WASHINGTON — Every day on D.C.’s sidewalks, there’s a battle for space pitting pedestrians against cyclists. But a new plan would require cyclists and Segway drivers to stop riding on sidewalks and use bike lanes every time those lanes are available.

Councilmember Jim Graham introduced the bill after receiving, he says, many complaints of cyclists whizzing down sidewalks with seemingly no thought about the safety of people walking.

Graham says he’s especially concerned about the safety of pedestrians who are elderly and mothers with young children.

Right now, cyclists and Segway drivers are only allowed on sidewalks outside the city’s Central Business District, although they can use sidewalks in parts of the CBD that are controlled by the National Park Service such as the National Mall and Dupont Circle.

Graham says he thinks the bill, if passed, would encourage construction of even more bike lanes in the District.

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