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I just returned from visiting several cities in China. There were multiple bikeshare companies competing in each one, both dockless and with docks, and also some city-run bikeshares. They are really going to have to figure out a better solution for bike parking- bikes (and scooters) were parked everywhere and some sidewalks were practically impassible. It was also pretty dangerous for pedestrians on the sidewalks, with all the scooters and bikes using them (and apparently there is no term for “on your left!” in Chinese, nor have they heard of bells or horns.)

It was nice to see so many people riding, though, as part of their regular life.

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I so feel like trolling them by showing up every morning at 8 am at the cemetery gate on my bike, with my family pass.

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I’ve got three relatives buried at ANC, and I don’t think that riding a bike through somehow disrespects them. I bike through all the time. No idea why someone would think that those silly tour buses are more “respectful” than bikers.

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Update: This morning, as I entered Hatfield Gate with my non-DOD federal ID, the guard handed me a form and directed me (and some other feds) to the ID office. The ID office issued me a scannable access card valid for 1 year. I didn’t have to provide any sponsor info, just my federal ID and drivers license.
Thanks Fort Myer!

[acorn]

Update: this evening I attempted to enter through Wright Gate, as usual, and was turned away even though I have a federal ID/CAC card. HSPD-12 compliant. The guard attempted to scan it, and it didn’t work. He said that his new instructions, which had just been issued this morning, were that feds with IDs that couldn’t be scanned by his device could only go through Hatfield Gate.

Can someone from the county inquire about this?

[acorn]

Update: this evening I attempted to enter through Wright Gate, as usual, and was turned away even though I have a federal ID/CAC card. HSPD-12 compliant. The guard attempted to scan it, and it didn’t work. He said that his new instructions, which had just been issued this morning, were that feds with IDs that couldn’t be scanned by his device could only go through Hatfield Gate.

Can someone from the county inquire about this?

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@dasgeh 137924 wrote:

I went through a week or two ago – Main Gate to ANC Gate – without problem. Also non-DoD federal ID.

I’ve been riding through as well with my non-DOD fed ID, on a regular basis. At Hatfield Gate there is now a sign directing bikers to ride through the search lane (but you just have to show your ID to the officers there.)
I haven’t seen anyone turned back lately, but maybe non feds just aren’t attempting to enter anymore.

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Does anyone know how the sidewalks along Rt 50 in Arlington are near Glebe Rd and George Mason? (by Unitarian Church, etc)
After big snowfalls, those sidewalks are often covered with 2 feet of snow from plowing along 50 for weeks afterwards- anyone know the status?

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@dasgeh 128435 wrote:

I believe the south side is already supposed to be done. Can anyone confirm?

This morning I saw some people on bikes riding over the (previously closed) south side sidewalks, but I wasn’t able to tell if they were able to go the whole way on the sidewalk or not.

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Well, this morning (and also later last week) they told me to ride thru the search lane, where I showed my ID and continued on my way. (instead of dismounting and going to the sidewalk)
I guess they are still working this out.

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I was also told today, at the 2nd Street entrance, to walk my bike about 30 feet over to this one spot on a sidewalk after showing my ID. And then I rode on from there. No idea why.

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Wouldn’t it be awesome if NPS said “you know, we don’t have the money to repair the bridge to make it safe for heavy traffic, and we won’t be getting it any time soon. Let’s just close it to motor vehicles entirely and turn it into a bike and pedestrian bridge!”

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This morning, I was passing through Hatfield gate with my federal ID, and a non-fed bicyclist was allowed to pass through by showing a drivers’ license. The guards did not direct him to apply for the AIE card either.
Change in policy?

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Saw another bicyclist turned back from the gate this morning… any updates on the policy? Has Arlington County weighed in yet? Has anyone gotten one of those AIE passes? I would love to be able to advise people in this situation when I see them at the gate.

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This morning, as I passed through Hatfield gate (2nd St) with my federal ID, I saw another cyclist who had only a drivers’ license being turned back. The guard was explaining the process for getting the new authorization to her. I should have stuck around and listened but I was running late.

I haven’t had any problems going through either Hatfield or Wright gates with my federal ID, though.

I would happily lend support to any effort to convince the authorities that non-federal cyclists are not likely to pose a danger on the base.

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