What's the Problem?
The sidewalk on Blair Rd NW in Takoma DC between Chestnut and Geranium St. is very narrow next to a street where cars drive way too fast.
Is This Really a Problem?
It is definitely a problem. The following happen regularly:
- Parents with young kids do not walk with them along this stretch of sidewalk because it feels so dangerous. If their child ever accidentally stepped off the curb, there are speeding cars less than 1 foot away. There is an elementary school and daycare near this stretch of Blair Rd with plenty of small children in the neighborhood.
- Two strollers can't even get past each other on the sidewalk causing one parent to push their child in the street.
- Wheelchairs can't even use the sidewalk due to it being so narrow in places and obstacles in the middle of it such as fire hydrants.
- Some sections of the sidewalk have bushes growing against them which are not frequently trimmed causing the sidewalk to be unusable so people walk in the street. One of these sections is on a blind corner (between Piney Branch and Chestnut St) where drivers can't see people walking in the street.
- Cars frequently take the turn onto Blair Rd North, from Piney Branch East very fast and the sidewalk is on the outside of the turn so cars drift towards the sidewalk.
- A car recently jumped the sidewalk between Fern St NW and Piney Branch and plowed into a house.
- This area is one block north of the Takoma Metro Station and is heavily used by pedestrians especially during the week.
Where Exactly is This a Problem?
The problem area of the sidewalk is from Chestnut St NW to Geranium St NW along Blair Rd NW
- The section between Chestnut and Piney Branch on Blair Rd NW is the most dangerous due to overgrown bushes, an extremely narrow sidewalk, and a blind corner.
- The section between Piney Branch and Fern Pl NW is dangerous due to cars speeding, a narrow sidewalk, obstacles in the sidewalk, and cars taking a turn with the sidewalk on the outside of the turn.
- The section between Fern Pl NW and Geranium St NW has a narrow sidewalk, but feels slightly safer due to stops signs at Fern Pl NW and Geranium St NW slowing traffic down.
Photos
Some of these photos are slightly north or south on Blair Rd from the area described above, but they are included to show how generally bad the sidewalks are on Blair Rd in Takoma.
Video
How Can I Help?
Please take a minute to sign the petition below. Also, please take your own photos and videos of how dangerous this sidewalk is and send them to me@matt-toigo.com
Fill out my online form.
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Updates/Progress
- December 14th, 2020 - DDOT has received a federal grant to begin the study process for adequate sidewalks along this stretch of Blair Road. More details are here.
- December 20th, 2019 - Followed up with DDOT via email to get an update.
- September 8th, 2019 - Followed up with DDOT via email to get an update.
- April 30th, 2019 - DDOT responded that a project to improve this stretch of Blair Rd is being submitted in their call for projects process and we'll have a response in a few months. In the mean time the DDOT ADA team will be looking at improvements to make along the existing sidewalk.
- March 15th, 2019 - Followed up with DDOT and posted photos of the March 14th five car accident on this stretch of Blair.
- March 11th, 2019 - Had a walk through with George Branyan (DDOT), Michael Alvino (DDOT), Sayra Molina (Mayor's Office), Evan Yaets (ANC4B01 Rep), Michelle (Takoma Education Campus PTO). DDOT will be drafting 3 possible solutions and getting back to us within a month.
- March 3rd, 2019 - Added a new photo and I heard back from DDOT and we're working to coordinate a walk through.
- February 5th, 2019 - Had a great conversation with Lee Goodall (Head of Community Engagement at DDOT) about the sidewalk issues. He'll be looking into the right of way issues involved and setting up a walk through.
- January 30th, 2019 - Followed up with Vision Zero and Traffic Calming email addresses at DDOT. Emailed Cynthia at Rock Creak East Livability Study
- January 28th, 2019 - Brought up the issue with Brandon Todd during office hours and he is working to setup a walkthrough with DDOT
- January 24th, 2019 - Added more photos of the sidewalk that were sent in.
- January 22nd, 2019 - Emailed Vision Zero and Traffic Calming at DDOT
- January 21st, 2019 - Added more photos of the sidewalk that were sent in. Emailed ddot.research@dc.gov
- January 17th, 2019 - Attended Concerned Neigbors, Inc Meeting and chatted with Evan Yeats
- December 18th 2018 - Emailed with Evan Yeats (new ANC 4B01 Rep)
- October 17th 2018 - Brought up issue at Concerned Neigbors, Inc Meeting on October 14th at Shepard Park Library
- October 15th 2018 - Emailed with Andre Carley (previous ANC 4B01 Rep) about the issue.
Who Made This Site?
This site is made by Matt Toigo. I've lived on this stretch of Blair Rd NW for 5 years where I walk frequently with my kids. If you have any comments, please send me an email at me@matt-toigo.com