Public Meeting on Cresent Trail Safety Plan Called for July 14th

On July 14th, a public meeting will be held to discuss the safety plan for the Capital Crescent Trail which included the installation of speed limit signs.  WABA is urges all cyclists to attend to let their concerns be known.  The meeting, which will be hosted by the Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail, will take place from 7-9 p.m., at the Bethesda Library at 7400 Arlington Road.  The outcry from cyclists has been signficant with over 600 people sending letters of concern to the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), has called for a public discussion over the recent decision to erect new speed limit signs on the popular Capital Crescent Trail in Montgomery County.    While the speed limit signs are just one part of a broader plan to help address concerns over trail safety, they have proven to be the most contentious.  While the public meeting represents a signficant step forward, WABA sill urges local cyclists to contact Mary Bradford, Director of Parks for the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission to express your displeasure and to urge her to open up a dialog among all trail user groups to better address safety.

Trail safety is the responsibility of all people who use the trail, whether they are cyclists, runners, skaters or people walking their dogs. However, with the new safety plan cyclists bear the brunt and MNCPPC's press release on the subject makes no mention of any efforts to educate all trail users on proper etiquette.

WABA's other concerns about the safety plan are:

• A 15 mph speed limit implies that 15 mph is always a safe speed, though in more heavily congested sections of the trail 15 mph may be too fast. 
• The behavior of other trail users such as runners, walkers and those with dogs is unaddressed.
• The safety plan includes no educational efforts to help address problems of trail etiquette.
• Widening the trail in order to separate user types was not considered.

Only strong support from the cycling community will help us develop a safety plan that balances the needs of all users.  Please click the "take action" link below for additional information and an email form you can use to send your comments.

>>WABA's Letter to MNCPPC

>>Speed Limit Press Release

>>Take action