right turn from Gallows Rd bike lanes, to W&OD – a bit of a scare

[lordofthemark]

I was thinking of putting this under missed connections, but I would like some more insight into the facility issues.

Yesterday I wanted a nice long ride (for me) on the W&OD and was tired of having to go up the streets of Annandale to get anywhere, so I stuffed the bike into the car and drove – parked at the Post Office on Gallows and Electric. Rode down to the trail on the bike lane.

The right turn is pretty sharp, and even though I wasn’t going all that fast, part of the bike probably ended up at the outside part of the bike lane. As I was turning I heard a loud honk from behind, and a van passed REALLY CLOSE. I was afraid I had let part of the bike go outside the bike lane. But there was a crowd of bikers waiting to cross Gallows, and (after inquiring if I was alright, which I was, scare apart) one of them said “I don’t know why he did THAT” or words to that effect – so I guess I didn’t do something wrong.

I’m now inclined to use the sidewalk on that approach, rather than the bike lane, in future. I also purchased a mirror (my destination was Reston Town Center, and I took advantage of the downpour to go into the bike shop there and stock up on accessories) which I hope might help me.

Topic

[consularrider]

@acc 29175 wrote:

For a thrilling ride try starting on Fairfax Drive in Arlington. And just. Keep. Going.

Are you talking about riding east to west and when you get to Wakefield you just.keep.going? Could be highly dangerous if you forget to take the connecting trail over to the Custis.

[DismalScientist]

@Tim Kelley 29209 wrote:

Both Wilson and Clarendon/Fairfax have lanes, but they are generally busier streets, but worth riding outside of the busier times.

Don’t you mean that, particularly on Clarendon, the lanes are too close to parked cars, and worth riding outside of them during all times?:rolleyes:

[consularrider]

@Tim Kelley 29209 wrote:

..Check out Williamsburg Blvd and Military Rd for the longest sections of bike lanes, although the terrain can be hilly...

That’s putting it mildly

[Tim Kelley]

@DismalScientist 29214 wrote:

Don’t you mean that, particularly on Clarendon, the lanes are too close to parked cars, and worth riding outside of them during all times?:rolleyes:

That’s where the “A” in being a PAL comes in!

[Author]

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