After doing this ride, I got to thinking about a safer way to get to Dulles Airport by bicycle. I figure folks will want to try a ride out to the airport by bike because, well, it’s kinda cool to do so. Because we were following the Silver Line, we used some not-so-great roads to get from Innovation Center to Dulles Airport, and I know there’s a better way.
Here is the route I created to easily get from the W&OD Trail to Dulles Airport without too much hassle (note: there is some hassle because there isn’t quite a collection of bike-friendly roads to use): https://www.strava.com/routes/9265862
The route uses Pacific Blvd which has a paved side path for multiple parts and on-road riding without a sidewalk for other parts. Turning onto Relocation Dr provides a one lane road that should be easier to ride than the multi-lane highway. Relocation Dr leads to Old Ox Rd, a bike-unfriendly road which must only be used for 1 block before getting to airport access roads. The rest of the route is pretty okay as the roads from then on are 25 mph limit roads. Just remember to turn onto Commercial Vehicle Dr from Cargo Dr and use the protected sidewalk for a nice view of the main airport building and the future Metro station across the parking lot.
@FFX_Hinterlands 161956 wrote:
I hope you stopped by the bike fix-it-station at AOL for a quick adjustment.
I didn’t even know they had one! I’ll have to check it out next time I’m out there.
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