The introduction to the PEPCO Trail will provide readers with an overview of the proposed bike trail, as well as some background information on its origins. The PEPCO Trail is a proposed bike trail that would run along the existing power lines from the Georgetown substation to the Maryland/DC border. The trail would be approximately 4 miles long and would provide a much needed link in the regional trail network.
The PEPCO Trail was first proposed in 2007 by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) as part of their vision for a regional bicycle network. The trail was included in WABA’s 2008 Regional Bicycle Plan, but was not included in the District’s draft Bike Master Plan.
The omission of the PEPCO Trail from the draft Bike Master Plan is disappointing, but we remain hopeful that the trail will eventually be built. We believe that the PEPCO Trail would be a valuable asset to the region, providing a safe and convenient way for people to travel by bicycle between Georgetown and Montgomery County.
Overview of the Bike Master Plan
The District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) proposed Bicycle Master Plan (BMP) is a comprehensive strategy to make bicycling an attractive travel option for people of all ages and abilities. The plan will guide the development of a safe, convenient, and interconnected system of on-street bike facilities and off-street trails.
The BMP was developed through an extensive public outreach process that included input from thousands of residents, businesses, community organizations, and government agencies. DDOT released a draft of the plan in December 2016 and held more than 60 public meetings and workshops to get feedback on the proposal.
After reviewing all of the public comments, DDOT has made some revisions to the plan and is now releasing the revised draft for additional public review and comment. One major change is the addition of a new trail connection between the Metropolitan Branch Trail and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. This connection had been identified as a high priority by the public but was not included in the original draft due to lack of funding.
The revised draft BMP is available online at ddot.dc.gov/bicyclemasterplan. DDOT will be accepting public comments on the plan through March 31, 2017.
Why Was the PEPCO Trail Omitted From the Draft Bike Master Plan?
The PEPCO Trail, which would have connected the Metropolitan Branch Trail to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, was omitted from the draft Bike Master Plan. The reason given was that the trail would be too expensive to build and maintain. However, many believe that the real reason is that the trail would have gone through some of DC’s most affluent neighborhoods, including Georgetown and Dupont Circle. Some believe that these neighborhoods do not want a bike trail in their backyard. Whatever the reason, the omission of the PEPCO Trail is a huge disappointment for those who were looking forward to having a direct connection between these two trails.
What Are The Alternatives To Connecting The PEPCO Trail to the Bike Network?
The PEPCO Trail is a key piece of the regional bike network, but it is not currently connected to the District’s local bike network. There are several possible alternatives for connecting the PEPCO Trail to the bike network, including:
- Rerouting the PEPCO Trail to connect with the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail or other existing trails in the area.
- Building new dedicated bike infrastructure to connect the PEPCO Trail to the local bike network.
- Working with PEPCO to create an on-street connection between the PEPCO Trail and the local bike network.
- Creating a temporary connection between the PEPCO Trail and the local bike network using signs and markings until a more permanent solution can be implemented.
How Can We Make Sure That All Trails Are Included in The Final Bike Master Plan?
The PEPCO trail is an important part of the D.C. region’s bike network, providing a key link between the W&OD Trail and the Capital Crescent Trail. However, it was left out of the draft Bike Master Plan released by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) last month.
We believe that all trails should be included in the final Bike Master Plan, and we are working to make sure that the PEPCO trail is included in the plan. We have been in contact with DDOT officials and have submitted comments on the draft plan. We will continue to work with DDOT to ensure that all trails are included in the final plan.
Conclusion
The PEPCO trail piece is an important part of the D.C. Bike Master Plan, which provides a comprehensive set of cycling initiatives that will make biking safer and more enjoyable for residents and visitors alike. We urge the District to reconsider its decision to omit this critical link from its draft Bike Master Plan, as it would be a huge loss both in terms of connectivity and recreational opportunities for cyclists in our great city.