The Columbia Pike Bike Boulevards offer dedicated cycling routes parallel to Columbia Pike, situated along 8th Road S. and 9th Street S., north of Columbia Pike, and 12th Street S., south of Columbia Pike. Spanning approximately 4.3 miles, these bike boulevards serve as vital links for community members, connecting them to nine Civic Associations, schools, businesses, parks, local and regional trails, and various destinations.
About the Project
Due to the constraints of limited space, high traffic volume, and transit operations on Columbia Pike, dedicated bike facilities are not feasible directly on the Pike itself. Therefore, parallel secondary streets have been designated as safer alternatives. These routes are recognized in the county’s Master Transportation plan as bike boulevards, designed to prioritize bicycle through-travel and seamlessly connect with trails and other streets that offer safe and comfortable cycling experiences.
Project Goals:
- Conduct a thorough analysis of existing conditions.
- Enhance the comfort, connectivity, and safety for all users along the Columbia Pike Bike Boulevards. This is achieved through the implementation of tactical treatments, pavement markings, and signage on the existing on-street routes.
- Develop well-considered recommendations for future capital investments to further improve the Columbia Pike Bike Boulevards.
Project Background
The Bicycle element of the Master Transportation Plan provides the framework, objectives, scope, and safety and design guidelines for bike boulevards within the County. The primary goal is to establish a parallel East-West bicycle priority connection within the Columbia Pike Corridor. This connection aims to link residents to essential destinations such as schools, businesses, community centers, and the broader bike network.
The Columbia Pike Multimodal Street Improvements Study has identified the development of bicycle routes and bike boulevards parallel to Columbia Pike as a crucial component of multimodal corridor enhancements.
The Vision Zero Multimodal Safety Engineering Toolbox offers a range of treatment suggestions aimed at reducing traffic speeds and enhancing the comfort and safety of all users along the bike boulevard route.
Past Improvements
Significant improvements have already been completed along the Columbia Pike Bike Boulevards, demonstrating ongoing commitment to enhancing cycling infrastructure:
- Enhancements to the Walter Reed Drive and 12th Street South intersection were finalized in February 2019, improving safety and traffic flow for cyclists and pedestrians.
- Upgrades to four intersections along 9th Street South, specifically at South Highland, South Cleveland, South Adams, and South Wayne Streets, were completed in January 2018, enhancing cyclist safety and intersection navigation.
- A High-Intensity Activated crossWalK (HAWK) beacon was installed at the intersection of South George Mason Drive and 13th Street South in November 2015, providing a safer crossing for cyclists and pedestrians.
- Intersection improvements at South Quincy Street and 12th Street South were completed in October 2014, streamlining traffic and improving safety for all users.
- Enhancements to the intersection of South George Mason Drive and 13th Street were finalized in September 2014, further improving intersection safety and efficiency.
- A Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) and a marked crosswalk were installed at the South Glebe Road and 9th Street South intersection in May 2014, without turn restrictions, significantly improving pedestrian and cyclist visibility and safety.
- Signage and pavement markings were installed along 12th Street South and 9th Street South in September 2013, clearly defining the bike boulevard routes and enhancing wayfinding for cyclists.
Extensive public engagement has been a key part of the project’s development:
- Initial community meetings were conducted with adjacent civic associations in the summer of 2012 to gather early input and discuss project concepts. Further community meetings were held in spring 2014 with the Bicycle Advisory Committee, Columbia Heights Executive Committee, and the Penrose, Alcova Heights, Arlington Heights, and Douglas Park civic associations, ensuring broad community input.
- In February 2018, staff coordinated pre-construction planning for the South Walter Reed Drive/12th Street South project through meetings with the Bicycle Advisory Committee, Columbia Heights Civic Association, and Douglas Park Civic Association, ensuring community awareness and addressing potential concerns.
- In August 2018, project staff provided an update on the 9th Street South bike boulevard project to the Arlington Heights Civic Association, maintaining ongoing communication and transparency.
Related Projects
Related Projects – 9th Street Bike Boulevard
Related Projects – 12th Street Bike Boulevard
Public Process
Fall 2024 – Existing Conditions
Engagement Level: Involve
- Explore the Columbia Pike Bike Boulevards in detail using our interactive Story Map.
- Share your experiences and insights regarding the Bike Boulevards through the online feedback form and interactive map, contributing directly to the project’s development.
The project team will utilize community feedback, existing plan guidelines, and other relevant data to develop concept plans for street segments and intersections along the bike boulevard routes, ensuring the designs reflect community needs and preferences.
Spring 2025 – Concept Design Engagement
Engagement Level: Involve
- Learn how community feedback has shaped the concept designs, seeing the direct impact of public input on the project.
- Provide feedback on the concept designs, further influencing the project’s direction and ensuring the final outcome meets community needs.
The project team will integrate community feedback on the concept designs, alongside existing plan guidance and additional information, to finalize a design for implementation, ensuring a community-supported and effective bike boulevard system.
Summer 2025 – Final Designs
Engagement Level: Communicate
- Community-informed final designs will be shared with the public, ensuring transparency and keeping the community informed about the project’s progression.
Fall 2025/Spring 2026 – Implementation
Engagement Level: Communicate
- Final plans are implemented, and any anticipated construction impacts are communicated to the public, ensuring residents are aware of construction timelines and any potential disruptions.
Completed Projects, Plans, and Studies
For a comprehensive, interactive history of the Columbia Pike Boulevards, including details on completed projects and relevant plans or studies, explore the story map.
Funding
The enhancements to the Columbia Pike Bike Boulevards are funded through local funds as part of the Columbia Pike Complete Streets Program, demonstrating local investment in cycling infrastructure.
