Action Committee for Transit
@actfortransit.bsky.social
4.4K followers 690 following 7.8K posts
We advocate for more & better transit; streets safe for everyone; & housing & land use policies to make this possible. A Montgomery County, Maryland, built for people and not for automobiles. https://www.actfortransit.org/
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actfortransit.bsky.social
Catching up on about 6 weeks of crashes involving non-motorists, with police reports, in Montgomery County MD.
actfortransit.bsky.social
But instead the county is planning to increase the number of cars at this intersection, by extending Observation Dr.😬
actfortransit.bsky.social
The primary issue is that the intersection is too damn big!

However, the curb radii are also too damn big. At this corner specifically, drivers roll right into the crosswalk and then turn right without ever looking right - either right on red, or as soon as the light turns green.
Google Streetview of a driver who rolled into the crosswalk in the right lane must turn right lane and is waiting for a green light to turn right.
actfortransit.bsky.social
Note to traffic engineers: when you have to paint "puppy tracks" across the intersection, to guide turning drivers, that means the intersection is too big. (In this case, half an acre.)
actfortransit.bsky.social
AND AGAIN.

On Thurs 7/31/25 10:04 am
the driver (27/F) of a 2020 Honda Accord
turning right from Observation Dr to Ridge Rd/28
hit & injured a person (25/M) on a bicycle
crossing properly in a marked crosswalk.
Police (MCP27610077) found the driver at fault: failed to yield ROW.
Satellite image of another stupid giant intersection in the upcounty. All four legs have marked crosswalks across six or eight lanes. There is a red X in the west leg marked crosswalk, indicating the location of the crash. There is a red arrow pointing south and west toward the red X, indicating the path of the driver. A car is doing this in the satellite image. There is a blue arrow pointing from the sidewalk south toward the red X, indicating the path of the bicyclist, crossing with a walk signal.
actfortransit.bsky.social
AND AGAIN.

On Thurs 7/31/25 10:04 am
the driver (27/F) of a 2020 Honda Accord
turning right from Observation Dr to Ridge Rd/28
hit & injured a person (25/M) on a bicycle
crossing properly in a marked crosswalk.
Police (MCP27610077) found the driver at fault: failed to yield ROW.
Satellite image of another stupid giant intersection in the upcounty. All four legs have marked crosswalks across six or eight lanes. There is a red X in the west leg marked crosswalk, indicating the location of the crash. There is a red arrow pointing south and west toward the red X, indicating the path of the driver. A car is doing this in the satellite image. There is a blue arrow pointing from the sidewalk south toward the red X, indicating the path of the bicyclist, crossing with a walk signal.
actfortransit.bsky.social
On Thurs 7/31/25 11:00 am
the driver (27/F) of a 1999 Toyota Camry
leaving the garage at 8401 8403 8405 Colesville Rd on Second Ave
hit & injured a person (25/M) on a bicycle
riding on the sidewalk.
Police (MCP3227006K) did not find anyone at fault.
Google Streetview of a garage driveway entrance/exit in downtown Silver Spring. There is a red X where the driveway crosses the sidewalk, indicating the location of the crash. There is a blue arrow in the sidewalk pointing toward the red X, indicating the path of the person on the bicycle, whose view is blocked by a wall. In the streetview, a person is going on this path. There is a red arrow pointing out of the garage toward the red X, indicating the path of the driver. The bicyclist was approaching from the driver's right side. There is also some kind of e-bike locked to a sign pole, in the Streetview. This is downtown Silver Spring across from the Metro station.
actfortransit.bsky.social
On Thurs 7/31/25 2:50 pm
the driver (23/M) of a 2018 Hyundai Elantra
at the parking garage entrance of 10306 Strathmore Hall St
hit & injured a pedestrian (72/F)
who was not doing anything improper.
Police (MCP31630090) found the driver at fault.
Google Streetview of the parking garage entrance, which is set back between two five-story apartment buildings, because the garage is in the back of the building on the side with the Metro tracks. The garage entrance has doors with card entry.
actfortransit.bsky.social
Safety tip for drivers who want to not hit people:

