Welcome to our live chat with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association’s new executive director, Shane Farthing.

Greater Greater Washington live chat: Shane Farthing of WABA(07/13/2010)
12:46
David Alpert:
Welcome to our chat. Shane Farthing and our moderator, Stephen Miller, will be joining us around 1:00.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 12:46 David Alpert
12:47
David Alpert:
In the meantime, please enter your questions for Shane. We’ll try to get to as many of them as possible, and the earlier you enter a question, the more likely we can include it in the discussion.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 12:47 David Alpert
12:59
David Alpert:
OK, Shane is now online with some others of the WABA staff. Shane, do you want to introduce the others that are there with you?
Tuesday July 13, 2010 12:59 David Alpert
1:00
Shane:
Sure. Hi everyone. I’m here with our education, events, and membership teams.

Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:00 Shane
1:00
Shane:
So I’ll be getting their expert advice as we go.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:00 Shane
1:00
David Alpert:
Stephen Miller is also here and he is going to be moderating today’s discussion. Over to you, Stephen.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:00 David Alpert
1:01
Stephen Miller:
Thanks David, and welcome Shane. We’ve got a few questions lined up from those participating in the chat, and I encourage everyone to continue to submit questions as the chat progresses.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:01 Stephen Miller
1:01
Stephen Miller:
Shane, you’ve cited the law as an important tool for bike advocacy, and stated that jurisdictions should “[revisit] some laws and policies that may have been accepted in the past, such as the outdated contributory negligence standard.” Efforts to change to the comparative negligence standard in DC and MD face uphill fights. What is your outlook for this change in law occurring?
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:01 Stephen Miller
1:03
Shane:
I think it’s extremely important, and we’ve started working on it with a few members of the DC Council. But it’s going to be an uphill battle. Changing such a broad standard that impacts overall legal responsibilities involves a lot of interests: from lawyers to insurers to the larger business community. So we’re working on building support and a strong coalition.

Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:03 Shane
1:04
[Comment From BrianBrian: ]
Can you give us an update on the Constance Holden investigation?
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:04 Brian
1:04
Shane:
Unfortunately, I don’t have any information to add. Ms. Holden’s family wanted to keep the matter largely private, and WABA respects that.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:04 Shane
1:05
Stephen Miller:
The Pennsylvania Avenue lanes are a popular topic, and we have a few questions on that:
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:05 Stephen Miller
1:05
[Comment From BobBob: ]
For all the griping about the lane alignment and construction, on the whole, aren’t the Penn Ave. bike lanes a very positive development for biking the city?
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:05 Bob
1:05
[Comment From BrianBrian: ]
Have the traffic lights timing on Pennsylvania Avenue been altered to accomodate bicycle traffic?
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:05 Brian
1:05
[Comment From MarkMark: ]
With Pennsylvania Avenue getting up and running, where should the city next target bike lanes?
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:05 Mark
1:06
Shane:
Yes. Absolutely. The Penn Ave lanes are a hugely positive development.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:06 Shane
1:07
Shane:
There’s a bit of a forest-for-the-trees issues where those of us involved in the daily details of design got involved in the back-and-forth over one design versus another. But at the end of the day, all cyclists are better off with these lanes than without. And this is a huge step forward. Let’s not lose track of the progress that’s being made.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:07 Shane
1:08
Shane:
Light phasing has been altered to avoid conflicts bw turning vehicles and riders passing through on the lanes.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:08 Shane
1:09
Shane:
As for next targets, the downtown cycletrack plan is the next big thing. I believe 15th from Penn Ave to Euclid is the next major opportunity.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:09 Shane
1:09
Stephen Miller:
To take a look at the trees a little bit: Is WABA recommending any modifications to the design of the Pennsylvania Avenue lanes to improve safety?
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:09 Stephen Miller
1:11
Shane:
Not specifically at this point. We recognize that there are potential areas of concern, and we want those to be carefully studied, evaluated, and resolved. We want the data to drive any changes.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:11 Shane
1:12
Stephen Miller:
We have some questions about outreach:
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:12 Stephen Miller
1:12
Shane:
But we do want to encourage folks to use the lanes as designed so that they can be fully evaluated.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:12 Shane
1:12
[Comment From Michael PMichael P: ]
Shane, how do you think WABA can help encourage bicycling by folks that don’t bike regularly? Non-lycra, non-racing bike folks?
