Steve Eldridge, The Examiner
2007-10-15 07:00:00.0
Current rank: Not ranked

WASHINGTON -

The study of options for the 14th Street Bridge is certainly making a lot of headlines. That’s because out of 43 options for reducing congestion at the bridge, there are some that involve tolls of one sort or another. Nothing gets our attention faster than that little four-letter word: toll. Expect to see the word toll attached to just about every new project that is proposed from here on out. There is just no way around tolls anymore, as state and local authorities struggle to fund maintenance and new construction out of existing funds.

The only thing that has been budgeted is the study of options for the 14th Street Bridge. This was something that was requested several years ago, and it took this long to get to this point. Imagine how long it will take for planners to come up with a handful of options, go to public hearings and then figure out who’s going to pay for it all? For decades, Virginia and the District have argued about who should be responsible for clearing disabled vehicles or managing accidents on the bridge span. Of course if tolls help pay for the project, maybe each will be more willing to participate.

Diana writes: “Probably because of the rising cost of gas, I have noted a lot more bicyclists on the roads lately. I’m certainly in favor of using alternatives such as bicycling. But unfortunately, I think the behavior of some bicyclists is not only aggravating but absolutely dangerous.

“The problem is that many bicyclists do not obey the rules of the road just as motorists are required to do. ... They hold up traffic as the cars are forced to tag along with them until there is a safe opportunity to pass them. ... Worst of all, I’ve seen them go through red lights at busy intersections!”

Regular readers know that I am very supportive of those who ride their bikes, especially during rush hours, as an alternative to driving. At the same time, I agree with some of the points Diana makes, although I would think that many of these offenses are more likely committed by bicycle couriers.