A request: Don’t do speedwork on the Mt. Vernon Trail at rush hour

[PotomacCyclist]

@dasgeh 15217 wrote:

I wish there were more signage on all of the trails/bike routes, especially close to the river/Monuments. I honestly think some of the walkers, runners and even cyclists just don’t realize what a MUT is. A simple “stay right, expect other people, especially bikes” would be really helpful, and I think would cut down on a number of random tourist movements (like the bench-sitters).

And while we’re putting up signs, some where there are blind curves, sudden trail/path entrances, and other unexpected things (e.g. “kid-zone” at Gravely Point) would be great.

NPS is supposed to separate cyclist and pedestrian traffic at Gravelly Point this year, but I’m not sure about the details. Maybe a second paved path with the bike path next to the GW Parkway until the north end of the park? That would allow cyclists to avoid the portapotty area and plane viewing spot.

[JeffC]

It is this type of behaviour that makes commuting less fun for me. Since starting commuting about 5 years ago, I have noticed more crowded conditions and less considerate trail users. Since I have a lot of other physical endeavours I pursue and am not an everyday commuter (maybe 2 to 3 days a week, 22 miles roundtrip, and aim for about 1800 to 2000 miles per year), I have developed some mitigating strategies.

First, (easier said than done) don’t sweat the annoying walkers and jerk bikers, I find myself doing this but try to bring myself out of the negative thoughts towards other users.

Second, spread a positive attitude. Always announce you are passing and be considerate.

Third, try and spread your riding around all year round. I find that if I ride more in the winter I can do less riding in those times when the trail is packed. Once you are acclimated toward winter riding, I actually find it more enjoyable than in the spring with hoards of users and 70F temps.

Fourth, have your backup routes. I found a way to avoid most of the Custis Trail. It’s longer but more enjoyable.

Fifth, pick your commute days wisely. For whatever reason Monday seems to be a good day, always less crowded than other days, not sure why but it is my favorite day.

Mentally I appreciate why pedestrians would want to use the Mt. Vernon trail between Rosslyn and the Wilson Bridge. The scenery is stunning and people come from all over the world to see this. I dread biking it though in the afternoons in spring. Conversely, I really have to ask myself why North Arlingtonians want to walk on the Custis Trail. Really, in most parts of the world there is a stigma associated with walking next to a freeway, apparently this makes you cool in Arlington since many parts of the Custis are right next to I-66.

[jrenaut]

@JeffC 15321 wrote:

First, (easier said than done) don’t sweat the annoying walkers and jerk bikers, I find myself doing this but try to bring myself out of the negative thoughts towards other users.

I try to think to myself, “What would Dirt do?”. Then I skip the singing part.

But I do find that trying not to let inconsiderate (or clueless) people get under my skin makes me happier.

[PotomacCyclist]

If NPS ever allows it, a bike connector between Long Bridge Park and the MVT, and possibly a full bridge between Long Bridge Park and East Potomac Park in D.C., would allow cyclists from Alexandria, Crystal City and Pentagon City to avoid the riverside MVT completely if they are headed for the 14th St. Bridge. They can take the on-road path of the MVT through Old Town and up to Slaters Lane. (Admittedly the current path from Old Town to Slaters Lane leaves much to be desired. But someone pointed out that a new path will be paved near Abingdon Drive in the near future.) And then across the Monroe Ave. bridge to the new Potomac Ave. path (or Potomac Ave. itself) and onto Crystal Drive up to Long Bridge Park.

Last week was the first time I’ve been on the riverside MVT in quite a while. I tend to use Potomac Ave. and the side path these days.

[Terpfan]

Since we’re airing issues–I had my third issue with folks seeming to think the yield from 4MR to MVT is meant for MVT users, but given the MVT heading northbound there is downhill, the yield is most certainly designed for the 4MR. Not much can be done on that one though since the signage is pretty clear.

Back to the topic, I’m not sure if more people are reading this forum or what, but I have noticed a lot more people calling out passes in the last week or so. Or maybe that’s just a mental trick as there are more riders. Either way, it’s refreshing to at least know some folks are passing.

I’m still baffled by the random folks I see riding without lights and in dark clothes at 7ish pm. It’s definitely like the Nascar accident watching experience–I know it’s going to happen, it will probably be entertaining, but I feel really bad for the other person involved.

[baiskeli]

@consularrider 15236 wrote:

I’m commuting not training, so as long as I’m going fast enough to stay upright, I’m ok.

On the issue of agressive bell ringing, at least this rider was signaling, just being obnoxious about it. My estimate is that I get much lower than 50% giving the desired notice of overtaking in any format. I like to give a double ding of my bell. Too often the single ding seems to make people think they dropped something.

I’ve noticed that too – a double-ding is so much more effective.

I only recently got a bell, and I love it. Pedestrians and tourists seem to think “on your left” or even “bicycle passing” means “panic and jump to the far left!”

[KLizotte]

@baiskeli 15446 wrote:

Pedestrians and tourists seem to think “on your left” or even “bicycle passing” means “panic and jump to the far left!”

I experienced just such an event this past weekend on the “trail” (glorified sidewalk) near the Korean Memorial on Independence. No impact occurred and she apologized profusely and said that when she heard the bell she didn’t know on which side I was going to pass. I calmly explained the “rules of the game” and it was all good. It did make me realize how many tourists really do not have any experience dealing with cyclists; therefore, it would be really helpful if the “authorities” put up some sort of safety signs along the Mall (i.e., “this is a bike trail”, diagrams showing peds walking on the right, etc).

