Build a better Rock Creek Trail

Planning for a much needed rehabilitation to the Rock Creek Park Trail is now underway, but resistance from the National Park Service threatens to scuttle the entire project.  WABA strongly believes that the Rock Creek Trail desparately needs resurfacing and widening in order to the revitalize this essential commuter and recreational trail.  Email the Superintendent of Rock Creek to say that the rebuilt Rock Creek Trail should be designed to modern standards and that the future Rock Creek Trail is safe for all users.

WABA's Position on the Rock Creek Trail Widening

Protect Klingle Valley
updated 5.1.08

The DC Council's Committee on Public Works and the Environment recently voted to deny funding for the reopening of Klingle Road in Rock Creek Park.  Just weeks before Mayor Fenty, at the urging of Councilmember Jim Graham, has inserted $2 million into the proposed FY09 DC budget for construction of a road through Klingle Valley.  Instead $2m will be used to imrpove hiking and biking trails in the valley. 

On May 8th Councilmember Jim Graham, chair of the committee, will be holding a public meeting on the project. WABA encourages everyone to attend to express their support for better bike access to Rock Creek Park.  The hearing will take place at the Wilson Building at 6:30pm.  

The Committee invites the public to testify or to submit written testimony, which will be made a part of the official record.  Those who wish to testify should contact Mr. Jonathon Kass at (202) 724-8152 or jkass@dccouncil.us before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7. Witnesses will be permitted 3 minutes for oral presentation. Written copies of your testimony are encouraged, but not required.

If you are unable to testify at the public oversight roundtable, written statements are encouraged and will be made part of the official record.  Copies of written statements should be sent c/o Committee on Public Works and the Environment, Room 116, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20004, or electronically at jkass@dccouncil.us, by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9, 2008.

Build the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT)

As envisioned, the trail would connect Union Station with Silver Spring loosely following Metro’s Red Line.  It would also link to the extension of the Capital Crescent Trail in Silver Spring and with the trails of the National Mall, completing what has been called the Bicycle Beltway.  A spur trail would also be built from Ft Totten to the West Hyattsville Metro an link up with the Anacostia Tributaries Trail Network. The MBT is a key bike facility in an area of the city that lacks them.  It would provide non-motorized access to five libraries, eight recreation centers and playgrounds, 28 schools, five colleges or universities, seven Metro stations and forty seven places of worship.  WABA's priorities for the trail are:

1. Breakground on the long delayed trail segment from NY  Ave to Franklin Street
2. Secure right of way for trail in Ft Totten Park
3. Begin trail branding process

Bus/Bike Lane Enforcement

The Bus/Bike lanes on 7th and 9th Streets NW are routinely ignored.  WABA urges all cyclist to contact the Metropolitan Police Department to urge the proper enforcement of these key bike facilities.

other priorities

• Anacostia RiverWalk Trail
• Bicycle Transit Center at Union Station