Category: DC Page 15 of 26

Last month, two cyclists in the greater DC area were killed. The public reactions were very different – Alice Swanson‘s death garnered much attention, while Prabhdeep Ranahawa‘s received almost none. Unfortunately, there was a commonality – there has been little to no information forthcoming from law enforcement authorities about the resulting investigations.

It looks like WABA will be meeting with the DC MPD to push the issue. I just rec’d a press release noting:

On Friday, August 15, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) will meet with the DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to express concerns over recent actions by the department that are contributing to the sense that bicyclists and pedestrians are not being adequately protected on Washington, DC’s roadways.  These actions include:

•    the failure to provide information about the investigation into the death of Alice Swanson;
•    an ill-timed enforcement program targeting cyclists; and
•    the failure to cite a driver for fleeing the scene of a crash.

It also notes that the Swanson family is pursuing its own investigation, and is looking for witnesses.

Witnesses are also needed by the police in Prince William County, who are still trying to determine what happened in 13 year old Prabhdeep’s case:

Investigators have spoken with multiple witnesses, but are seeking anyone who can help fill the missing informational gaps in the case, said Officer Brian D. Gardner with the Prince William County Police Department’s crash investigation unit.

“At 6:45 in the evening there’s got to be more witnesses,” Gardner said. “And we’re not concerned that they did not come forward immediately. Some may think what they witnessed is insignificant, but that may not be the case.”

Around 6:45 p.m. July 29, police say a blue 2003 BMW 320i struck the Dale City boy, who was apparently crossing Hoadly Road near Olivewood Drive on his bicycle. He died at the scene.

Investigators have gathered strong physical evidence, Gardner said, but are still trying to determine what direction he was coming from and where he was going.

Gardner said it is believed that at least one man was asked to leave the scene before police arrived and hopes he and anyone else that may have happened to see the accident will come forward.

I hope both of these efforts are successful.

Have you noticed how many more cyclists we have out on the streets these days?  I’m thrilled to see that, personally, but sometimes I wish that these new cyclists had gotten a little help on the do’s and don’ts of riding in traffic.  Well, I was just reminded that there are a number of free Confident City Cycling classes scheduled to take place in Arlington and DC.  These classes are aimed at teaching you to:

• Ride your bike safely and skillfully through city traffic;
• Expand your comfort zone; and
• Be a confident urban rider.

They do this by covering the rules of the road, avoiding the common causes of crashes, lane positioning, improving pedaling efficiency, useful accessory equipment, basic bike maintenance and repair.  Optional one hour on-road bike session follows in most classes.

These courses are sponsored by DC and Arlington, and run by WABA.  Registration is required.  You can sign up here or call 202-213-1459.

Schedule:

Sat, August 23, 10 am-1 pm Madison CC,
3829 N. Stafford St.
1 hr on-bike session follows

Sat, Sept 6, 1pm-4pm
Turkey Thicket Recreation Center
1100 Michigan Ave., NE
Washington, DC 20017

Sat, Oct 11, 1pm-4pm
Takoma Community Center
300 Van Buren St. NW
Washington, DC 20012

Mon, Oct 20, 6-8:30 pm
Phoenix Bikes
4100 S Four Mile Run Rd

Mon, Sept 22, 4-6:30 pm
Rm 913, Arlington County Offices
2100 Clarendon Blvd
1 hr on-bike session follows

Sat, Nov 8, 10 am-1 pm
Lee CC, 5722 Lee Hwy
1 hr on-bike session follows