WTOP does bike stories…

[kryan1035]

No, really, we do. I’ve got one coming up, scheduled for Sunday, a nice profile of a long-haul commuter you all may know. I’ll flag it here if the story gets bumped (it happens). Although bikes aren’t my beat, the integration of bikes on area roadways is more than just a passing story..and WTOP gets that. I also blog about the issue (and my experiences) at http://kateryanreports.blogspot.com/

It’s by no means comprehensive, but my attempt at covering something that’s a growing concern (and I don’t mean that in a negative way) but that we all are finding as riders, pedestrians and drivers, that there’s a critical need to cooperate out there. I spoke to a police official about these things just the other day, and she said “It used to be a fatal was rare…we are seeing too many of them”. I don’t think it’s controversial for a reporter to tell you: I agree. Again, I’m all for every one of us doing what we can to keep ourselves–and the other guy–safe.

‘Cause it should also be FUN.

You can catch our web stories at wtop.com and me at my newsroom email at kryan@wtopnews.com. Not a promo, just an invitation. Best,

Kate Ryan
WTOP

Topic

[eminva]

Hello —

I work at 18th & L. I cross Key Bridge, right on M Street to Pennsylvania, then left on L Street. If anyone has a great idea for negotiating (or avoiding) that difficult turn, I’m all ears.

I think some of you hit the trail significantly earlier than I do. If you ever do a late shift, maybe we do cross paths.

Liz

[Dirt]

@eminva 2559 wrote:

I think some of you hit the trail significantly earlier than I do. If you ever do a late shift, maybe we do cross paths.

I been doing both lately. In by 6, out by 5. Blek.

Going home early tonight. Rah!

[PrintError]

@Dirt 2563 wrote:

I been doing both lately. In by 6, out by 5. Blek.

Going home early tonight. Rah!

Yeah, same… on the trail around 0600, then again around 1800… At least the evening ride is in daylight now!

[CCrew]

@eminva 2559 wrote:

Hello —

I work at 18th & L. I cross Key Bridge, right on M Street to Pennsylvania, then left on L Street. If anyone has a great idea for negotiating (or avoiding) that difficult turn, I’m all ears.

I think some of you hit the trail significantly earlier than I do. If you ever do a late shift, maybe we do cross paths.

Liz

Hmm. 15th between L&M here, so we’re covering a lot of the same ground. Agreed though, I’m in early and out early most days. “Most” being the operative word here, as my job pretty much has me by an electronic leash 24×7 with no hesitation yanking it..

And same route too… Haven’t successfully found a better one. I particularly hate M on the return trip.

[DismalScientist]

I’m at 18th and M. I avoid it by taking the Roosevelt bridge and New Hampshire across Washington Circle.

Coming back, I always take M and the Key bridge just to pass all the stopped traffic in Georgetown.:p

[PrintError]

@DismalScientist 2570 wrote:

Coming back, I always take M and the Key bridge just to pass all the stopped traffic in Georgetown.:p

Isn’t that the best feeling sometimes?

[eminva]

Dismal Scientist, where do you ride on M Street to pass all the traffic? Do you swing into oncoming traffic eastbound? It’s so thick there I can’t figure out any other way around it.

From westbound M Street, I turn right on 28th Street, left on N Street and another left on 34th Street to avoid all that in the evening. It does add a couple of blocks to the distance but it seems to move a bit faster. 34th Southbound is a parking lot too, but there is more space to the left and right of the cars to get by.

Liz

[DismalScientist]

I generally ride on the left side of the curb lane and squeeze between cars in the curb and next right lane. Generally it is too congested for drivers to switch lanes quickly. You have to keep a look out for eastbound traffic turning left between the stopped westbound traffic. This routine may not be for everybody.:cool:

[brendan]

Longer, perhaps more useful reply lost via “click reply, type in long reply and then click the + Reply to Thread button instead of Post Quick Reply button”. Doh.

I’ve graduated from door zone riding to lane splitting on M Street to get through the traffic. It’s legal for cyclists in DC, as long as it is done safely. Granted, depending on how much madness is happening around you in Georgetown, in certain situations lane splitting may become unsafe and hence may not be legal (temporarily). Either way, don’t lane split yourself into a trap, and watch out for frustrated drivers, unsignaled lane changes, inebriated drivers and the ubiquitous unsigaled taxi U-turns, often from the right lane. Usually see at least two of those every late night I pass through there…

Brendan

[RESTONTODC]

I commute from Chinatown to Reston very late shift. I took the M Street, Georgetown, and key bridge a few times at night but I hate it. It’s too congested, dangers, and too many bars along the route (more drunk drivers). I refer the long safe route, 14th bridge and Mt Vernon Trail.

I will try Liz’s suggested route “From westbound M Street, I turn right on 28th Street, left on N Street and another left on 34th Street”

Rick

[PrintError]

Wow Rick, that’s a long hike. Hats off to you!

[Author]

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