Best route to Takoma Park

[Steve O]

@jrenaut 143730 wrote:

I have to go up to Takoma Park Middle School this week, coming from NW DC. I’m good up to Piney Branch and Butternut, but once the bike lane ends, it gets a little unpleasant. Looking at a map I can’t see any better options, but wanted to see if anyone who rides a lot around there has some secret route.

Check out Bobco’s video. I’m not sure if that’s exactly what you are looking for, but maybe.

[bobco85]

@jrenaut 143730 wrote:

I have to go up to Takoma Park Middle School this week, coming from NW DC. I’m good up to Piney Branch and Butternut, but once the bike lane ends, it gets a little unpleasant. Looking at a map I can’t see any better options, but wanted to see if anyone who rides a lot around there has some secret route.

@Steve O 143731 wrote:

Check out Bobco’s video. I’m not sure if that’s exactly what you are looking for, but maybe.

While my video does not cover the exact route you might want to take, based on the roads that I have used in that area, I would recommend this route (some of the route is shown in my video): https://goo.gl/maps/Qkmmw1p2kER2

• Piney Branch Rd NW
• Right onto Aspen St NW
• Left onto Sandy Spring Rd NW which becomes Maple St NW which becomes Maple Ave
• Left onto Grant Ave which is continuous for cyclists/peds
• Right onto Piney Branch Rd
• Right into Takoma Park Middle School

Most of the streets are neighborhood streets (Maple St/Ave is a marked bike route w/ sharrows). The route goes downhill on Maple Ave before a climb when you get to Grant Ave. Hopefully, this will help you.

[jrenaut]

Great, thank you. I’ll try that route this afternoon. Drivers on Piney Branch were courteous (probably due to the kids on the back of the longtail) but it’s not a relaxing place to ride.

[jrenaut]

Grant Ave is no joke with kids on the bike.

Otherwise, that was perfect – much nicer ride than Piney Branch, though it’s more climbing. Thanks!

[jrenaut]

Not sure if this will help anyone, but I found a route that adds a little distance but avoids the giant hills. Piney Branch then left at Eastern, which becomes Tacoma Ave and bends to the right then right on Gist. Brings you right back to Piney Branch but cuts out most of the section with no bike lane that’s pretty harrowing to ride on. See the route here.

[Author]

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