Thompson, Beyer, Norton Demand NPS Halt Removal of Critical Commuter Bike Lanes

Congressional Bike Caucus Co-Chair Mike Thompson (D-CA), Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) led a group of House Democrats in demanding that the National Parks Service (NPS) immediately halt or block any plans to remove the two-way protected bike lane running from the Tidal Basin to Constitution Avenue, a vital commuter route for DC-area residents.

In a letter addressed to NPS Acting Director Jessica Bowron, Members noted that removing the bike lanes will limit transportation options and increase danger for cyclists, pedestrians, and cars alike. Members also stressed the need for immediate action with the National Cherry Blossom Festival and America 250 celebrations approaching, both of which are readily accessible through the bike lanes.

"The bike lanes are part of a broader safe cycling corridor along 15th Street. Those lanes are an essential travel route for commuters from Virginia, D.C., Maryland, and visitors across the country, who rely on them to access jobs, NPS sites along the National Mall, and the Capitol complex," wrote the Members. "Allowing or actively working to remove these lanes will reverse a decade of improved bike access to those sites and intentionally cut off public access to their elected representatives and public lands."

The letter is signed by Representatives Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Bill Foster (D-IL), Dave Min (D-CA), Scott Peters (D-CA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Darren Soto (D-FL), and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI).

Full text of the letter follows below, and a signed copy is available here.

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Dear Acting Director Bowron:

We write regarding reports that the National Park Service (NPS) will be participating in,facilitating, or allowing the removal of the two-way protected bike lane on NPS land from the Tidal Basin to Constitution Avenue. That removal cannot proceed.

NPS must immediately reverse course and stop the removal of the bike lane. Failing to do so would indicate that NPS is either refusing to responsibly administer its D.C. lands, or that it is unable to protect those lands against interference from other federal agencies. In either case, NPS must act to protect transportation access to our nation's capital, recreation access ahead of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and safety for all road users.

The bike lanes are part of a broader safe cycling corridor along 15th Street. Those lanes are an essential travel route for commuters from Virginia, D.C., Maryland, and visitors across the country, who rely on them to access jobs, NPS sites along the National Mall, and the Capitol complex. Allowing or actively working to remove these lanes will reverse a decade of improved bike access to those sites and intentionally cut off public access to their elected representatives and public lands.

Many of those commuters and visitors would continue to need access to this corridor. Byremoving the bike lanes, NPS would also force remaining bicyclists to share walkway space with pedestrians or roads with cars, creating danger for pedestrians, bikers, and cars alike. The D.C. Department of Transportation has found that the bike lane corridor reduced bike crashes by 69%, crashes causing injuries by 52%, and all crashes by 46%. Ahead of America 250, removing one of the safest and most convenient ways of accessing historical NPS sites along the National Mall will make the celebrations less accessible and more dangerous for all visitors.

According to posted signage, construction on the Ohio Drive portion could begin as early astoday. It is imperative that NPS immediately take action to responsibly steward its own lands and stop the removal of this essential transportation corridor.