The debate over allowing bikes on sidewalks has taken an unusual turn in Alexandria. After very little public comment before their use on all sidewalks became legal, the complaints are starting to mount. Here’s a quick Q & A on what all the fuss is about:
Q: So, what is all the fuss about?
A: At its last session before a two-month recess, Council legalized the use of bikes on all sidewalks in Alexandria. The only exceptions are for King Street between West Street and the river, as well as Union Street between Cameron and Prince Streets.
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Q: What was the law before?
A: It was something of a gray area. Sidewalks were supposed to be marked as bike routes before they could be used. This led to confusion by riders and the police as to what was legal. I have heard of at least one person who got a ticket for riding on a sidewalk near the King Street/Old Town Metro Station, where there are a lot of bikes parked on any given day.
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Q: Why make this change?
A: Some cyclists argued that less confident cyclists and kids should not be forced to ride in the street. Another argument was made that this change was required by state law.
Q: Is it true that the state requires this change?
A: The City Attorney said during the Council session that it was unclear whether this change was required. VDOT does mandate that bikes be allowed on sidewalks, but, according to the City Attorney, cities such as Alexandria have some autonomy in these matters thanks to their charters.
Q: Why were the exceptions above the only ones made?
A: Pedestrian activity was thought to be too heavy along these two stretches to allow for bikes and pedestrians to share the same sidewalk, mainly due to the commercial activity.
Q: Why didn’t other streets like Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, Cameron Station Boulevard in Cameron Station, or Washington Street get called out as exceptions? Don’t they also have busy sidewalks?
A: You’ll have to ask the staff at Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES) that question. In the meantime, cyclists should mind those coffee tables at St. Elmo’s.
Q: What about residential street sidewalks? Are those legal to ride on, even if they are busy with pedestrians?
A: Yes.
Q: The sidewalks in my neighborhood are used by moms with strollers and the elderly. Who has the right-of-way?
A: The pedestrians, though the risk of bike/pedestrian conflict exists. That’s especially true on narrow sidewalks.
Q: What about all those brick sidewalks in Old Town? Can I ride on those?
A: You bet, though it may get tricky if someone steps out their front door without looking both ways.
Q: What did the neighborhood associations have to say about all of this?
A: Little or nothing. When the Traffic & Parking Board discussed this in a public hearing, Old Town Civic Association and Del Ray Citizens Association, which were arguably the most directly impacted, did not comment. To be fair, I don’t know how much outreach T&ES did before this was brought to the Board. The agenda is made public before the meetings, but it’s hardly riveting reading material.
Q: Did the Traffic & Parking Board go along with T&ES’s recommendation?
A: No. I made a motion, adopted unanimously by the Board, to allow kids under 14 to ride on sidewalks, along with an accompanying adult. I suggested this age limit because it’s the same as the state law for requiring the use of a bike helmet.
Q: What happened to this recommendation?
A: T&ES staff mentioned our finding in a memo to Council, but neglected to tell them verbally during their initial presentation. To their credit, Council deferred action until a second session. At the second Council meeting on the subject, both the Director of T&ES and the Police Chief said the age limit was unenforceable. Logically, this means that both view the helmet requirement as unenforceable, as well. That would be rather troubling.
Q: My neighborhood’s sidewalks are too busy or narrow to accommodate bikes. How do I get an exception made?
A: T&ES hasn’t publicized a system for granting exceptions yet. However, based on testimony of the Director of T&ES, they intend to prioritize commercial districts in granting exclusions. Residential areas may not be able to get them.
Q: What if my neighborhood association wants Council to force T&ES to give us a blanket exclusion?
A: You have a long wait ahead. Council won’t be back until September.
Q: I thought the City was going to create more bike lanes and cycletracks to accommodate bikes. What happened to that?
A: With all the sidewalks in the City open to bikes now, the pressure for these dedicated facilities for cyclists will dissipate considerably. Given how little funding has been allocated for such things, that shouldn’t be a surprise.
Q: I think legalizing bikes on all City sidewalks is a brilliant/stupid idea. How do I praise/denounce Council’s action?
A: As I mentioned, Council is off for a couple of months. But, you can still email them by clicking here and selecting the individual member you want to contact. Please keep it civil, whatever your opinion!
