Best route advice: 4 Mile Run to Dupont Circle

[Bilsko]

Its tough because no route will give you bike lanes the entire way. Comparing the two main options (through the city, or via RCP):

14th St Bridge–>14th Street–>some form of either Mass Ave, cut over at the White House then deal with Conn. Ave or 19th or something–>Dupont. Probably the most direct route, but you’re dealing with lots of intersections and only have a few stretches of bike lane/cycle track.

14th St Bridge–>Ohio Drive–>RCP–>P St–> Dupont (This one is nice because from the 14th Street Bridge its easy to get to RCP via Ohio Drive. Minimal traffic to deal with, most time on paths and just a short stretch sharing the roadway at the end on P St. The bulk of the climbing is compressed into getting up to P and then P up to Dupont. Its a longer route around, but with very few intersections, it may be quicker than navigating the city.

You could take Memorial Bridge instead of 14th, but then, as you observe, you end up on the wrong side of RCP and you have to deal with the intersection at 23rd and Ohio

[AlexBikeCommute]

@Bilsko 43229 wrote:

14th St Bridge–>Ohio Drive–>RCP–>P St–> Dupont (This one is nice because from the 14th Street Bridge its easy to get to RCP via Ohio Drive. Minimal traffic to deal with, most time on paths and just a short stretch sharing the roadway at the end on P St. The bulk of the climbing is compressed into getting up to P and then P up to Dupont. Its a longer route around, but with very few intersections, it may be quicker than navigating the city.

Thanks so much for responding. This is the route I took today, and I feel that it’s much more preferred to spend more time on paths than with cars. My biggest hesitation is with the P Street ramp, and no bike lane, but I’ll just gather speed and tackle it as quickly as I can.

Thanks again.

[Bilsko]

@AlexBikeCommute 43230 wrote:

Thanks so much for responding. This is the route I took today, and I feel that it’s much more preferred to spend more time on paths than with cars. My biggest hesitation is with the P Street ramp, and no bike lane, but I’ll just gather speed and tackle it as quickly as I can.

Thanks again.

Agreed its not ideal – the only other possibility I can think of (and its not *that* much better) – would be to take the ramp at Penn Ave, cut through/around the gas station, then onto the little path through Rose Park that takes you to P.
Just take it easy through Rose park – lots of dog walkers and parents pushing strollers. Still, might be worth a try…

[rcannon100]

14th Street Bridge or Memorial?

How many times would you have to cross the GW Parkway:

14th St: None

Memorial: Twice

That should answer that. (GWP is a form of Russian Roulette)

[AlexBikeCommute]

@rcannon100 43235 wrote:

(GWP is a form of Russian Roulette)

I’ve been on this forum and read the news for so many years that I’ve always been leery of crossing the GWP. When I did it twice yesterday I said to myself “nope – not doing this on a daily basis.”

My route will be the 14th St. bridge to some sort of exit off the RCP.

Thanks!

[Bilsko]

@AlexBikeCommute 43244 wrote:

I’ve been on this forum and read the news for so many years that I’ve always been leery of crossing the GWP. When I did it twice yesterday I said to myself “nope – not doing this on a daily basis.”

My route will be the 14th St. bridge to some sort of exit off the RCP.

Thanks!

Occasionally my morning commute has me wind down RCP to Ohio Drive so if you pass me going the other way don’t hesitate to wave hello! (Green Surly Disc Trucker or Chrome FG Schwinn – Orange Mavic Hi-Viz vest for cooler/cold weather, black or blue knickers year-round)

[bobco85]

@AlexBikeCommute 43244 wrote:

I’ve been on this forum and read the news for so many years that I’ve always been leery of crossing the GWP. When I did it twice yesterday I said to myself “nope – not doing this on a daily basis.”

You probably just doubled your life expectancy with that decision

[cephas]

@rcannon100 43235 wrote:

How many times would you have to cross the GW Parkway:

14th St: None

Memorial: Twice

That should answer that. (GWP is a form of Russian Roulette)

I drove the GWP today (before CaBi’ing in), but I must say: we need better markings!! the crosswalks did NOT jump out at me. They need to grab drivers’ attention if it will be minimally safe.

Oh, and the main answer: I think i would probably go 15th/WH/CT. In fact, I take that route occasionally when I have to go up to Dupont from 14th&F. CT is pretty well timed through there, and the WH is a nice ride. Not sure I’d be in favor of going all the way around. I’m just impatient like that.

[baiskeli]

@AlexBikeCommute 43215 wrote:

I’m starting a new gig and am looking for the best route to work. I’m coming from VA and going into DC, just north of Dupont Circle (on Connecticut Ave). I essentially start on Four Mile Run, very close to the Mt Vernon Trail, so I’ve got that part down.

I used to ride to work on almost exactly the same route. But it was a long time ago and I don’t remember the details. I do remember coming up to K street and taking that over to the Dupont area, so maybe I took the Roosevelt Bridge. That wouldn’t require crossing the GW. It’s pretty light traffic until K street, and on K, I took the feeder roads so it wasn’t too bad. Now you could take the L Street cycle track to get across town.

[AlexBikeCommute]

@cephas 43267 wrote:

Oh, and the main answer: I think i would probably go 15th/WH/CT.

Hmmm. When I really stop to think about it, I do much prefer to stay on paths, where possible. I’m a confident driver, but I have to admit that when I bike in the morning (6:30am-ish) I am kinda groggy. Better to have minimal bike/car interactions. Add the cold, the dark, and… well, I think I’ll stick to the 14th/Ohio/RCP for now.

Once the weather and light changes I’ll look for alternative routes. The fun thing with this commute is that I’ll have lots of alternatives and options for extending the trip (Custis Trail and the long way ’round).

I can’t wait!

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