Transportation (Pedestrian Safety)

The LIGHT DC Amendment Act of 2025 requires the Mayor to install and maintain lighting on all designated pedestrian crosswalks and bicycle trails in parks and forested areas, operating from dusk to dawn. This legislation amends District law to add lighting as a mandatory safety feature for these specific locations, building on existing pedestrian safety measures. The bill aims to improve nighttime visibility for pedestrians and bicyclists, directly affecting residents and visitors using these areas in parks and forested spaces. It is based on evidence from past District initiatives showing that adequate lighting correlates with reduced injury risks and crime rates.

This bill increases the weight limit for sidewalk delivery robots (called "Personal Delivery Devices" or PDDs) from 90 pounds to 275 pounds (excluding cargo), aligning with practices in other states. It directly affects companies like Coco and Serve Robotics, which developed PDD models exceeding the current limit, and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), which manages PDD permits. The key change modifies the existing 2018 law to allow newer, heavier PDD technology to operate in Washington, D.C., with DDOT retaining authority to set a higher limit if needed. This aims to support sustainable delivery options that reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions by moving deliveries from roads to sidewalks.

This bill requires the Mayor to install 30 automated camera systems by January 1, 2026: 15 for enforcing truck restrictions on specific routes (with 15 placed in the ward having the most production/distribution zones) and 15 for enforcing "yield to pedestrians" rules at crosswalks. It directly affects drivers, particularly truck operators on restricted routes and all drivers at pedestrian crossings, by mandating automated enforcement instead of relying solely on police patrols. The key mechanism is the deployment of fixed camera systems to automatically detect and ticket violations of these traffic rules. The bill amends an existing 2012 law to add these specific enforcement requirements.

This bill provides a 15-year tax abatement for the 1333 M Street, SE development project (River’s Edge) in Ward 6, starting in 2029. It reduces real property taxes on the site by covering amounts exceeding $150,000 annually, but only if the developer sets aside 12% of residential units for households earning ≤60% of median income and completes specific neighborhood improvements. These include a greenway on Water Street, reconstructed bike trails, pedestrian plazas, and 52 public bicycle spaces. The tax relief directly benefits the developer (FRF Land Owner LLC) and aims to support affordable housing and public infrastructure in the Anacostia River neighborhood.

B 26-0179, the Paper Alleys Planning Amendment Act of 2025, requires the District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT) to create a detailed improvement plan for all unpaved or partially paved alleys ("paper alleys") by March 15, 2026. The plan must include a public map of all such alleys, methods for inspecting and costing repairs, community engagement processes with adjacent residents and neighborhood commissions, and cost estimates for full repairs versus community-supported improvements. It prioritizes low-income neighborhoods and high-usage alleys for initial work. This bill directly affects DDOT, residents living near alleys, and Advisory Neighborhood Commissions by mandating community-informed planning before any alley improvements.

This bill requires the District's Homeland Security agency to establish safety standards for barriers used during temporary street closures for events, mandating that barriers meet ASTM crash test ratings (like ASTM F2656) or federal traffic control standards. It directly affects event organizers, public safety agencies (like MPD and DPW), and residents using pedestrian zones by ensuring barriers are certified to stop vehicle ramming attacks. Key provisions include setting distinct standards for different road types, prioritizing SAFETY Act-certified barriers for major roads, and providing federal liability protection for compliant barriers. The goal is to replace unsafe current methods (like untested jersey barriers or "blocking vehicles") with certified barriers that genuinely prevent vehicular terrorism risks during events.