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:12 Michael P
1:12
[Comment From JTSJTS: ]
Cycling seems to have made huge gains in some neighborhoods, but is noticeably absent in others. In your view, what is the best way to reach out to poorer communities in the DC area? Thank you for your time today.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:12 JTS
1:12
Stephen Miller:
In early June, you emphasized the importance of reaching out to low-income neighborhoods and communities of color: “I intend to make WABA more active outside its core geographic areas of influence and intentionally hold events and outreach activities in places that the organization may not have gone previously…as an organization with finite resources it’s important that our offerings reach those who need them and that we limit the resources expended in preaching to the choir.” How and where is WABA reaching out to these communities?
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:12 Stephen Miller
1:14
Shane:
I think that most of our outreach is “non-lycra.” We don’t actually run races. Our rides are for everyday riders, and we focus on commuters at Bike to Work Day and other events. We offer Learn to Ride classes for those who don’t ride at all, and we offer safe commuting classes for those who want to learn techniques for riding in the city.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:14 Shane
1:14
Shane:
As for outreach to other communities, we’re working on a number of initiatives.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:14 Shane
1:15
Shane:
WABA has done bike light giveaways for several years. And while that has often been open to all, the real purpose and focus is to reach the latino community. That’s why they tend to be held in the more latino-dominated neighborhoods.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:15 Shane
1:16
Shane:
In the past few weeks we’ve partnered with the Latino Federation to do outreach at several events, including their Latino Family Day at the MtP Farmer’s Market.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:16 Shane
1:18
Shane:
In addition, I’m exploring ways to work through local “corner stores” as a way to reach out to neighborhoods in other wards. I know that the corner store in my neighborhood is the de facto gathering place and primary market. So everyone goes there. If we can get our safety, health, and outreach materials distributed through those avenues & build a relationship, we could make huge strides in outreach to new areas.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:18 Shane
1:18
Stephen Miller:
You told us that “the opportunities to meaningfully improve the position of cyclists in the region are greatest in areas that may have been less of a focal point previously.” Prince George’s County is an area where bicycle facilities and advocacy lag behind the rest of the region. What types of opportunities do you see for WABA to help create a more bike-friendly Prince George’s County?
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:18 Stephen Miller
1:20
Shane:
You’re right that there is a need in PG County. It would be a huge step for PG to hire a Bike Coordinator for the County. But we are working in the area. Our educational efforts have reached 2600 students in the county this year, and we’ve worked on Safe Routes to School projects in Cheverly.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:20 Shane
1:21
Shane:
But there is a need for more systemic outreach and building of a cycling structure in PG.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:21 Shane
1:22
Shane:
One thing I hope to do generally through WABA as a regional organization is to help build capacity for cyclists in the suburban areas to impact their local conditions with our support.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:22 Shane
1:22
[Comment From ThomasThomas: ]
Do you have an idea when the DC and MD portions of the Metropolitan Branch Trail will complete an off-road loop with the Capitol Crescent trail?
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:22 Thomas
1:24
Shane:
There are a lot of moving parts there. It will involve both the full completion of the MBT and a connection. It’s a few years off and dependent on funding priorities. Sorry I can’t give a more definitive answer. But there are a lot of issues to be resolved before I’d be comfortable tossing a date out there.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:24 Shane
1:26
Stephen Miller:
In early June, you mentioned to us that it’s important to “[consider] other laws that are more tailored to the realities of urban cycling.” What are you referring to here? Does it include the Idaho Stop? What, if any, would be an appropriate change to the stop law for cyclists in DC?
