Cyclists and Drivers Complaining About L Street Bike Lane in DC

By Peter DePaolis
Attorney

A bike lane in Washington, D.C. has sparked controversy among drivers and cyclists alike. Drivers are complaining that the L Street bicycle lane takes away street parking and loading zones along the busy roadway. Meanwhile, cyclists are complaining that the lane is unsafe and needs improvements. The separated bike lane runs along the north side of L Street Northwest from New Hampshire Avenue to 12th Street.

It has been nearly a year since the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) opened the L Street cycle track. When DDOT officials met last December to celebrate the bike lane’s opening, many DC citizens had already noted potential problems.

The DDOT stated that it is taking note of the complaints and suggestions to improve the safety of the bike lane. A spokesperson for the DDOT said that the agency is considering additional barriers along the cycle track or making the bike lane narrower.

“Everyone needs to pay attention when they’re riding…You should be watching for cars and cars should be respectful of people on bikes too,” stated a local cyclist.

I Have Been Injured in a Bicycle Accident and Need a Lawyer

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40 percent of traffic accidents resulting in cyclist fatalities in 2009 involved alcohol use by either the driver or the cyclist.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries or if a loved one died in a bicycle accident, you need to speak to an experienced attorney about your legal rights. At our firm, we will go out of our way to compassionately explain the process and will always speak to you directly about your concerns.

Call our firm today. We want to hear your situation, your experiences. Feel free to comment below or visit our Facebook page to tell us your story.

Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.

Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia Injury Attorneys

Source: http://www.wjla.com/articles/2013/11/ddot-considering-l-street-cycle-track-changes-safety-improvements-96780.html

About the Author
Peter DePaolis joined the firm in 1980 and has since represented a large number of individuals involved in automobile collisions, truck accidents, bus crashes, defective products, and medical malpractice cases. A significant portion of Mr. DePaolis’ practice is devoted to working on behalf of people suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related cancers. He has led his firm’s fight against the asbestos industry and has recovered over $30 million in damages for asbestos victims and their families.