Driving in D.C.

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September 22, 2010 | 4:30 PM | By

Are Parking Meters too expensive? Or just annoying?

Andrew Bossi

A meter on U Street NW

How apposite, to discuss parking on Car Free Day. Here’s TBD on Jack Evans’ quest for parking meter “sanity”, or, lower meter rates:

Evans, the influential chairman of the Council’s Finance & Revenue Committee, tells TBD, “People are angry about the meters. … I’m going to introduce legislation at our next meeting that brings us all back to sanity.”

Currently, motorists pay two dollars an hour to park in “premium demand zones” such as Adams Morgan, Georgetown, the U Street corridor, along Wisconsin Avenue, and in the downtown commercial core.

There’s a lot of discussion about Evans’ proposal on Twitter; TBD rounded up a collection of opinions stated in 140-character-or-less. The reactions are predictable: phrases like “supply and demand”, “discourage driving” and “cheaper than garages”. A few others mention that it would be easier to pay $0.25 for 7.5 minutes of parking if there were other ways to pay that fee. Continue reading →

FILED UNDER: Government, Driving in D.C., Money
September 21, 2010 | 4:38 PM | By

Walking in DC: not for the faint of heart.

Wayan Vota

Pedestrians wait to cross in D.C.

One of my favorite things about the city is how easy it is to live here without a car; unfortunately, the constant tension and worry caused by bad behavior from drivers, walkers and bicyclists mean that while it may be possible, it often is not pleasant. Greater Greater Washington has a sobering, somewhat depressing post up about how dangerous it is to be a pedestrian in D.C.

Sharon, a pedestrian who lives in Cleveland Park, recorded her negative experiences with drivers for a week. You can read her log, here. This was her conclusion:

It really does seem that once I strap on my backpack and hit the streets, I become either invisible or a target. Must we double or triple fines for moving violations and use the funds to hire a sufficient number of police to actually enforce the traffic laws? I’m definitely not your classic “law and order” person but that’s the only answer I’ve come up with, since right now drivers clearly think the risks of suffering any consequences for driving recklessly are minimal.

And, finally, while I’m on my soapbox, one last request to all you drivers: Please come to a stop when I have the right of way and am walking in a crosswalk. Rolling, coasting, or inching your way past me is just plain intimidating, and makes me feel like you’re trying to see just how close you can come to scraping my kneecaps without actually doing so.

Continue reading →

FILED UNDER: Around the City, Driving in D.C.