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7th Street Safety
As you exit through Veterans Gate, keep your eyes open for anyone riding a bike. 7th street has a designated bike lane wh- ich serves to keep riders sa-fe. Recent comments submitted through ICE speak of near misses and a lack of respect for bikers in this lane by motorist. Anyone traveling to and from Fort Detrick needs to be aware that they cannot pass through the bike lane in their vehicle.
The bike lane was added to 7th street to allow the residents of Frederick City and employees of Fort Detrick an eco-friendly alternative for transportation to and from work and around town.
According to Alderman Kelly Russell, City of Frederick, "This is the first dedicated bike lane in the city. We are planning to implement a Complete Streets policy in the next year, which will require new development to account for the needs of all transportation types, and to provide accommodations."
Frederick was recently recognized nationally as a bronze city for their efforts on creating a bike friendly city and as a result of the edition of 7th street lanes and more in the horizon there was an immediate increase in riders. Counts are planned to quantify the numbers.
Tim Davis, City of Frederick Transportation Planner stated, "In a recent Household Travel Survey in The City of Frederick performed by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, 11.9% of commuter trips are by bicycle, and the average Frederick Household owns 1.4 bicycles - both tops in the National Capital Region."
In order for this bike lane to be successful and the city to remain recognized, it is crucial that riders and drivers be mindful of one another. Pay attention and obey the laws. Without proper safety precautions someone could be seriously injured.
Safety is a huge part of Fort Detrick's focus, although the Provost Marshal's Office cannot enforce what goes on outside of the gates, employees and visitors to Fort Detrick can be more careful and aware of their surroundings.