1. STOP at the STOP line before entering the crosswalk.
2. Look right before turning right.
3. Consider just not turning right on red.
actfortransit.bsky.social
On Thurs 7/31/25 3:22 pm
the driver (52/F) of a 2024 Kia Seltos
[looking left while turning right on red from] Kersey Ln to Falls Rd/189
hit & injured a person (20/M) on a bicycle
crossing properly in a marked crosswalk.
Police (MCP32210047) found the driver at fault.
Satellite image of a four-way intersection with three marked crosswalks. The west leg is unmarked. The intersection has a traffic signal. There is a red X in the east leg marked crosswalk, indicating the location of the crash. There is a red arrow pointing west toward the red X, indicating the path of the driver. There is a blue arrow pointing south from the sidepath towards the red X, indicating the path of the bicyclist, approaching from the driver's right side. If the bicyclist had a walk signal, then the driver was turning right on red.
actfortransit.bsky.social
On Thurs 7/31/25 3:22 pm
the driver (52/F) of a 2024 Kia Seltos
[looking left while turning right on red from] Kersey Ln to Falls Rd/189
hit & injured a person (20/M) on a bicycle
crossing properly in a marked crosswalk.
Police (MCP32210047) found the driver at fault.
Satellite image of a four-way intersection with three marked crosswalks. The west leg is unmarked. The intersection has a traffic signal. There is a red X in the east leg marked crosswalk, indicating the location of the crash. There is a red arrow pointing west toward the red X, indicating the path of the driver. There is a blue arrow pointing south from the sidepath towards the red X, indicating the path of the bicyclist, approaching from the driver's right side. If the bicyclist had a walk signal, then the driver was turning right on red.
actfortransit.bsky.social
Bus riders need safe streets. Pedestrian safety is a transit issue.
actfortransit.bsky.social
On Sun 7/31/25 5:21 pm
the driver (45/F) of a 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport
turning left from Old Columbia Pike to Tech Rd
hit & injured a pedestrian (55/F)
crossing in a marked crosswalk
going to or from transit.
Police (MCP32950054) did not find anyone at fault.
Satellite image of an overbuilt yet comparatively small intersection, west of a giant intersection. The comparatively small intersection has all-way stop. Two of the four crosswalks are marked. West of the comparatively small intersection are apartments. East, there are parking lots. There is a red X in the east leg marked crosswalk, indicating the location of the crash. There is a red arrow pointing south and east from the left turn lane, indicating the left turn path of the driver. There is a bus stop east of the comparatively small intersection.
actfortransit.bsky.social
On Sun 7/31/25 5:21 pm
the driver (45/F) of a 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport
turning left from Old Columbia Pike to Tech Rd
hit & injured a pedestrian (55/F)
crossing in a marked crosswalk
going to or from transit.
Police (MCP32950054) did not find anyone at fault.
Satellite image of an overbuilt yet comparatively small intersection, west of a giant intersection. The comparatively small intersection has all-way stop. Two of the four crosswalks are marked. West of the comparatively small intersection are apartments. East, there are parking lots. There is a red X in the east leg marked crosswalk, indicating the location of the crash. There is a red arrow pointing south and east from the left turn lane, indicating the left turn path of the driver. There is a bus stop east of the comparatively small intersection.
actfortransit.bsky.social
Also, good morning to this #TransitMushroom bicycle parade entry!
cascademyco.bsky.social
Mushroom riders at the Eugene Bright Parade. Our mycological club needs to have a float in this fabulous event next year!
Nighttime photo of recumbent bicycle decked out with mushroom lights with parade walkers with glowing decorations walking beside and behind in a parade.
actfortransit.bsky.social
Good morning to everyone who donates interesting books to the thrift store, which makes it possible for other people to buy them from the thrift store and read them.💜
Hardback copy of the book 'the hidden kingdom of fungi: exploring the microscopic world in our forests, homes, and bodies' by Keith Seifert. It looks brand-new and unread. The person should have read it before donating it!
Reposted by Action Committee for Transit
actfortransit.bsky.social
Maybe the ghost bike at E Randolph Rd & Kara Ln will alert drivers to stop and look for people approaching from their right on the sidewalk.
Maybe the ghost bike at E Randolph Rd/Kara Ln will alert drivers to stop and look for people approaching from their right.
Reposted by Action Committee for Transit
actfortransit.bsky.social
Today on River Rd/MD 190 near Sarah Langenkamp's ghost bike. There will also be flex posts.

We should not have to pay for safe streets with blood.
Green paint on a painted bike lane on a multi-lane stroad. There is also paint for where the flex posts will go. Green paint on a painted bike lane on a multi-lane stroad. There is also paint for where the flex posts will go.
Reposted by Action Committee for Transit
isaacrowlett.bsky.social
Boston, MA — 165 years ago today

Taken from a hot air balloon, this photo is one of the first examples of urban aerial photography.

It pre-dates the US Civil War and it was taken more than 40 years before the Wright brothers’ first airplane flight.
Aerial photo of Boston from 1860 showing densely packed multistory buildings
actfortransit.bsky.social
Helmets might be more effective than signs. bsky.app/profile/actf...
actfortransit.bsky.social
Note the "Turning Vehicles Yield To Pedestrians/Bicycles" sign serving its purpose of not actually doing anything.
Google Streetview of a T intersection. On the near side, there's a long marked crosswalk. On the traffic signal on the other side of the road, there's a "Turning vehicles yield to pedestrians/bicycles" sign on the signal mast arm.
actfortransit.bsky.social
Four Mile Run Beaver To-Do List

✔️girdle cottonwood tree
Reposted by Action Committee for Transit
actfortransit.bsky.social
Bicycle helmets are good.

