Arlington Cyclist Involved in Collision, Dies

Very sorry to hear this. I actually had a scare at that same point a week or so ago, only it was while making a right-turn onto the W&OD. I was coming down the hill way too fast, and the light was green. I was riding on the tops instead of the drops, so I didn’t have the best control of the brakes. As I hit the W&OD I was going too fast, and nearly went off onto Four Mile Run.

I could see how somebody could make a similar miscalculation while turning onto the access road.

I was heading west on Four Mile Run Dr about 4:30 yesterday afternoon and saw the police out there and a large area blocked off with yellow tape. The car was still there and did appear to have a smashed windshield in front of the driver. There was an officer taking photos of it at the time.

It’s a very sad news. I rode this route on last Thursday and always want to climb this hill for fun.

Rick

Still waiting to see an identification, have not seen this information. Hoping I just don’t know where to look. Otherwise, this tragedy is compounded. I admit there have been long stretches in my life when I wandered around without ID when I was running or biking. But not recently.

I’ve thought a lot about this accident and some small gesture I can make to recognize other cyclists beyond a friendly wave and nod when I’m on Spartacus (my bike). Unlike my vehicular cyclist friends, I still drive a car– frequently even. Oh, the horror. But today as I was coming down to work I decided I’d start waving to the cyclists I see. It is my way of showing my support of other cyclists working out or commuting or simply going to the grocery store. So at the corner of Jermantown and somewhere in Fairfax this morning I gave the bike dude waiting at the light a big thumbs up. His mouth fell open in astonishment, hesitated, then waved back. It was a good moment.

The reality is we are a small community and losing even one diminishes us all.

Ride safe,
ann

A slip lane is a road traffic lane provided at an intersection to allow vehicles to turn at the intersection without actually entering it and interfering with through traffic.

If you look at the overhead map you will see the far right lane allows traffic to turn without having to stop and wait for the light. I don’t understand enough about angles or how to descend this particular hill and pick a line that will allow me to turn into the slip lane while maintaining a high rate of speed, but it seems there is some controversy over whether the cyclist entered the slip lane or not. I have wondered whether he was trying to beat the light and made a split second decision to turn.

Rainbows and unicorns, safe riding
ann

I usually notice the big snakes around Private Drive in Reston, the way the sweat burns when it drops into my eyes, how I wish for something better than water in my water bottles, and then remember Jacksons, with ice cold adult beverages, is oh so close to the trail where it goes past Reston Town Center. I love to ride because it keeps my mind engaged (no more staring at a mind numbing black line on the bottom of a cold pool) and because I can choose to ride with people or by myself and still have an equally good time. It never gets dull. Besides bike clothes are cute. 😎

ann