New to DC commuting …

[justinpdove]

Hey all, I was just wondering what options there are in D.C. regarding bike parking/showering facilities. I’ve seen the large bike parking facility outside of Union Station, but I was wondering if there was a place you could park your bike and shower after you commute before you head to the office. I guess the alternative is a gym membership or something.

Topic

[Greenbelt]

Welcome Justin. I guess it varies a lot from building to building. Mine is perfect, we have an underground bike rack in the garage, and a small gym with shower rooms in the building. I suppose that’s probably not too common, though, and many people have to get a gym membership nearby.

Never hurts to put pressure on employers to make accomodations. Lots of people run at lunchtime, so I think getting bike commuters together with the runners could help add to the pressure for buildings to put in showers. Many companies can be persuaded based on the health benefits for their employees — that’s an angle worth trying. (Lots of businesses aren’t too interested in employee convenience, but when you bring up the health costs of diabetes and heart disease, they can be persuaded to invest in facilities for wellness, exercise etc. in their own business interest!)

[baiskeli]

The Bikestation at Union Station has a changing room, but I don’t think it has showers. You might ask around at your employer – sometimes there is a secret shower somewhere you could use. I’ve also used the gym membership route.

Lately, I’ve found that showering at home works just fine except on the very hottest days. My morning commute is downhill and it’s cooler in the morning, and you get a good breeze on a bike. I find that I’m usually less sweaty than I would have been after walking a few blocks from the Metro anyway. Sometimes I need a little sponging off in the bathroom, but that’s it.

[Dirt]

Where exactly do you commute to in DC?

Many buildings in the DC area have bike facilities, so me have showers. I’m fortunate enough to work in and use EPA’s set-up in the Reagan Building (14th and Pennsylvania, NW). It makes life easy.

Before that I used a water bottle and small towel as well as a lot of deodorant. That worked too. It depends on how pretty you have to be at work. I can pretty much make any outfit look slovenly, so it isn’t really a problem for me. My employer has low expectations for my appearance.

Welcome! Let us know how we can help!

Pete

[justinpdove]

I haven’t started commuting just yet. I am moving to D.C. on Friday; I was just trying to get a head start on what to expect. I don’t have a job or anything, but it seems as though finding an office with a shower isn’t completely out of the realm of possibilities.

In Austin, Texas, there’s a place called Mellow Johnny’s (Lance Armstrong’s store, but you’re probably familiar) where you can park your bike in a secure place and take a shower for $1/day, then head right next door to grab a cup of coffee at Juan Pelota’s before heading to work. It’s a great set up.

[tantrix]

Ditto as Greenbelt.. I wonder if we work for the same company.. that’ll be interesting I work for a huge insurance company near Union Station..

[Author]

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