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Bike Lanes Open on Pennsylvania Avenue

Blog contributed by Alliance intern Adam Levine. Photo courtesy of the League of American Bicyclists.

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The long-awaited bike lanes on Pennsylvania Avenue opened in grand style yesterday.

A long list of dignitaries cut the ribbon and took off for a ride down the protected, center-lane route, including District of Columbia Mayor Adrian Fenty, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer and Minnesota Congressman James Oberstar.

Speaking to bicyclists and advocates from across the city, Fenty declared that “we believe there is room here for everyone—on four wheels, two wheels and on foot.” LaHood added that “America’s Mainstreet” is now “America’s Bikeway!”

The new bike lanes have been in flux for several months, opening and then closing to deal with technical glitches. “Before we officially opened the bike lanes, we wanted to make sure they provide safe areas for cyclists, motorists and pedestrians, and now I’m confident that they do,” explained Gabe Klein, the head of the DC Department of Transportation.

Pennsylvania Avenue is just the latest addition to DC’s network of bike lanes, which city officials hope to increase from 50 miles to 80 miles. The significance of the location, however, did not go unnoticed. “There is no better place for the District of Columbia to demonstrate its commitment to traffic safety than right here on America’s Main Street,” Fenty said.