New to DC commuting …

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  • July 26, 2011 at 2:12 am #928602
    Greenbelt
    Participant

    Welcome Justin. I guess it varies a lot from building to building. Mine is perfect, we have an underground bike rack in the garage, and a small gym with shower rooms in the building. I suppose that’s probably not too common, though, and many people have to get a gym membership nearby.

    Never hurts to put pressure on employers to make accomodations. Lots of people run at lunchtime, so I think getting bike commuters together with the runners could help add to the pressure for buildings to put in showers. Many companies can be persuaded based on the health benefits for their employees — that’s an angle worth trying. (Lots of businesses aren’t too interested in employee convenience, but when you bring up the health costs of diabetes and heart disease, they can be persuaded to invest in facilities for wellness, exercise etc. in their own business interest!)

    July 26, 2011 at 1:09 pm #928610
    baiskeli
    Participant

    The Bikestation at Union Station has a changing room, but I don’t think it has showers. You might ask around at your employer – sometimes there is a secret shower somewhere you could use. I’ve also used the gym membership route.

    Lately, I’ve found that showering at home works just fine except on the very hottest days. My morning commute is downhill and it’s cooler in the morning, and you get a good breeze on a bike. I find that I’m usually less sweaty than I would have been after walking a few blocks from the Metro anyway. Sometimes I need a little sponging off in the bathroom, but that’s it.

    July 26, 2011 at 7:03 pm #928617
    Dirt
    Participant

    Where exactly do you commute to in DC?

    Many buildings in the DC area have bike facilities, so me have showers. I’m fortunate enough to work in and use EPA’s set-up in the Reagan Building (14th and Pennsylvania, NW). It makes life easy.

    Before that I used a water bottle and small towel as well as a lot of deodorant. That worked too. It depends on how pretty you have to be at work. I can pretty much make any outfit look slovenly, so it isn’t really a problem for me. My employer has low expectations for my appearance. :D

    Welcome! Let us know how we can help!

    Pete

    July 26, 2011 at 9:02 pm #928623
    justinpdove
    Participant

    I haven’t started commuting just yet. I am moving to D.C. on Friday; I was just trying to get a head start on what to expect. I don’t have a job or anything, but it seems as though finding an office with a shower isn’t completely out of the realm of possibilities.

    In Austin, Texas, there’s a place called Mellow Johnny’s (Lance Armstrong’s store, but you’re probably familiar) where you can park your bike in a secure place and take a shower for $1/day, then head right next door to grab a cup of coffee at Juan Pelota’s before heading to work. It’s a great set up.

    July 27, 2011 at 7:24 pm #928675
    tantrix
    Participant

    Ditto as Greenbelt.. I wonder if we work for the same company.. that’ll be interesting :) I work for a huge insurance company near Union Station..

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