Post your ride pics
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@PotomacCyclist 105404 wrote:
That’s a neat idea. I haven’t been to the Silver Line stations yet, by Metro or by bike, so it was interesting to see what the stations and surroundings look like. The bike routes in Tysons are kind of disappointing to see. I don’t know if I would be comfortable riding on all of those roads.
Another thought: the zoom-in and omnipresence of the Metro pylons reminded me of the obelisks from “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Didn’t those obelisks spur advances in human evolution and technological development? Seems appropriate since the Silver Line stations are markers of an advance of public transit into Tysons and Fairfax County. Phase II will also stop at Dulles Airport, near the Air and Space Museum center (Udvar-Hazy) where they have models and real-life spacecraft. Coincidence? I think not.
I think that FABB created routes for people to use to access the Silver line stations here: http://www.fabb-bikes.org/silverlineroutes.html Their routes should be much safer than mine, as I chose a route that would run close to the transit line itself.
The big difference I noticed between the Silver Line stations and the rest of the Metro lines: bridges, bridges, and more futuristic (I had memories of Tomorrowland) bridges everywhere! Where are the pedestrians supposed to go? Out of the drivers’ way! Walk across a street at an intersection? That’s crazy talk! It makes me think of the hamster tubes running along the ceiling that kids can crawl through at Chuck E. Cheese’s.
I will note that the area is much nicer for non-vehicular visitors (compared to before, but still it is pretty subpar), but the giant elephant in the room is that the whole area was meant for cars/buses. Also, I do sometimes think about the 2001 reference and almost grunt at the pylons when I see them
@Starduster 105587 wrote:
bobco85: Bravo!
I do agree, riding in Tysons (123 or 7) is not for the faint of heart. But they only just got actual sidewalks recently! An opportunity for those who live there to influence their leaders?
I only rode on 123 (it was a little hairy in the underpass that featured on- and off-ramps) since it followed the train (plus it gives a cool “You are entering Tysons Corner now” feel with the approach to the Tysons Corner station). The section of 7 between Greensboro and Spring Hill has service roads with a pretty nice sidewalk (I used that in the video), so I found that pretty okay.
It looks like sidewalks will eventually be installed between the McLean and Tysons Corner stations, but right now unless you have a mountain bike, your only way is on the road. I think their major fight isn’t just for sidewalks, it’s also for crosswalks (even just painted lines with curb cuts/ramps without any pedestrian lights, this has been discussed on GreaterGreaterWashington).
@Dirt 105813 wrote:
I considered biking, but chose walking… the top part at least.
That’s how I always feel about this little section of hell.
@Dirt 105813 wrote:
I considered biking, but chose walking… the top part at least.
Virginia Welcomes You!
The patch of ice at the turn doesn’t make it any easier.
@Dirt 105813 wrote:
I considered biking, but chose walking… the top part at least.
@americancyclo 105824 wrote:
The patch of ice at the turn doesn’t make it any easier.
I made it up two days ago without the trailer. Wasn’t gonna happen with the trailer.
Friday Coffee Club
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