On Friday the District Department of Transportation released the draft of moveDC, the city’s multi-modal plan for how people will move around the city over the next few decades. The plan prioritizes pedestrians and calls for the city to:
1. Reduce the number of pedestrian injuries and fatalities;
2. Prioritize pedestrians in transportation projects;
3. Create a pedestrian environment that accommodates people of all ages and abilities, with special attention to children and older adults;
4. Create a fully-connected pedestrian network.
In order to achieve these goals, the moveDC plan lists numerous types of projects to expand and pursue, including some the DC Pedestrian Advisory Council has been advocating over the past year. Expanding the network of sidewalks, creating better systems for identifying and tracking needed sidewalk repairs, increasing automated enforcement, and adjusting traffic signals to optimize pedestrian safety are among steps moveDC lays out. The plan also urges improving the design of intersections, especially “high-hazard locations,” and improving access and safety at transit stops. Growing street trees would improve the walking environment, the plan states. In addition, MoveDC suggests creating a dedicated traffic enforcement unit within the police department.
Walking is good for health, the environment and economic development, the plan states. “More trips on foot could contribute to less traffic, relief for neighborhood streets, and more vibrant communities,” it says.
Although pedestrians are top priority in moveDC, the plan also makes multiple recommendations for changes for transit, vehicles and freight. Planners hope that within a couple decades 75% of commuting trips in the District will be by non-auto modes. In order to make that possible, 50% to 60% of District residents would have access to high-capacity transit or Metrorail within a 7.5-minute walk by 2040. Adding a Metrorail line and bike facilities would help achieve these goals.
Creators of moveDC are seeking public feedback on the plan by July 6. Visit the moveDC website at www.wemovedc.org to download the report and find a link to the survey.