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The purpose of the hearing is to discuss issues associated with the enforcement of laws and other rules that are intended to protect bicyclists and pedestrians. The hearing will focus on how the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and other enforcement agencies have applied certain traffic laws or safety regulations.
According to the Committee, there have been specific complaints and anecdotal evidence showing that the enforcement of laws has been inconsistently applied against bicyclists and pedestrians. In addition, MPD will likely attend to discuss concerns that the District does not properly document incidents between bicyclists, pedestrians and motorized vehicles, which occasionally places them at fault even when they are obeying the law. The hearing will also discuss the findings of a report issued by the Office of Police Complaints on pedestrian and bicycle concerns, specifically regarding their interactions with MPD.
This hearing acts as a follow-up to one held on February 4, 2011. That hearing focused on incidences where pedestrians or bicyclists died after being hit by motor vehicles with no charges filed in the cases sited. A total of 26 witnesses provided testimony.
The hearing allows for public testimony. Those wishing to testify should contact Ms. Jessica Jacobs, Legislative Counsel, at 202.724.8038, by fax at 202.724.6664, or by email at jjacobs@dccouncil.us and must provide certain details by close of business Monday, October 31, 2011. Details of testimony requirements and other information about the hearing can be found on the Council of the District of Columbia 2011 Hearing Notices calendar.