Proposed Improvements - Alternative 2 | Mejoras propuestas - Alternativa 2

I appreciate the residents' perspectives who live on this block, and I'm glad for the lively discussion. I live up one block on Gallatin and frequent this stretch, walking and cycling with my young kids. I also have studied multi modal transportation for many years in my career. Here are my two cents: A dedicated bike lane westbound on Hamilton makes little sense. It's a residential street, and aside from more urban areas like in center DC, you don't often see a dedicated bike lane on a residential street. Especially given the speed control measures proposed in this area, if I understand correctly. My kids and I come down Hamilton on bikes all the time, and we have never had any safety issues. A dedicated bike lane east bound, contra flow, and between the sidewalk and parallel parking, does make a lot of sense. I always ride the wrong way up Hamilton on my bike because it's less steep / safer than going on 40th/Gallatin. A contra flow bike lane, uphill, doesn't lend itself to cyclists zooming and causing safety issues with pedestrians. And if there is room (and I think there is), the smartest bike lanes have a dedicated car-opening zone separate from the lane itself. I agree with Annalee that the north side doesn't make as much sense as the south side. I wholeheartedly disagree with redesigning the intersection into roundabout. Obviously, it would take up space from Driskell Park. But, the priority number one for most modern design roundabouts is cars. They inherently are not so safe for pedestrians. I would think there are smaller scale solutions that, in sum, could lead to a safe environment in this area. For example, a no left turn sign from Hamilton. Also, curb bump-outs to reduce distances for pedestrian crossing. Or, tabling the intersection (raising up the whole intersection to pedestrian level). This is popular in Europe. It makes car drivers innately understand they need to drive more slowly and be more careful.

Option 2 could be the best option. but I don't see how protected bike lane increases safety over the current configuration. Having bike lane flow in opposite direction from vehicles is terrible idea. Especially as it is proposed to run between the parked vehicles and driveways. The hill in is steep, making it a fun coast for cyclists but this also means that bikes will speed down the hill which creates a number of safety issues along the block and at the intersection. Any change in the direction of the 4000 Block of Hamilton has to include a reverse to the parallel section of Gallatin. It will take residents some getting used to but should not significantly increase the travel time for drivers who live on those blocks. Ideally, this intersection should be a 4 way stop. Closing off access from 4000 block of Hamilton for motor vehicles.

Alternative 1: Adding more bike lanes will make the intersection more complex and more difficult to navigate. Alternative 2: Changing the NE direction of Hamilton St would adversely affect the residents on that block. Adding a counterflow bike lane would increase the complexity of the intersection. Alternative 3: Adding a traffic circle would cause vehicular traffic to enter the intersection without stopping, making it much more dangerous for pedestrians. Suggestion A: Add a highly visible stop sign camera to discourage people from running the stop sign on Hamilton and Gallatin. Suggestion B: Add traffic lights. Suggestion C: Add a traffic control officer to manage the intersection at peak times.

How about blocking off Hamilton entirely to motor vehicles at this intersection? Add some sturdy bollards and re-direct motor vehicles away from the park.

I like option #2 the most, because it eliminates one of the entry points to the intersection, and it is the entry that is most problematic. If option #3 is chosen, I intend to cease driving through that intersection, and I'm sure many others will as well. There are a lot of drivers who find circles frightening and dangerous, so that option would likely change local traffic patterns about as much as changing the direction of Hamilton for one block in option 2. Option 1 would be a preferable alternative to 3.

I have no opinion on option 2, I support option 1 and oppose option 3.

Paul raises another excellent concern about proposal #2. I live on the north side of 4000 Hamilton. We do not have a driveway. We do not have a garage. We do not have an alley. That means our *only* option is street parking. I also have small children. It is already a bit treacherous getting kids from car to house given inattentive speeding drivers on Hamilton - we have taught our kids to exit the passenger side of our car, directly onto the sidewalk. The bike lane on the north side of Hamilton in this proposal - between car and sidewalk - makes getting in and out of our cars much MUCH more dangerous. Think parents being forced to stand in the bike lane while buckling kids into their car seats instead of being able to stand on the sidewalk. Think little kids flinging open the car door into the bike lane to bolt up the steps - without looking for oncoming cyclists. Bike lane should NOT be between the sidewalk and cars. Bad bad idea.

First--you have made it as hard to comment as taking the SAT plus filing taxes. I'm surprised 7 people have made it through the incredibly unintuitive process. Second. Please DO NOT change the direction of Hamilton Street--what actual purpose would that serve except total confusion? Please NOT option 2.