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To: District Department of Transportation (DDOT), Councilmember Zachary Parker, Mayor of Washington, DC, and City Council Members

We, the undersigned, strongly support the implementation of a road diet on South Dakota Ave NE (SDA) in Washington, DC. As residents, road-users and advocates for safer streets, we believe that a road diet, which includes removing one driving lane and utilizing the excess cross-width for bike/mobility lanes, will bring numerous benefits to our community, including:

Enhanced Safety: A road diet will naturally calm traffic by reducing the number of driving lanes, encouraging slower and safer driving behavior. Road diets lead to fewer accidents and create a safer environment for all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. There are many schools, churches and playgrounds along SDA and a road diet will make traveling to these locations safer for vulnerable roadway users.

Encouragement of Multimodal Transportation: Reducing the number of driving lanes provides the opportunity to repurpose the space for other uses, such as dedicated bike/mobility lanes. This will promote alternative modes of transportation and reduce reliance on cars.

Improved Cycling Infrastructure: Utilizing the excess cross-width for bike/mobility  lanes ensures continuous lane-reduction. Creating a designated space for alternative transportation options will reduce conflicts with motorists and encourage more people to choose walking/biking/scooting as a mode of transportation, contributing to a healthier community.

Reduction of Traffic Congestion: A road diet can improve traffic flow by reducing lane-changing, turning and merging conflicts. This results in more consistent and manageable traffic speeds, ultimately reducing congestion and improving commute times for everyone.

Improvement in Quality of Life: A calmer and safer SDA  will enhance the overall quality of life for residents. Preventing out-of-state drivers from using our neighborhood road as a thoroughfare will reconnect our neighborhood and foster a stronger sense of community. 

Environmental Benefits: Slower and smoother traffic flow reduces vehicle emissions and noise pollution. Additionally, by promoting biking/scooting/walking, we can reduce our community's carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner, greener environment.

Economic Advantages: A more pedestrian and bike-friendly street can boost local businesses by increasing foot and bike traffic. Residents and visitors are more likely to shop and dine in areas that are safe and accessible.

Equity and Accessibility: A road diet ensures that streets are accessible to people of all ages and abilities, including those who may not have access to a car. It promotes greater equity in transportation options within our community.

We believe that implementing a road diet on South Dakota Ave NE is a critical step towards creating a safer, healthier, and more vibrant community. We thank Councilmember Parker for his leadership and continue to urge the District Department of Transportation, the Mayor, and City Council members to prioritize this initiative and support the transformation of South Dakota Ave NE into a safer and more livable neighborhood.

By signing this petition, we express our strong support for a road diet on South Dakota Ave NE and our commitment to making Washington, DC a better place to live, work, and play.