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Norton Writes Supreme Court Marshal Requesting Immediate Removal of Bike Racks Around Court Grounds

July 8, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) yesterday wrote the Marshal of the Supreme Court requesting immediate removal of the bike racks blocking the sidewalks around the Supreme Court grounds. Because anti-climb fencing is already in place around the grounds, Norton said the bike racks serve no security purpose and force District of Columbia residents, workers and visitors to use the street, creating a safety hazard.

"I remind you that the Supreme Court grounds do not exist in a vacuum," Norton wrote. "They are surrounded by a residential neighborhood, and the grounds were widely used before the anti-climb fencing was installed."

The letter follows.

July 7, 2022

Gail A. Curley

Marshal

United States Supreme Court

Washington, DC 20543

Dear Marshal Curley:

I urge you to immediately remove the bike racks blocking the sidewalks around the Supreme Court grounds. Given that anti-climb fencing has been installed around the grounds, these bike racks serve no security purpose and are forcing District of Columbia residents, workers and visitors to use the street or cross the street at points that have no crosswalks, causing a dangerous situation for pedestrians, bicyclists and cars.

I remind you that the Supreme Court grounds do not exist in a vacuum. They are surrounded by a residential neighborhood, and the grounds were widely used before the anti-climb fencing was installed.

In addition, while I recognize the Supreme Court believes that the anti-climb fencing is necessary to address security concerns at this moment, the fencing should remain up no longer than is absolutely necessary. The Supreme Court grounds are public spaces and should be open to the public.

I request a written response to this letter by July 11, 2022.

Sincerely,

Eleanor Holmes Norton

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