The stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue between 13th and 15th Street NW is particularly dangerous for cyclists because it doesn’t have barriers to stop drivers from making illegal U-turns across the median bikeway. These U-turns are unfortunately a common occurance and put on bikes at risk. But that will change in September.

A U-turning driver strikes a cyclist on Pennsylvania Avenue. Image from David Garber on Twitter.

WAMU’s Martin Di Caro delivered the news this morning, and Greater Greater Washington contributor David Cranor wrote about it on TheWashCycle.

“DDOT intends to install the bike lane barriers between 13th and 15th Streets in September,” Di Caro reported, “finally protecting the entire length of Washington’s premier downtown cycle track.”

U-turns at 13 ½ Street, which is just outside the Wilson Building, DC’s government headquarters, may also become legal. But it’s much safer to limit U-turns to an intersection rather than leaving open the possibility of doing it in the middle of the street.

Last week, we ran a post wondering if the stretch of Pennsylvania without barriers is that way because it’s the two blocks where DC councilmembers park.