Author | Lightnews

Reposted by DC Families for Safe Streets

Jessica Hart @jlrhart.bsky.social · 2d

Join @safestreetsdc.bsky.social on 11/16 as we walk to remember and honor the lives lost and forever changed by traffic violence and then rally at the Lincoln Memorial with the Ride for Your Life.

RSVP: dcfamiliesforsafestreets.org/2025/10/12/w...

Walk in 11/16 starting at 11am outside Foggy Bottom Metro.

Walk from Foggy Bottom Metro to Lincoln Memorial 11/16

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DC Families for Safe Streets @safestreetsdc.bsky.social · Sep 24

We're grateful for @cmcharlesallen.bsky.social's leadership to author and pass the STEER Act and for @dcattorneygeneral.bsky.social's role in addressing the most reckless drivers on DC streets. 💛

We're also looking fwd to DC and VA's implementation of anti-speeding tech (ISA) to ensure safer speeds

DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb @dcattorneygeneral.bsky.social · Sep 24

NEW: We won our first court judgment against a dangerous out-of-state driver under the STEER Act.

The Court ordered Ayanna Khalya Wilson to pay $77,100 for over 200 dangerous driving violations.

We also filed 12 new lawsuits against Maryland and Virginia drivers with nearly 2,000 traffic offenses.

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Reposted by DC Families for Safe Streets

DC Family Biking @dcfamilybiking.bsky.social · Sep 12

You don't need a bike in order to enjoy DC Family Bike Fest!

But if you're coming by bike - you can come with friends

#bikedc @ward5familybiking.bsky.social

list of neighborhood rides to dc family bike fest

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Reposted by DC Families for Safe Streets

DC Family Biking @dcfamilybiking.bsky.social · Aug 8

DC Family Bike Fest - #bikedc you're invited!

- Connect & build community
- Workshops, test rides, meet local shops & orgs
- KIDS BIKE PARADE!
- Huge prize giveaway (for @waba.org + @safestreetsdc.bsky.social)
- Free mini tune ups
- Food trucks & FREE SNO CONES!

RSVP: www.waba.org/fbf

DC Family Bike Fest 2025
Sunday, Sept. 28, 10am-2pm
Alethia Tanner Park

Kids seated near their bikes at family bike fest

families arriving by cargo bike to dc family bike fest

Kids making art with volunteers at DC Family Bike Fest

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Reposted by DC Families for Safe Streets

Bunch Bikes @bunchbike.com · Jul 31

Not a "fun" use case... but we're honored to be a part of @safestreetsdc.bsky.social work to maintain ghost bike memorials to those who have been killed by traffic violence #bikedc

Bunch Bike with rental sticker carrying three "ghost bikes" spray painted white on their way to installation in DC to honor victims of traffic violence

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DC Families for Safe Streets @safestreetsdc.bsky.social · Jul 31

❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

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DC Families for Safe Streets @safestreetsdc.bsky.social · Jul 30

(6 of 6) Every crash destroys families and tears at the fabric of our communities.

Crashes are preventable. These are not "accidents” — and the problems that cause them have proven solutions. No death or life-altering injury in a traffic crash is acceptable.

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DC Families for Safe Streets @safestreetsdc.bsky.social · Jul 30

(5 of 6) In Ward 7, we honor and remember

💛 Michael Hawkins Randall, 70 years old
💛 Charles Jackson, 64 years old
Minnesota Ave & Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE

💛 Edwin Morales-Martinez, 26 years old
I-295 near the River Terrace exit
Memorial ghost bike located Benning Rd & 36th St NE

A painted white memorial ghost bike for Michael Hawkins Randall at Minnesota Ave & Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE. Charles Jackson was killed in the same crash.

A painted white memorial ghost bike for Edwin Morales-Martinez near near Benning Rd & 36th St NE.

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DC Families for Safe Streets @safestreetsdc.bsky.social · Jul 30

(4 of 6) In Ward 6, we honor and remember

💛 Jim Pagels, 29 years old
Massachusetts Ave & 2nd St NW

A painted white memorial ghost bike for Jim Pagels at Massachusetts Ave & 2nd St NW.

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DC Families for Safe Streets @safestreetsdc.bsky.social · Jul 30

(3 of 6) In Ward 5, we honor and remember

💛 Armando Martinez-Ramos, 47 years old
10th St & Michigan Ave NE

💛 Dan Neidhardt, 74 years old
1st St & Florida Ave NW

💛 Alexandr Nikolenko, 30 years old
Queens Chapel Rd & Channing St NE

A painted white memorial ghost bike for Armando Martinez-Ramos at 10th St & Michigan Ave NE.

A painted white memorial ghost bike for Dan Neidhardt at 1st & Florida Ave NW.

A painted white memorial ghost bike for Alexandr Nikolenko at Queens Chapel Rd & Channing St NE.