The more I see of urban DC riding, the more I’m convinced that the Dutch way of doing things is superior. Equal but separate infrastructure.

While I’m a huge supporter of CaBi, I dread to think of what cherry blossom season is going to bring with the increase in Cabi stations on the Mall. For that month I change my commuting route so as to avoid the Jefferson Memorial area altogether because it is way too crowded with peds and traffic. I shudder at the thought of throwing in a couple of hundred CaBis into the mix at any one time.

[DaveK]

@KLizotte 15448 wrote:

While I’m a huge supporter of CaBi, I dread to think of what cherry blossom season is going to bring with the increase in Cabi stations on the Mall. For that month I change my commuting route so as to avoid the Jefferson Memorial area altogether because it is way too crowded with peds and traffic. I shudder at the thought of throwing in a couple of hundred CaBis into the mix at any one time.

Last year during tourist season, although not during the Cherry Blossoms, I was riding CaBi home from Georgetown on the river path and approached a pack of tourists walking the opposite direction. I dinged the bell and one of them, apparently the alpha tourist, said “if you think I’m going to move for your stupid bell you’re wrong. Get off the sidewalk!”. I almost lost it. Ah, tourists…

[Arlingtonrider]

One difficulty that those heading southbound on the MVT headed toward FMR have with regard to yielding to northbound MVT riders at the MVT and FMV split is that, especially once things green up, it’s difficult to see the northbound MVT riders until the last minute because there’s a bush there that obstructs one’s view. I sent an email about it to Tim Bevins at NPS last year but never received a reply. I think we all need to slow down a little and be watchful there, regardless of who has the duty to yield.

[jrenaut]

@DaveK 15457 wrote:

Last year during tourist season, although not during the Cherry Blossoms, I was riding CaBi home from Georgetown on the river path and approached a pack of tourists walking the opposite direction. I dinged the bell and one of them, apparently the alpha tourist, said “if you think I’m going to move for your stupid bell you’re wrong. Get off the sidewalk!”. I almost lost it. Ah, tourists…

They probably had no idea that stretch is a MUT. It certainly doesn’t look like one.

That said, if they were covering both sides of the trail, that’s rude no matter where one is walking. The fact that you had to resort to a bell when approaching head on is kind of sad.

[rcannon100]

For that month I change my commuting route so as to avoid the Jefferson Memorial area altogether

Add the lincoln to that mix. Okay, avoid the Jefferson; avoid the Lincoln…. So, coming from Rosslyn to SW DC… go via the Wilson Bridge????

[Justin Antos]

@Arlingtonrider 15460 wrote:

One difficulty that those heading southbound on the MVT headed toward FMR have with regard to yielding to northbound MVT riders is that, especially once things green up, it’s difficult to see the northbound MVT riders until the last minute because…

Also, even without bushes, southbound MVT riders after dark are often staring straight into the headlights of oncoming cars.

[KLizotte]

@DaveK 15457 wrote:

Last year during tourist season, although not during the Cherry Blossoms, I was riding CaBi home from Georgetown on the river path and approached a pack of tourists walking the opposite direction. I dinged the bell and one of them, apparently the alpha tourist, said “if you think I’m going to move for your stupid bell you’re wrong. Get off the sidewalk!”. I almost lost it. Ah, tourists…

That’s why I wish DDOT/NPS would install signs along the “glorified sidewalks” that are officially designated trails; would solve some of the confusion (and anger) as to why cyclists are on them. I typically ride the trail that runs along Independence towards Memorial Bridge and really, really wish they had such signs up (as well as a wider, segregated bike path).

[baiskeli]

@KLizotte 15448 wrote:

I experienced just such an event this past weekend on the “trail” (glorified sidewalk) near the Korean Memorial on Independence. No impact occurred and she apologized profusely and said that when she heard the bell she didn’t know on which side I was going to pass. I calmly explained the “rules of the game” and it was all good. It did make me realize how many tourists really do not have any experience dealing with cyclists; therefore, it would be really helpful if the “authorities” put up some sort of safety signs along the Mall (i.e., “this is a bike trail”, diagrams showing peds walking on the right, etc).

The more I see of urban DC riding, the more I’m convinced that the Dutch way of doing things is superior. Equal but separate infrastructure.

While I’m a huge supporter of CaBi, I dread to think of what cherry blossom season is going to bring with the increase in Cabi stations on the Mall. For that month I change my commuting route so as to avoid the Jefferson Memorial area altogether because it is way too crowded with peds and traffic. I shudder at the thought of throwing in a couple of hundred CaBis into the mix at any one time.

Speaking of the Dutch, I was in that exact same area a few weeks ago when I passed a large group of tourists who looked and sounded Dutch. They all calmly moved aside when I dinged. I was wearing a yellow jacket, and one called out “yellow jersey!” That was cool. The Dutch rock.

I have found that the awareness of exactly where everyone is and should be due to cycling makes it frustrating to walk on the sidewalk because of all the idiots on the wrong side, etc. And man, have you noticed that people can’t handle double doors? They want to use the same one you’re using, even if they are on the wrong side. I always open the other one for them instead of getting out of the way.

[consularrider]

We’ve got a green “Bike Route” sign away from the vehicle turnaround where Eads has a T junction with the 4MRT. The only people that really see this sign are those moving on two wheels or two feet. I think some of those sprinkled around the designated MUPs that look more like sidewalks would be a great addition, especially those that are not adjacent to a street. This would be particularly useful in DC where some people are actually aware that bicycles are banned from sidewalks in downtown DC and interpolate that to other areas or don’t know the actual boundries of “downtown.”

[Author]

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