I’m starting a new job next month right next to the Capitol. I’d like to try commuting by bike to save money. I’ll be starting from mile marker 11 or 10.5 on the W&OD trail.
I’m hoping to find someone who can take me on a trial run on a weekend. I’ll be happy to pay $10 for the entire trip. Thanks!
I recommend that you should start your commute slowly by drive or Metro half way and bike half way, keeps it under 10 miles each way and built it up to 16.5 miles.
I forwarded your note to a friend who rides from Arlington to the Capitol every day. Hopefully he’ll log in here and get in touch to show you the way in.
I used to take the the Custis to the river and down to the Memorial Bridge, past Abe and George and then along Jefferson all the way to 3rd Street. No traffic along the mall in the mornings. My friend takes the 14th St. Bridge and has a different route to the Capitol–I’m not sure what it is.
Thank you all for the replies! I’ve only been up and down the W&OD trail, and I’m pretty comfortable with that. I think I’d be comfortable with all the trails. It’s the bridges and the DC part I’m scared of. …
I commute everyday to capitol hill from near where the W&OD and Custis split. Happy to meet you and guide you there. I hate traffic, so my route is very low traffic and is probably a mile longer than necessary as a result. W&OD -> Custis -> Mt Vernon -> bike lane on 14th St Bridge (AKA 395) -> past Jefferson Memorial -> under 395 bridge on sidewalk along Maine Ave -> through parking lot next to fish market -> Water St SW (frontage road near Maine Avenue) -> left on 7th St SW -> right on I St SW -> left on 6th St SW -> right on G St SW -> left on 4th St SW -> right on E St SW -> left on 3rd St SW. I work at 3rd and C. I can suggest routes from 3rd and C to the capitol hill complex.
Given your other questions, the cycling classes that some have mentioned would be a good idea.
Basically, on a bike, you have to follow the same traffic laws as a car. There are some sidewalks that you can ride on, but there is an “exclusion” area downtown so you’ll need to know where that is. Riding the opposite way from traffic makes you a “bike salmon” and puts you at serious risk — cars and pedestrians are not expecting you there and have no reason to look that direction before turning or changing lanes or, for pedestrians, stepping into the street.
I agree about extreme caution on sidewalks. The WABA classes are explicit in stating we are safest when we behave like cars and are predictable in our movements. I watched a woman get hit by a car when she approached from the driver’s blindside, on a sidewalk into the crosswalk. The driver did not anticipate her presence. Luckily, the cyclist was not hurt. The motorist was shaken (not stirred) and was absolutely horrified at making contact. Best of luck to you.
I do this commute a few days a week from the W&OD mile marker 7.5 to Independence and 1st SE. I would consider myself a seasoned commuter, so I prefer taking the key bridge to Penn Ave, following those lanes all the way to the capitol and then up the hill. I’ve found it to be shorter in time and miles than going over the Arlington Bridge and down Independence Ave (which I would avoid at all costs, its not pleasant). Let me know when you grow frustrated with the tourists along the mall, and I’ll be happy to ride my route with you. Feel free to send me a PM and I’ll let you know where and when we usually ride.
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