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:26 Stephen Miller
1:29
Shane:
Idaho Stop has come up in a number of contexts and tends to divide the cycling community a bit. Personally, I’m a bit torn on the issue. I do think that laws should be appropriate to cycling—and I think that Idaho Stop would be more tailored to the needs of cyclists. But I also believe that the laws on the books should be followed. So for now, stop and stop signs & red lights or you’re breaking the law. And we don’t advocate breaking the law. But we’re discussing with our membership and considering next-steps.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:29 Shane
1:30
Shane:
If we’re talking about legislative priorities here, I would like to put in a plug for Complete Streets legislation.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:30 Shane
1:30
Stephen Miller:
Let’s open it up a little bit to other legislative/regulatory priorities, then:
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:30 Stephen Miller
1:30
[Comment From Matt JohnsonMatt Johnson: ]
Shane, Welcome. Thanks for taking the time to answer questions. Can you tell us what you’d like to see implemented the most in terms of local government policies and/or regulations?
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:30 Matt Johnson
1:32
Shane:
Honestly, I think consistent enforcement of bike laws is a huge need. It’s not necessarily a leg/reg change, but proper treatment of what’s on the books.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:32 Shane
1:32
Shane:
I think our infrastructure has, in many ways, gotten ahead of our enforcement in DC.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:32 Shane
1:34
Shane:
And there needs to be added focus on ensuring cyclist safety not just through planning and roadway improvements, but by ensuring that cyclists’ rights are respected and given due weight.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:34 Shane
1:34
[Comment From jjjj: ]
in addition to the need for new laws, it seems like there is a need for increased enforcement of existing laws — in particular the speeding, red light running and illegal right-on-red by motorists. Is WABA working for increased traffic enforcement and what are the possibilities for improvement?
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:34 jj
1:36
Shane:
That’s true. We certainly need increased enforcement on cars and, let’s admit it, on cyclists as well. All transport modes violate laws and act unsafely. And all need to improve.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:36 Shane
1:38
Shane:
There are a few ideas kicking around about traffic enforcement and whether DDOT or MPD should take the lead. We’re involved in the conversation, but it’s still in flux. WABA does work to educate the police on cycling laws and cycling generally, and we’d like to have the opportunity to do more.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:38 Shane
1:39
Stephen Miller:
To change the topic back to facilities from enforcement: Baltimore has begun to install bicycle boulevards but this type of traffic-calming bicycle facility remains conspicuously absent in the DC area. Which streets might be best suited to become bike boulevards? Will WABA be pushing DDOT and other agencies in our region to include bike boulevard treatments as a part of their bicycle facility repertoire?
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:39 Stephen Miller
1:42
Shane:
That’s something I’ll have to look into. I’m still on the steep part of my learning curve here and will study what Baltimore is doing. My understanding is that these tend to be on low-traffic neighborhood streets and have a neighborhood improvement role. So I think we’d want to work with neighborhood planning advocates and ANCs to ensure that we’re getting the best overall community benefit, in addition to great cycling infrastructure. I’d love to see this option considered in residential areas where traffic calming is needed.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:42 Shane
1:43
Stephen Miller:
What role does WABA see for education of children and teenagers? Particularly when it comes to drivers education and licensing exams, what types of changes would more effectively educate road users about the rights and responsibilities of cyclists?
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:43 Stephen Miller
1:44
Shane:
There are a couple questions there:

Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:44 Shane
1:45
Shane:
Our education team already does outreach to children and teenagers about roadway safety. They also do motorist education that targets fleet drivers.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:45 Shane
1:46
Shane:
As for licensing, there are already questions on the driver’s exam dealing with bikes. But we’d love to see that be more robust.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:46 Shane
1:47
Shane:
Part of the issue is that so many people move to DC and are not required to take the exam & are not required to be re-licensed. So it’s hard to have a strong quality control on licensure to ensure that drivers have the bike knowledge.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:47 Shane
1:49
Shane:
On the fleet side: we’re not claiming to have made every fleet driver in DC a perfect driver. But we have made strides with Metrobus & DCPS drivers through direct trainings, and have partnered with FedEx on “International Walk to School Day” and we’d love to have more opportunity to work with the delivery services and others. We’re also considering opportunities to work with taxis in the District.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:49 Shane
1:51
[Comment From LaurenLauren: ]
What are your thoughts on a bicycle tax to support continued infrastructure improvements?
