Any (female) bike commuters from the College Park area?

[egn]

Hi there — I’m totally new here and just recently started biking a bit. I’m trying to explore options for one day, kinda, eventually, maybe, trying to bike to work (near Farragut West Metro) from my house (just south of University of Maryland).

With the awesome help from the member Greenbelt (thanks!), I tried out his commute route to the Capitol with my husband this past weekend. It was surprisingly manageable, with just a couple of wretched hills that killed my out-of-shape legs. I think with some time and practice and probably a more appropriate bike, I could actually bike to work.

Here’s the problem: My husband is really uncomfortable (stubbornly so) about me commuting to work by myself, because of the rougher streets in NE DC I do agree … while I felt perfectly safe on a sunny Saturday afternoon, I’m not sure how I’d feel by myself when it’s dark in the evenings.

Are there any women out there who bike to work in DC from my area? Do you feel safe and comfortable? Do people ever buddy-up? Is there an alternate route (still avoiding heavy traffic) that I could take? Any information would be greatly appreciated, thank you!!

Topic

[KelOnWheels]

Welcome!

I am a new l’il commuter myself – I come from the opposite direction so I’m not much help, but the nice forum folks have answered all the questions I’ve come up with so I’m sure they can help you out

What’s the route you’re taking now?

[Certifried]

I was hoping someone with a lot more info would post first. I’m not a female, but I think the same rules pretty much apply to anyone when it comes to personal safety.

Here is an excellent article on night safety while walking, I don’t think cycling is necessarily much different and the same rules should apply

http://walking.about.com/od/weather/a/nightwalking4.htm

The extra caution for cycling would be visibility. You’re not just facing danger from attack, you’re facing danger from not being seen in the road (if there’s no trail). So, make sure you’re high-vis, bright reflective clothing, flashy lights (bright ones, not junk from target ones), reflectors, etc.

The extra thing I do carry is a little can of pepper spray. I keep it for dogs (yes, officer, protection from dogs). In my searching I found that it’s legal in all the states and DC, but basically DC and Maryland say if you can justify your carrying of it (fear of dogs, fear of assault) then you are legal. I’m not advocating a violent response to a mugging, just give them the wallet. If it’s more than a mugging, however, then it’s better to be prepared. (http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/News/media/NA_details.asp?NaID=3509)

Be safe!

[KelOnWheels]

Just watch out for random attacks with sausages…

(Wrench, not funny. Sausages? Pretty funny.)

[PotomacCyclist]

There have been a few incidents on the Metropolitan Branch Trail but I don’t remember all the details. I don’t want to alarm you but you should read up on it.

[5555624]

@KelOnWheels 22658 wrote:

Sausages? Pretty funny.)

If bits of sausage get caught on your bike and you get chased down by a pack of rabid dogs, you won’t think it’s funny. (On the other hand, you might become KOM.)

[DaveK]

My wife is temporarily working near College Park and has been bike commuting occasionally via that route, although in the other direction. Like your husband, I knew the route and was skeptical of the neighborhoods so I rode with her the first time. Once I saw just how many riders there are in each direction I stopped worrying so much. She’s ridden to work since then without incident. I totally understand your reticence though, between the trails and Brookland the route goes through some interesting neighborhoods, and she hasn’t yet done it at night and probably won’t. There’s no reason you have to ride every day though. Start with once in a while and see how it goes. Good luck!

[Arlingtonrider]

Knowing the hours when there are a lot of other cyclists on the trails can be very helpful. Even if you can’t find a ride buddy, people might be able to provide helpful information about that. I had the same questions and concerns when i started commuting on the MVT and FMR trails, but I now feel very comfortable on them because there are almost always other cyclists and/or runners around.

[egn]

Great advice, everybody, many thanks!!

For now, I think I’ll just continue to bike the route on the weekends in order to get comfortable with the streets, traffic, hills, etc. I also want to make sure I consistently enjoy biking (opposed to this being a short-lived obsession), in order to justify upgrading to a more suitable commuting bike. But I’m sure I’ll be back with more questions later!

[brendan]

Friends who are female cyclists in DC say they feel much more comfortable biking in the streets than walking on the sidewalks at night. I feel the same. Granted, it can take some time to get comfortable cycling within the traffic lanes. May I suggest one of WABA’s “Confident City Cycling” classes to help get you there?

Brendan

[Author]

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