Best Route: Penrose to King St Metro

[chris_s]

Just getting into biking and doing my groundwork and preparation for starting to commute by bike. My home is in Penrose (right by Bob & Edith’s diner for those not familiar with the neighborhood name) and my office is right next to the King Street Metro.

From what I can see, the low number of available I-395 crossings severely limits my available routes. My options are Joyce St by Pentagon City or going down to the Four Mile Run trail right? The idea of biking Columbia Pike there by the Washington Blvd bridge scares me a bit, so I’m leaning toward something like Walter Reed Dr down to Kenmore St to Four Mile Run…but I’m new to biking around here so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Topic

[Tim Kelley]

If you are new to riding and uncomfortable riding with traffic, I would suggest taking Walter Reed (Sharrows and Bike Lanes) down to 4 Mile Run/W&OD and then over to the Mt. Vernon Trail to Alexandria and cutting over through old town. Here’s a potential route.

Even though it is longer than a more direct route, it might actually be faster than going through town and hitting stop lights. Try it out on a weekend when you aren’t pressed for time to see what you like!

[OneEighth]

Just make sure you and the bike are ready for the Walter Reed hill. Don’t want a chain or brake failure.

I often ride down Glebe Road and cut through Del Ray around 5 AM weekdays, but I wouldn’t want play in traffic on Glebe during rush hour.

You may also want to consider crossing Rte 50 on Fillmore Street and then cutting through Rosslyn to the Mt. Vernon Trail. It’s definitely longer, though.

[Just161]

I’d agree, the 4-Mile-Run > Mt. Vernon Trail combo is a great way to start – no cars, no stoplights, and it’s a beautiful view along the Potomac to boot . Then, as you get used to it at different times of the day, you can try other routes.

[DismalScientist]

I’d suggest Commonwealth Avenue (after crossing Four Mile Run at Arlandria) rather than going all the way to the river, but, then again, I’m not a fan of the trails close in.

[chris_s]

Thanks so much for the responses! I’ll ride both the Mt. Vernon Trail version and the Commonwealth Ave version and see how they feel and how long they take. (hopefully this weekend)

[chris_s]

Thanks again folks, I tested the route yesterday to make sure I understood it and to get a sense of timing – today was my first actual commute day. I’m doing Walter Reed >> Four Mile Run Trail >> Commonwealth Ave and it’s fabulous. Looking forward to the day when I can make it back up the Walter Reed Dr hill – I think it’s going to be a while though.

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