To Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse from Gallery Place?

[cvcalhoun]

I’m checking for a bike route from my office (near Gallery Place) to Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse. At least two out of the three alternatives provided by Google Maps involve riding on Columbia Pike, which is something I vaguely remember I probably shouldn’t do. Am I correct in believing that’s a bad idea? Would the third alternative at that link (the Arlington Boulevard one) be any better? Or does anyone have a different alternative?

If it matters, I’d be trying to see a show there at 7:30 on Friday, which means I’d be biking a) during rush hour, and b) after dark. I have lots of lights, reflectors, etc., but I’d still like to avoid moron drivers as much as possible.

Topic

[dasgeh]

@scoot 186426 wrote:

The underpass along Washington Blvd has high-speed highway ramp crossings. Drivers going from 50EB to 27EB are especially reluctant to stop or yield. I prefer to avoid this interchange entirely.

I don’t mind these ramp crossings because (1) there are good sightlines, (2) at the bottom of the 50EB-27EB ramp, drivers generally have to stop anyway, and (3) because of the traffic lights on Washington Blvd and 50, there are gaps in cars. I find that smiling and waving in the most friendly way possible while starting to roll forward is the best way to get drivers to stop.

[Author]

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