Bicycle helmet LAWS actively discourage bicycling, increase risks to bicyclists, and leave opportunities for uneven and discriminatory enforcement.
actfortransit.bsky.social
The University of Maryland, College Park, has decided to solve the shortage of bike parking by ... requiring everyone to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle or scooter.
Dear Campus Community,
The University of Maryland is committed to the safety of each member of our campus community. Over the years, the number of micromobility vehicles, including, but not limited to, pedal bicycles, electric bikes and electric scooters, has grown on campus.
The Micromobility Workgroup meets regularly to discuss safety and implementation of micromobility rules on campus. The group currently includes representatives of eleven campus departments and key student organizations. The workgroup members recommended addressing certain safety concerns associated with micromobility by implementing a new University of Maryland Policy and Procedures for the Wearing of Helmets While Riding a Micromobility Vehicle on University Property.
What’s New?
Under this policy, we aim to safeguard Terps and others by requiring anyone operating a micromobility vehicle (as defined in the policy) on university property to wear a helmet at all times. The President approved the interim policy, and it is currently in effect.
Why Require Helmets?
Due to their small size, lack of safety protection and sometimes inexperienced riders, micromobility vehicles can be prone to accidents. It is known that accidents and collisions involving micromobility vehicles often involve head injury, and that wearing helmets can reduce the severity of head injuries.
How is the University Prioritizing Safety?
In addition to implementing the interim policy, we continue to promote safe behavior in a number of ways. Key steps include reducing the speed limit on campus to 15 m.p.h. for all vehicles, including micromobility vehicles, and mandating registration (and safety training) for owners of personal e-scooters and bikes. The University of Maryland Police Department enforces Maryland state traffic laws on our campus through regular patrols and periodic enforcement events in high-traffic areas.
With this new interim policy, we hope to further safety and reduce head injuries. Our long-term goal is to co…
actfortransit.bsky.social
Update: one of ACT Team Bluesky's UMD correspondents reports the new policy has not had any effect on behavior and suggests it would be more useful to add bike racks & outside charging stations.
actfortransit.bsky.social
The University of Maryland, College Park, has decided to solve the shortage of bike parking by ... requiring everyone to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle or scooter.
Dear Campus Community,
The University of Maryland is committed to the safety of each member of our campus community. Over the years, the number of micromobility vehicles, including, but not limited to, pedal bicycles, electric bikes and electric scooters, has grown on campus.
The Micromobility Workgroup meets regularly to discuss safety and implementation of micromobility rules on campus. The group currently includes representatives of eleven campus departments and key student organizations. The workgroup members recommended addressing certain safety concerns associated with micromobility by implementing a new University of Maryland Policy and Procedures for the Wearing of Helmets While Riding a Micromobility Vehicle on University Property.
What’s New?
Under this policy, we aim to safeguard Terps and others by requiring anyone operating a micromobility vehicle (as defined in the policy) on university property to wear a helmet at all times. The President approved the interim policy, and it is currently in effect.
Why Require Helmets?
Due to their small size, lack of safety protection and sometimes inexperienced riders, micromobility vehicles can be prone to accidents. It is known that accidents and collisions involving micromobility vehicles often involve head injury, and that wearing helmets can reduce the severity of head injuries.
How is the University Prioritizing Safety?
In addition to implementing the interim policy, we continue to promote safe behavior in a number of ways. Key steps include reducing the speed limit on campus to 15 m.p.h. for all vehicles, including micromobility vehicles, and mandating registration (and safety training) for owners of personal e-scooters and bikes. The University of Maryland Police Department enforces Maryland state traffic laws on our campus through regular patrols and periodic enforcement events in high-traffic areas.
With this new interim policy, we hope to further safety and reduce head injuries. Our long-term goal is to co…
Reposted by Action Committee for Transit
actfortransit.bsky.social
There is a great reason why Fergus is a #TransitRabbit, and we'll tell you what it is as soon as we figure it out.💜
catsofyore.bsky.social
One of the many touching things that happened this past week was that my friends at @merrymacsanctuary.bsky.social named a new rabbit after Fergus. Like my Fergus, he is BIG and soft and sweet and has huge adorable paws.
Photo of a very handsome brown rabbit, sitting up and looking disapprovingly at the camera.
actfortransit.bsky.social
RRFBs might work between intersections (where all drivers are going straight), but how well do they work at intersections (where some drivers are turning)?

(Even if the drivers actually look right before turning right.)
actfortransit.bsky.social
On Fri 8/1/25 7:30 am
the driver (42/F) of a 2019 Volvo XC90
[looking left while] turning right from Cordell Ave to Old Georgetown Rd/187
hit & injured a pedestrian (34/F)
crossing properly in a marked crosswalk.
Police (MCP304800F7) found the driver at fault: failed to yield ROW.
Google Streetview of a car in the marked crosswalk, past a stop sign and stop line, whose driver is getting ready to turn right across another marked crosswalk that has a Rapid Response Flashing Beacon. But of course you probably can't see the RRFB flashing when you're turning right, even if you're actually looking to the right when you're turning.