Letter to Joseph Clancy, Director of the United States Secret Service, Bob Vogel, Regional Director of the National Capital Region of the National Park Service, and Leif Dormsjo, Director of the District Department of Transportation - Bike and Pedestrian Lanes Being Blocked Due to the Inauguration Ceremony

Letter

Dear Directors Clancy, Vogel, and Dormsjo:

Over a year ago, I met with the U.S. Secret Service and National Park Service (NPS) when bicyclists were denied access to the Pennsylvania Avenue plaza and Lafayette Park area with no notice and for lengthy periods of time. I appreciate that, as a result, the Secret Service and NPS allowed the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to construct a bike lane along Lafayette Park, connecting cyclists from Vermont Avenue NW to 15th Street NW. Cycling and walking have become important forms of alternative transportation to work and activities. With presidential inauguration preparations beginning near the White House, there needs to be a way for people who use Pennsylvania Avenue and Lafayette Park to continue to use this route while construction proceeds.

We have been informed that the grandstands for the inauguration parade are already under construction, resulting in a large fenced-in area around the grandstands and more elaborate temporary barriers in the vicinity, while closures are starting to happen more frequently than before the last inauguration. All that is needed is a two-month detour that is accessible and safe for cyclists and pedestrians around the area. As with the Lafayette Park bike lane, the Secret Service and NPS will need to work together and consult with DDOT.

I ask that the appropriate officials come to my office to discuss these inauguration preparation closures and ways to accommodate our cyclists and pedestrians. Please call my office to set up this meeting.

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