V. Orange Pledges to Examine DDOT Bike Plans – Mayoral Candidates Would Regulate E-Bikes

Congratulations Superstars for pushing our signature count so high, but we need more. Be sure to ask someone you know. Our next goal is 1500 by June 16th, election day, advancing to the DC Council for a sponsor. Candidates running for mayor are getting on board the train as we gain momentum.

In this election year, the issue on voters’ minds is bike lanes. Yet too many candidate forums exclude candidates, avoid transportation issues and block questions directly from the audience.

It is refreshing, therefore, to see mayoral candidate Vincent Orange step up with social media to raise transportation issues. With a handheld phone camera, Orange walks Taylor St. NE in Michigan Park to challenge DDOT plans for a protected bike lane there and he pledges to examine DDOT programs. In 10 minutes, Orange shows us a tranquil, residential street, notably with no bike traffic. DDOT alleges bike lanes would reduce traffic crashes, but there is no record of crashes. If speeding is the issue, Orange suggests speed bumps would suffice. Orange says that cameras at stop signs and high-ticket fines are punitive and unjustifiable. Fines far outstrip the reason they are levied. Orange asks: Where is the money going?  Watch his video here https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Taeb6skyK/

Whether elected or not, vying candidates spark a dialectic that influences the debate. It is a disservice to deny candidates a chance to be heard. Double that for denying audiences a chance to be heard. Kudos to candidate Orange for using social media to advance his campaign. 

Urban transit is at an inflection point when new modes of travel like e-bikes demand new responses. DC Safe Streets Coalition urges regulation of e-bikes, particularly registration and tags like motorcycles so bikers can be held accountable. Here are mayoral candidates who have said they would support e-bike regulation: Gary Goodweather, Robert L. Gross, Ernest E. Johnson, Anthony Mohammad, Talib Karim Muhammad, Vincent Orange, Rini Sampath

Please ask someone to sign our petition today to regulate e-bikes https://c.org/GVFzcRN8kP