Release: Urgent Inquiry Regarding Potential Removal of 15th Street NW Protected Bike Lanes

Dear Co-Chairs and Members of the Congressional Bike Caucus,

Dear Superintendent of the National Mall & Memorial Parks,

On behalf of the Bike, Walk & Bus PAC, a network of over 700 transportation advocates in Washington, D.C., we are writing to request clarification regarding reports that federal agencies may move forward with the removal of the protected bike lanes along 15th Street NW.

As you may be aware, local reporting and community advocacy organizations have indicated that the federal government is considering or advancing plans to remove a significant portion of this critical north-south protected bike corridor adjacent to the National Mall.

We respectfully request information on the following:

• What is the rationale for the proposed removal of the 15th Street protected bike lanes?

• What opportunities, if any, will be provided for public input prior to any changes?

How does this proposal align with federal, regional, and local commitments to roadway safety, including local Vision Zero principles?

The 15th Street protected bike lane is one of the most heavily used and safest cycling corridors in the District. It plays a vital role in reducing crashes, supporting multimodal transportation, and providing safe access to the National Mall for residents and visitors alike.

We are particularly concerned about the timing of this potential action. The District is entering peak cherry blossom season, when thousands of residents and visitors rely on safe cycling infrastructure to access the National Mall. Removing or disrupting this facility during one of the busiest tourism periods of the year would create unnecessary safety risks and transportation challenges.

Additionally, we want to highlight that in 2023, members of the Congressional Bike Caucus joined local advocates and elected officials in riding the 15th Street protected bike lane to underscore the importance of safe cycling infrastructure and the urgent need to eliminate traffic fatalities. That demonstration sent a powerful message about federal leadership in advancing safer streets.

The potential removal of this same facility raises serious concerns about consistency in federal policy and commitment to roadway safety.

Finally, research and federal guidance have consistently shown that protected bike lanes improve safety outcomes for all road users and do not inherently worsen congestion.

We urge you to pause any actions related to the removal of the 15th Street protected bike lanes until there has been a transparent, public process that meaningfully engages District residents, advocates, and stakeholders.

We welcome the opportunity to meet with your offices to discuss this issue further and to work collaboratively toward solutions that prioritize safety, accessibility, and multimodal mobility.

Thank you for your leadership and attention to this matter.