It's a shame we can't seem to elect a congressional delegate other than Eleanor Holmes Norton. Perhaps one who is actually capable of accomplishing something in the realm of voting representation. Her record, or lack thereof, makes it painfully obvious that it's time for her to go.

by Ron on Nov 9, 2012 8:45 am • link • report

Former police officer assaults cyclist. Police have sufficient evidence but don't press charges.

If you want cyclists to obey traffic laws, you'll really want to have the police be more responsive to our concerns.

Now, this guy was cycling along Rhode Island Ave NE, which really is not the best place to ride, but assault is still assault.

by Weiwen on Nov 9, 2012 8:48 am • link • report

I can see the mega-community center plan working after reading the article.

Basically they want to locate them in the county's downtowns. Put them where there are already a lot of people living then you can cut out a lot. My own experience from workign at a rec center in fairfax was that a lot of centers were sighted where land was cheapest and that usually meant far away from anyone trying to walk/bike. If the choice is between smaller cheaper centers that are harder to access overall vs. bigger/more expensive centers that are within much closer reach to a greater number of people then it may make sense.

by drumz on Nov 9, 2012 9:24 am • link • report

I don't understand the food truck hate from the council. They're the best thing to happen to the downtown lunch scene in 20 years.

To clarify, would this law affect the trucks that park around the NPS parks? Whose sidewalks are they?

by jyindc on Nov 9, 2012 10:18 am • link • report

oops, nevermind on that question. I'll read the article next time!

by jyindc on Nov 9, 2012 10:20 am • link • report

RE: Rec Centers

Finally a good use for City Place?

A community can dream...

by Eitan on Nov 9, 2012 10:28 am • link • report

@drumz

I was worried about the "mega rec centers" until I read where they're going to go. I don't know about Clarksburg - there isn't even a grocery store there yet, let alone a downtown - but Shady Grove, White Flint and especially downtown Silver Spring make a lot of sense. I know there's already a site in White Flint set aside for a rec center, and I'm pretty sure Shady Grove has one as well.

I don't know where you'd find the space for a "mega rec center" in DTSS. There's talk of turning the soon-to-be-former library into an "intergenerational recreation center" (I hope that name doesn't stick), but is there enough room for an aquatic center as well?

by dan reed! on Nov 9, 2012 10:33 am • link • report

They're not going for aggravated assault or assault with a deadly weapon when the driver assaulted the guy with his car?

by Steve S. on Nov 9, 2012 10:35 am • link • report

Dan,

That's what would make it tough. You'd really have to make sure that the county is doing it right. I don't know enough about MoCo to comment on what they should specifically do but their heart is in the right place.

by drumz on Nov 9, 2012 10:53 am • link • report

And I'm very encouraged on the Va. Beach Light rail vote. I look forward to one day having the opportunity to get to the beach and not have to step foot in a car.

by drumz on Nov 9, 2012 10:55 am • link • report

If you look at the video, it's a little less conclusive than many have made it out to be. Not to defend the driver, but his movement was somewhat gradual, not a veering. Many cyclists have experienced drivers who pull abreast of the cyclist and then assume they can start to move over without verifying that the rear of their vehicle has cleared the bike. As a result, it's kind of hard to determine that he intended to strike the bike. Further, the gradual movement might allow the driver to claim that you can't claim assault when the victim has ample opportunity to move out of the way.

Again, not to defend the driver or criticize the cyclist, but the standard of proof is not "more likely than not". It's higher. Prosecutors have to make judgment calls like this all the time.

by Crickey7 on Nov 9, 2012 10:55 am • link • report

Now, this guy was cycling along Rhode Island Ave NE, which really is not the best place to ride,

Have you seen the traffic on Rhode Island during rush hour? I'd argue it's a worse place to drive than to bike. There's also surprisingly mediocre bus service on Rhode Island.

by Falls Church on Nov 9, 2012 11:54 am • link • report

@Cricky7 - it's a little less conclusive than many have made it out to be....Prosecutors have to make judgment calls like this all the time. ... And the US Attorney decided to prosecute. Are you disagreeing with them?

by Tina on Nov 9, 2012 12:00 pm • link • report

Now, this guy was cycling along Rhode Island Ave NE, which really is not the best place to ride,

Also RIA/Rte 1 is the most direct route from the population centers clustered along it in legacy to the streetcars that went out that way from downtown DC >100 years ago.

Why should someone who wants to bike be prohibited from taking the most direct Rte?

by Tina on Nov 9, 2012 12:04 pm • link • report

It was in response to Steve, as to why more serious charges were not pressed.

If he sued for damages, the cyclist would win 99/100. As an assault case, it's probably 50/50.

by Crickey7 on Nov 9, 2012 12:12 pm • link • report