to cross*;
   - When the pylons block parking (e.g., 14th St by Safeway) drivers park
   in the crosswalks making it MORE dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists,
   shifting them into traffic;
   - They are never replaced/removed when they are run over; and
   - They are extremely ugly.

Other streets under Vision Zero have had *(mobile) barricades* installed at
the ends of blocks that say "Closed to Thru Traffic" with a speed limit of
15mph. Might these work on Kentucky and other streets on the Hill? If they
were paired with enforcement, such as a moveable *speed camera*, that might
be much less invasive and more effective.

A second suggestion is a possible way to reduce bad behavior by some
drivers of carsharing vehicles. The reduced car traffic during the pandemic
seems to have brought out the worst in some Uber/Lyft drivers who I've
witnessed driving at excessive speeds, not stopping for stop signs or red
lights, not stopping for pedestrians in marked crosswalks, etc. On any
given day, when I see bad driving, it's quite often a car being driven for
one of these companies.

I've heard that Uber/Lyft reward their drivers for responding quickly to
ride requests and this may be a cause or contributing factor to the issue.
What seems like a possible counter/control to these issues is for the DC
government to *require the carsharing companies use a tracking app like the
one my insurance company uses to reward good driving.* These apps know the
speed limits, intersections, etc. Drivers who install the app--and use it
with good driving--get to keep driving for the company, drivers who refuse
or drive badly don't get to drive (after warnings).

Offered as suggestions to restore some civility and more safety to our
nieghborhood streets.

Roxanne
(14th and Mass)
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