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DC Families for Safe Streets @safestreetsdc.bsky.social · Jul 30

(2 of 6) In Ward 2, we honor and remember

💛 Michael Goldstone, 43 years old
600 block of Pennsylvania Ave NW

💛 Jeff Long, 36 years old
M St & New Hampshire Ave NW

A painted white memorial ghost bike for Michael Goldstone along the 600 block of Pennsylvania Ave NW.

A painted white memorial ghost bike for Jeff Long at M St & New Hampshire Ave NW.

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DC Families for Safe Streets @safestreetsdc.bsky.social · Jul 30

🧵 (1 of 6) Community members recently placed memorial ghost bikes in honor of friends and loved ones.

This includes new memorials for loved ones who were killed while bicycling sometime in the past year and a half, plus previous memorials that were in need of care and replacement. ❤️‍🩹

#BikeDC

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Reposted by DC Families for Safe Streets

Washington Area Bicyclist Association @waba.org · May 29

Please sign a petition supporting an increase in Washington D.C.'s minimum auto insurance requirements: waba.org/action-page/raise-dc-insurance-minimums/ .

Many crash victims are unable to cover the high cost of medical care and recovery. An update is a common-sense step.

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Reposted by DC Families for Safe Streets

Jessica Hart @jlrhart.bsky.social · May 28

Looking for advice for a crash survivors family member re: insurance. Docs say short term acute care needed, insurance won’t cover…

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Reposted by DC Families for Safe Streets

J. I. Swiderski, MURP @swiderski.bsky.social · May 21

In (most of) the US, May is Bike Month, a time for all of us who ride to celebrate the (mostly) improving weather and enjoy the ride. Tonight, however, is an opportunity to pause during the great joy of #BikeMonth and honor & remember those who cannot be here to celebrate with us.

DC Ride of Silence
May 21, 2025
Meet 6:30pm, roll 7pm
Start: Freedom Plaza, 14th & Pennsylvania Ave NW
End: Canal Park, 250 M St SE

No bike? Take Bikeshare! Docks are available within a block of the start (14th & D and 15th & Pennsylvania NW) and within a block of the end (3rd & M and M & New Jersey SE).

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Reposted by DC Families for Safe Streets

J. I. Swiderski, MURP @swiderski.bsky.social · May 20

The #RideOfSilence is coming up tomorrow!

We're aware storms are forecast for #BikeDC tomorrow, especially in the morning, and we're keeping an eye on things. _At this time_ we are planning to go forward as scheduled, but stay tuned for potential updates.

J. I. Swiderski, MURP @swiderski.bsky.social · May 15

Usually I tell #BikeDC Ride of Silence attendees to go get their shirts afterward, but this year the dates are reversed. So hopefully #BikeToWorkDay riders will come out next Wednesday as we pause to honor those who can no longer celebrate #BikeMonth with us.

Details: ggwash.org/calendar/eve...

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Reposted by DC Families for Safe Streets

Bryan Hart @bryanhart.bsky.social · May 6

Join me and others for the Ride of Silence on May 21 at 6:30pm at Freedom Plaza to honor and remember cyclists who have been killed or injured. More info here: ggwash.org/calendar/eve...

Image advertising DC Ride of Silence. May 21, 2025; meet at 6:30pm at Freedom Plaza (1350 Penn Ave NW). The ride will leave promptly at 7:00pm. The ride ends at Canal Park (250 M St SE). No bike? Use Bikeshare. There are docs at the start (14th & D, 15th & E/Penn) and end (3rd & M, M& NJ Ave).

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Reposted by DC Families for Safe Streets

Councilmember Charles Allen @cmcharlesallen.bsky.social · Mar 27

Improving roadway safety takes a regional approach. In an area where VA, MD, & DC drivers cross borders all the time, strategies to target dangerous drivers work best when they work across all jurisdictions. Glad to see VA join DC here! MD, you’re up next!

www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/202...

Like to drive fast? Virginia has an anti-speeding device for you.

The legislation follows a similar law set to take effect in D.C. this fall, as speed-limiting technology becomes more widespread.

www.washingtonpost.com

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DC Families for Safe Streets @safestreetsdc.bsky.social · Mar 14

💛 We have a few bikes to get to, but we didn't do this restoration! We know Shawn was loved by so many and we're heartened to see community care for her bike.

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Reposted by DC Families for Safe Streets

Sean @mrzaius.bsky.social · Mar 13

Quick State Department employee thank you to @safestreetsdc.bsky.social - Good to see Shawn O'Donnell's ghost bike restored.

Ghost bike, DC, for a US Department of State foreign service employee killed on her commute in '22

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Reposted by DC Families for Safe Streets

TranspoBINGO @transpobingo.bsky.social · Mar 5

🚨#TranspoBINGO week ends tomorrow! Submit your final board: rebrand.ly/TranspoBINGO....