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:51 Lauren
1:52
Shane:
It’s not something I’ve thought much about. But frankly, I think that cyclists—as compared to motorists—contribute less to congestion, air pollution, and wear and tear of roads that must be paid for through taxes.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:52 Shane
1:54
[Comment From Chris NiebylskiChris Niebylski: ]
On Infrastructure and Trails: Has WABA had any interaction with NPS on the winter trail maintenance policy? I’ve seen plenty of signs on the CCT indicating that its NPS policy *not* to clear the trail of snow/ice. During weekdays, I’d say the majority of the traffic on the CCT is commuter traffic… thoughts on how to get NPS to reconsider?
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:54 Chris Niebylski
1:54
Shane:
I’d have to do some research to develop a strong position. But because cyclists pay the same taxes as everyone else—except the gas tax, which we don’t use—I’m not sure I would support a bike tax. I do think the idea of a voluntary special assessment to pay for bike-specific infrastructure might be interesting. But need to think more about this topic.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:54 Shane
1:56
Shane:
I do agree that there have been issues with trail maintenance, and I think that clearing trails should be a higher priority. But again, this isn’t an issue that I have had a chance to address in my first month on the job.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:56 Shane
1:57
Shane:
If there are particular issues like this where GGW readers want follow up, let me know, and I’ll be happy to provide updates.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:57 Shane
1:58
Stephen Miller:
A couple questions about WABA’s future:
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:58 Stephen Miller
1:58
[Comment From darrendarren: ]
Where do you see WABA in five years? If every WABA member gave an extra $100 a year, what would you ask the board to spend it on?
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:58 darren
1:58
[Comment From JeffJeff: ]
What role, if any, will WABA play in promoting increased investment and promotion in other active transportation modes?
Tuesday July 13, 2010 1:58 Jeff
2:00
Shane:
Advocacy. Advocacy. Advocacy, across the region. We would love to have more resources dedicated to having someone in the room at every major transit policy discussion and budget debate across the region. Right now, we just don’t have the resources. But that would be the ideal use of an influx of funding.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 2:00 Shane
2:02
Shane:
We focus on cycling, but other modes are complementary and to the extent we face similar issues as “vulnerable users,” there is certainly the opportunity to work with pedestrians. And interestingly, projects like bikesharing and the increase in multi-modal commuting mean that people are increasingly both cyclists and pedestrians on the same trip. So while we focus on cycling, we’re supportive of active transport generally.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 2:02 Shane
2:03
Stephen Miller:
And our last question: if someone wanted to support WABA, besides becoming a member, what types of opportunities are there to get involved?
Tuesday July 13, 2010 2:03 Stephen Miller
2:04
Shane:
It’s always better to have partners and form coalitions where our interests overlap, and active transportation provides such an opportunity to work together.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 2:04 Shane
2:04
Shane:
Sorry. We froze up for a second.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 2:04 Shane
2:06
Shane:
I can’t imagine why someone wouldn’t want to be a member, of course. But we’re always looking for volunteers—especially those with skills and/or enthusiasm. Our Bike Ambassador is looking for people to assist with cycling outreach in the District and has an excellent training program for volunteers.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 2:06 Shane
2:07
Shane:
And of course attend our events, ride with us, and generally support cycling as a citizen.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 2:07 Shane
2:07
Shane:
There are dozens of transit/cycling meetings and events weekly & we can’t make it to all of them. So go to meetings, take notes, and explain the need for cycle-friendly policies.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 2:07 Shane
2:10
Stephen Miller:
That’s all the time we have. Thanks for joining us today, Shane. Many of you submitted questions we were unable to get to. We’ll be sending them on to Shane for responses after this chat.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 2:10 Stephen Miller
2:11
David Alpert:
Thanks Shane, and thanks to everyone who submitted questions. Feel free to give your reactions to Shane’s thoughts in the comments and continue the discussion.
Tuesday July 13, 2010 2:11 David Alpert
2:11

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Tagged: bicycling, live chat, waba

Stephen Miller is a former Greater Greater Washington contributor and DC resident. He now works for Transit in Montreal.