Bike to Work Day: The Discussion

[chris_s]

It was my first Bike to Work Day – just started bike commuting last month. There wasn’t a pit stop on my normal commute, so I went out of my way a bit to hit the Alexandria Market Square pit stop which had the added bonus of putting me on the Mt Vernon Trail for the first time – very pretty. All in all, a great morning commute, except for witnessing the absolute last thing I wanted to see on Bike to Work Day: a fellow biker being carted off in an ambulance by paramedics. About 7am, under the Route 1 bridge on Four Mile Run trail. Hope he’s ok.

[eminva]

Hooray for Bike to Work Day! Thanks WABA!

I think I saw more people than ever cycling in today. There were a couple of dozen on the W&OD waiting to cross Gallows by the time the light changed. Come out everyday, people!

Was surprised to see a new pit stop at Dunn Loring (should have stopped because they appeared to have reflective vests and mine has fallen apart, oh well, can always get one at the Home Depot). There was also an impromptu pit stop at Falls Church (by the Lodge Hall near the Arlington/Falls Church county line).

The Rosslyn pit stop, as always, was tops, with best food and swag. And huge turnout at about 7:45. Plus entertainment! A stunt cycling show.

Didn’t go to Freedom Plaza — Farragut Square was hosting its first ever pit stop so I registered there to support my own neighborhood. They had a steady stream of customers, too. Thought about going over to Freedom Plaza from there, but how many breakfasts can one eat?

Thanks again to WABA, Bike Arlington and everyone for making this great event happen.

Liz

[eminva]

I forgot to say, thanks Pete, for the photographs. A picture speaks a thousand words.

Chris, congrats on the bike commuting and I hope that other cyclist is okay, too.

Liz

[Dirt]

So many thanks to the Bike Arlington and WABA folks that make this happen. The volunteers ROCK!!!!

My only disappointment is that the Swiss Embassy didn’t have a tent in Freedom Plaza this year. They are always one of my favorite things about BTWD. I will survive.

Nice to see AAA sponsoring a tent.

Awesome Chris_S for your first bike to work day. The pit stops are fun, so I’m glad you went out of your way.

Liz: Cool to hear that the Farragut Square pit stop went well. I’ll add that one to my route next year.

[txgoonie]

@chris_s 3729 wrote:

All in all, a great morning commute, except for witnessing the absolute last thing I wanted to see on Bike to Work Day: a fellow biker being carted off in an ambulance by paramedics. About 7am, under the Route 1 bridge on Four Mile Run trail. Hope he’s ok.

I saw the EMTs going down there with a stretcher and was sincerely hoping that’s not what it was:( Didn’t wanna be a looky-loo or somehow in the way, so I took the alternate street route. Hope all is okay.

Crystal City Pit Stop. Props to the CC BID for upping the ante and being out there all week.

[Dirt]

Went back out to Freedom Plaza now that there are humans there. Very cool to see so many folks packed into the plaza. The great thing was that the speeches were really short because the wind blew the fountain across the stage getting anyone speaking soaking wet. WOOHOOO!

Freedom Plaza in full swing.

The obligatory People for Bikes photo. Bikes Belong!!!!

If you’re not familiar with this organization, please take time to check out the web site and sign the pledge!!!
http://www.peopleforbikes.org/

Love,

Pete

[jrenaut]

I didn’t see the Bikeshare corral they promised at Freedom Plaza, so I kept going on to work. I did walk through, though, and it was pretty amazing how many people were there. I was a bit late this morning due to daycare drop-off drama, and there were very few bikes still on 14th St NW. Capital Bikeshare did a great job keeping the stations stocked up north, though. Most days there’s no chance I could find a bike in Columbia Heights as late as I did today.

[skreaminquadz]

I stopped off at the Conte’s stop in Ballston. Pretty good turnout. Although Freedom Plaza is the place to be.

Pete – what happened to your crank, chain, spokes… Heck, how did you ride that thing in ; )

[Dirt]

@skreaminquadz 3737 wrote:

Pete – what happened to your crank, chain, spokes… Heck, how did you ride that thing in ; )

I got skillzes like you’ve never seen before.

[Dirt]

@jrenaut 3735 wrote:

I didn’t see the Bikeshare corral they promised at Freedom Plaza, so I kept going on to work.

I know there’s a station 1/2 block south on 14th St. I didn’t see one at the Plaza though.

[Brock]

I swung by BicycleSPACE on my way to Freedom Plaza, then grabbed breakfast at my local stop, NoMa – I work from home, so on Bike to Work Day I just go make a big circle.

My favorite part: saw a tall bike here in NoMa. I’m not sure where he was going, but I’ll bet that’s not his daily ride.

[CasualBiker2011]

My first BTWD! My office just moved to a new space right off the W&OD and I’ve been talking about riding to work, but never did. My goal is 2-3 days a week. I loved it today, everyone was smiling. I stopped at the pit stop in Merrifield and made out like a bandit! Water bottles, coupons and breakfast. About a dozen folks waiting at the Gallows Road crossing, more than I’ve seen on a nice weekend. Great fun!

[jrenaut]

@Dirt 3739 wrote:

I know there’s a station 1/2 block south on 14th St. I didn’t see one at the Plaza though.

That’s probably what I was looking for. I guess I didn’t read the website carefully enough, and thought there was going to be something right at Freedom Plaza.

[RESTONTODC]

I stopped by the Vienna stop and happy to see Susan from FABB. Since I’m living in Fairfax, I really excited to see FABB is taking off.

The new Merrifield stop has Virginia Hot Lane tent. They said they build new bridges for cyclists. They’re giving out some free stuff than Vienna.

The Rosslyn stop always rocks. Bike Arlington is doing a great job.

At the Freedom Plaza, Mayor Vincent Gray said he wants the DC to become Gold level next year. It’s great that he’s supporting this effort.

Can’t wait to ride home

Rick

[Dirt]

@RESTONTODC 3747 wrote:

Can’t wait to ride home

I might not wait to ride home. Hahaha. Might just have to leave after lunch today. I need a nap.

[Author]

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