WABA Seeks Community Help to Keep DC Bike Lanes Clear During Amazon Pilot

Amazon cargo quad parked in the bike lane on New Jersey Ave SE in Washington DC

A new pilot program bringing Amazon cargo e-quads to Washington, DC, is drawing attention from cyclists and transportation advocates after several vehicles were reportedly spotted parked in protected bike lanes.

The DDOT-Amazon MicroFreight DC Pilot Program is testing the use of electric cargo quadcycles to complete the final stage of package deliveries. Packages are transported to a microhub in Southwest DC before being loaded onto the e-quads for neighborhood deliveries, replacing larger delivery vehicles for the "last mile."

According to the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), community members have reported Amazon cargo e-quads parked in bike lanes along 4th Street NW, 6th Street NE, and New Jersey Avenue SE. WABA notes that parking in a bike lane is illegal and does not comply with the terms of the pilot program.

The organization has notified the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), which has indicated it will address the issue with Amazon. In the meantime, WABA is asking residents to help document any future violations.

If you see an Amazon cargo e-quad parked in a bike lane, WABA encourages you to:

• Take a photo of the vehicle.

• Record the vehicle number, if visible.

• Note the time and location.

• Report the incident through DC 311 by selecting Parking Enforcement and choosing "No Stop Stand Bike Lane" as the enforcement concern.

• Send the 311 case number, along with the photo and incident details, to seth.grimes@waba.org. If you don't file a 311 report, WABA still welcomes photos and information about the incident.

WABA says the goal is not to discourage the pilot program but to help ensure it operates safely and in compliance with District regulations. Community reports, the organization says, can help improve the program and keep bike lanes clear for cyclists.