Be careful around the Jefferson Memorial

[Arlingtonrider]

Yup. The sidewalk is about half its usual width where the portapotty is. Then there is the construction. A detour toward Hains Point is recommended for all members of the B Team.

p.s. We’ve all forgotten about posting all these things under the Trail Conditions tab. Must be the heat??

[5555624]

Are they usable? When I rode by this morning, long before any tourists, I noticed that the doors were padlocked.

[Arlingtonrider]

I was glad to see the padlock this morning, after thinking about how unpleasant it would be to be doored by a portapotty, and it would probably be an unwelcome shock to the person trying to exit it too.

[5555624]

@Arlingtonrider 23938 wrote:

I was glad to see the padlock this morning, after thinking about how unpleasant it would be to be doored by a portapotty, and it would probably be an unwelcome shock to the person trying to exit it too.

Especially since I think the door to the handicapped ones will extend to the curb. If I remember, I’ll post the lock status Monday morning. (Since there is now a note stuck to my monitor, I just need to remember to look.)

[Mikey]

I’m more worried about the line of tourists dancing with their legs crossed and waiting in 95F heat to pee. They will probably not respond well to “ding-ding”.

[Arlingtonrider]

It’s time to take to the streets!

(Note edit – I do like the post, even if the “like” was the result of a finger slip!)

[Mikey]

@Arlingtonrider 23949 wrote:

It’s time to take to the streets! (Also, the “like” above was a fat finger mistake.)

What now you don’t like me?

[dbb]

I thought the ding ding and the porta potty line was pretty funny. I do think it would suck to be doored by a porta potty as well.

I was pleased to see that the damned traffic cones had been moved out of the crosswalk however. Maybe the email I sent (copied below) to the NPS on the 26th had some effect

“I am writing to ask for assistance in resolving a recurring bicycle safety issue near the Jefferson Memorial where cyclists come down from the 14th Street Bridge, cross East Basin Drive and get onto the sidewalk along East Basin Drive heading towards the Mall and downtown. As you are aware, this route is a major cycling path for commuters entering the District.

Traffic cones are frequently placed in the crosswalk, presenting a hazard for cyclists who must quickly make a right turn on to the sidewalk. I moved a traffic cone from the center of the sidewalk this morning and as you can see in the photo I took this afternoon, the cone has returned. With the portable toilet at the corner, the turn becomes even more hazardous for cyclists.

Photo here

Other than keeping motorists from turning into the short roadway leading to the security barrier, I can’t see a need for the cones. If cones are necessary, moving the one cone that is in the crosswalk to the left edge of the crosswalk would allow it to be visible and not present a hazard. I would like the NPS staff at the Memorial to stop placing these obstacles in the crosswalk. In addition to presenting hazards to cyclists, the cone may also obstruct the path of individuals with disabilities.

I apologize for sending this to you but I was not able to find the name of the current Park Superintendent and wanted to allow the resolution of this issue at the appropriate level.

Can you please forward this email to the appropriate NPS supervisor with my request to direct the Memorial or maintenance staff not to put traffic cones in the crosswalk? If you or that individual have any questions, please contact me at 703- or at this email address, zzz. I would appreciate an email reply regarding my request.

Thank you,“

Here was the photo from the other day

and here is the photo from this morning

[ShawnoftheDread]

It looks to me like the only reason the cones were moved this morning is b/c some employee needed to pull his car in there, which is why they’re stacked up to the side. I think they’ll be back.

[KLizotte]

Great letter to NPS. I certainly hope it works!

[PotomacCyclist]

The gates were shut at Hains Point yesterday at 4 pm. I’m not sure why. They were open before 4.

[Arlingtonrider]

My beef with NPS this week relates to the construction area. In the evening they’ve kept the sidewalk blocked with those signs saying the sidewalk is closed, when the only real obstruction on the sidewalks at that time is the signs themselves. So I must take my life in my hands for no reason other than their signs designed for my safety???!!!

I did mention this to the construction crew this morning. Will soon see what came of it.

[dbb]

The NPS said the construction should be completed today. Lets see!

Maybe I’ll ride down there tomorrow. Oh wait, I am temporarily bike free. Damn!

[Tim Kelley]

@PotomacCyclist 23993 wrote:

The gates were shut at Hains Point yesterday at 4 pm. I’m not sure why. They were open before 4.

I heard it was for 4th of July prep?

[PotomacCyclist]

Was Hains Point closed today?

[Author]

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