Transportation (Bicycle Infrastructure)

This bill amends the District of Columbia's bicycle transportation laws to require the Department of Transportation to engage with the community before building protected bike lanes, cycle tracks, or other similar infrastructure projects. The key mechanism involves sending notices to residents and local groups at least 60 days before construction begins, followed by a public hearing at an accessible time and location within 30 days of the start date. Affected neighbors and organizations can submit comments, and if the design changes significantly based on feedback, a second public comment period must be held. The bill also requires the department to give significant weight to resolutions from local Advisory Neighborhood Commissions and to keep all project records available for public review.

The LIGHT DC Amendment Act of 2025 requires the Mayor to install and maintain lighting on all designated pedestrian crosswalks and bicycle trails in parks and forested areas, operating from dusk to dawn. This legislation amends District law to add lighting as a mandatory safety feature for these specific locations, building on existing pedestrian safety measures. The bill aims to improve nighttime visibility for pedestrians and bicyclists, directly affecting residents and visitors using these areas in parks and forested spaces. It is based on evidence from past District initiatives showing that adequate lighting correlates with reduced injury risks and crime rates.

This bill provides a 15-year tax abatement for the 1333 M Street, SE development project (River’s Edge) in Ward 6, starting in 2029. It reduces real property taxes on the site by covering amounts exceeding $150,000 annually, but only if the developer sets aside 12% of residential units for households earning ≤60% of median income and completes specific neighborhood improvements. These include a greenway on Water Street, reconstructed bike trails, pedestrian plazas, and 52 public bicycle spaces. The tax relief directly benefits the developer (FRF Land Owner LLC) and aims to support affordable housing and public infrastructure in the Anacostia River neighborhood.