WABA's Press Conference at Fatal Accident Site

On the blocks around Dupont Circle yesterday evening, there were more bikes than usual for a standard evening commute. Their point of convergence was the corner of 20th and R Streets NW, adjacent to the outdoor diners at La Tomate, most of whom looked on in some confusion as the crowd continued to gather at the corner, and members of the press set up microphones at the Washington Area Bicyclist’s Association’s podium. Organizers reminded the growing group to keep the walkways clear for pedestrians as volunteers handed out packets containing a bicycle safety book and a pocket guide to D.C.’s bike laws, the packets adorned with a small white ribbon as a reminder of the reason everyone was there.

The accident that killed Alice Swanson Tuesday morning had shaken many in D.C.’s biking community, and yesterday evening’s press conference served the dual purpose of talking about the need for bike safety and education in the city, and to dedicate a “ghost bike,” painted white and locked to the base of a traffic light at the corner. Since the bike’s placement that morning, it had been adorned with dozens of flowers, sidewalk chalk messages, and a sign that read “Cyclist Struck Here.”

The press conference and dedication itself was a short and sober affair. WABA Executive Director Eric Gilliland greeted the assembly and thanked everyone for coming on the sad occasion, and talked briefly about the importance of bicycle safety, and education for both bikers and drivers, before renewing his call for a full investigation into Swanson’s death, which drew applause from many. Ward 6 Council member Tommy Wells took the podium as well, also expressing his condolences and speaking to the progress made in making biking a safer option in the city for both transportation and recreation. Gilliland closed the event with the dedication of the ghost bike, and a moment of silence for Swanson.

Those who’d come looking for more of a memorial for Swanson might have left slightly disappointed. As advertised, it was primarily a press conference on bicycle safety and driver education at the site of a horrible accident that might have been prevented by either or both. But listening to the prepared comments while tears streamed down the faces of Swanson’s friends and coworkers just a few feet away, it was difficult not to want to have a more emotional remembrance of the deceased. That sort of mourning, whether by those who knew her, or those just affected by the nature of her death, was left to the small groups and individuals gathered after the event ended. WABA’s organization of the event was as important in bringing all those people together as it was for its stated goals of safety awareness and education.

Photo by maxedaperture