The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced its proposed rules this week for making constructions sites safer for passing pedestrians and bicyclists. The regulations aim to meet requirements of the Bicycle Safety Amendment Act of 2013. “I bike to work every day, so I have first-hand experience with the hazards that work zones can sometimes pose for bicyclists,” DDOT Acting Director Matthew Brown said. “These proposed rules will make getting around the city safer for everyone, especially pedestrians and bicyclists.”
The new regulations would include the following guidelines:
-If construction is going to block a sidewalk or bike lane, the entity getting the permit for the work must provide “safe accommodation” for pedestrians and bicyclists.
-Any temporary route for pedestrians and bicyclists should be equal to the option offered before the path was blocked.
-Rerouting people to the opposite side of the street should be the last resort.
-A covered walkway must be provided if there is potential overhead danger.
-Pedestrians should be separated from vehicles.
-The path should be free of mud and loose gravel.
-Signs and markings should warn users of changes ahead.
-DDOT may revoke a permit authorizing blockage of a sidewalk or bike lane if the entity fails to comply with the rules.
DDOT is accepting comments on the proposed regulations until September 13. Written comments should be submitted to publicspace.policy@dc.gov or to Samuel D. Zimbabwe, Associate Director, District Department of Transportation, 55 M Street, S.E., 5th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20003. For questions about the rules, contact Alice Kelly at Alice.Kelly@dc.gov at 202-671-2252.