Some notes:
🙌Honor system for reporting
🔄Flexibility in interpreting squares-just challenge yourself
🎨Prizes for creativity & more, not just most squares
🎉Join the Active Transit Social on Mar 6 at metrobar!

rebrand.ly

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Reposted by DC Families for Safe Streets

TranspoBINGO @transpobingo.bsky.social · Mar 1

How are you rolling into this #TranspoBINGO weekend?

🚍 bus to a new-to-you neighborhood
🚆 train to a new-to-you public space
🚋 Streetcar (it’s electric!) to support a local business
🚲 roll through a protected bike lane or multi-use trail

Walking 👣 and rolling 🦼 are active transpo too!

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DC Families for Safe Streets @safestreetsdc.bsky.social · Feb 26

TranspoBINGO 2025 starts tomorrow!!

🚶‍♀️🚲🛴🦽🦼🚌🚇🥳

More info ⤵️

TranspoBINGO @transpobingo.bsky.social · Feb 26

Drumroll please...🥁 The TranspoBINGO 2025 board is LIVE!🎉 This year’s theme is Transpo to the Future. We'll explore the future of transit, push for sustainable systems & even advocate for home rule. Play starts TOMORROW, Feb 27 and ends Mar 6 with a happy hour + prizes! More: www.transpobingo.com.

6th Annual TranspoBINGO: a game challenging how you experience and advocate for active transportaiton and public spaces. Mark as many squares as you can from Feb 27 - Mar 6 (one square per trip). Join us on Mar 6 at Metrobar for a happy hour and prizes for winners. Square details are available at https://www.transpobingo.com/2025-boards-rules-of-play.

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Reposted by DC Families for Safe Streets

DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb @dcattorneygeneral.bsky.social · Feb 21

NEW: We are suing three Maryland drivers who racked up more than $90,000 in fines for dangerous driving violations in DC.

These are the first lawsuits brought under the STEER Act.

This new civil authority empowers OAG to make our roads safer by holding dangerous drivers from any state accountable.

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Reposted by DC Families for Safe Streets

Families for Safe Streets @fam4safestreets.bsky.social · Feb 11

Families for Safe Streets member Jason Hicks, "We have the tech to prevent reckless drivers from causing tragedies such as the one that devastated my family. I’ve worked for more than two decades in law enforcement and ... this bill will prevent senseless deaths."

I used to call my daughter Alexis Hicks, “my shining Starr.” We gave her the middle name Starr, which was fitting for her radiant personality.

Alexis brought so much joy to our family in her short 25 years on this earth. She was studying at Norfolk State University and had big dreams before she was cruelly cut down in a crash by a driver who fled the scene.

No parent should have to know the pain of having their child’s body left in the street by some lawless motorist, the way Alexis was when she was struck, outside Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in August 2022.

Much more could be done to protect people walking, like Alexis was that night. That’s why I joined Families for Safe Streets and why I am speaking out in support of House Bill 2096, a bill currently before the Virginia General Assembly. We have the technology to prevent reckless drivers from causing tragedies such as the one that devastated my family. I’ve worked for more than two decades in law enforcement and feel strongly that this bill will give our enforcement community the tools it needs to prevent these senseless deaths.

HB2096 would allow judges to require drivers convicted of reckless driving, racing or speeding-related license suspensions to install and use intelligent speed assistance (ISA) technology. This technology prevents the driver’s vehicle from going over the posted speed limit.

HB2096 would allow these dangerous drivers to get a restricted driver’s license, which would still allow them to work and be mobile, while improving safety overall. Under HB2096, Virginia drivers convicted of exceeding 100 mph would be required to use ISA technology as a condition of their restricted licenses.

Speeding is a leading cause of death for pedestrians (and for drivers and passengers as well). So this kind of proactive approach may have saved Alexis, allowed her to continue studying, continue being around for family events, grow up and maybe have children of her own.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a pedestrian struck at 20 mph has only a 1% chance of being killed. But it rises to 19% at 35 mph and 80% at 50 mph. We know that a small subset of “super speeders” - habitual speeders or reckless drivers - cause a disproportionate share of deaths and injuries on our roads.

ISA technology has been in use for more than 30 years in commercial fleets and is increasingly being adopted for teen drivers.
More than 49% of Virginia roadway deaths in 2023 were speed-related, making it the leading cause of traffic fatalities. According to the Virginia State Crime Commission, speed-related fatalities have increased a dramatic 39% from 2017 to 2022. As a result, Virginia state troopers report stopping drivers traveling at extreme speeds every day - 131 mph in Norfolk, 133 mph in Virginia Beach or 128 mph in Louisa County.

If HB2096 is passed, Virginia would join jurisdictions that are taking action. Last year the District of Columbia adopted legislation requiring speed-limiting devices for drivers with speeding-related license suspensions. Similar legislation has been introduced in Maryland, Washington and other states.

It’s too late to save Alexis, but there are others like her who we still have a chance to protect. I urge the Virginia House of Delegates to act now, pass HB2096 and make our roads safer for everyone.

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