[Chris Eatough]

Thanks acc.
We will be trying to avoid conflict with the call ins. Can’t we all be PALs?

[Chris Eatough]

Thanks Greenbelt, this is exactly the kind of local knowledge that the base map needs. You can log into openstreetmap.org and add your tunnel as a bike path, then the tool will include that in future routes. There is a bit of a learning curve at first, but once you get the hang of it, playing map maker is actually really fun!

[Chris Eatough]

@jhr 27938 wrote:

I hope you’re not discouraged by the initial reaction to this site; it really is already quite impressive and I think everyone is just excited by the further potential they see in it. Nearly all the route problems appear to either be minor issues with the current OSM data, which can be easily fixed as you note, or a side effect of the fact that there’s no way to flag unsafe routes in OSM. For the latter issue it seems (based on Kevin’s comment on Greater Greater Washington) that OpenPlans is already quite aware of the situation and has a solution (adding their own information to the OSM data) that they’re using in Portland, so it shouldn’t be a problem on bikeplanner.org much longer. I certainly intend to keep using it and I think with just a little improvement it can reach a level where I’ll feel comfortable recommending it to new cyclists without feeling the need to warn them to take the directions with a grain of salt. The site is really neat and I can’t wait to see how it continues to improve.

Great post, jhr. I totally agree. I just wanted to make sure everyone realized that this is just the beginning for bikeplanner. It’s impressive already, but it has even more potential if we all stay involved and engaged.
Also worth noting that we are fortunate enough to be the first region to get this tool with full integration with bikeshare. New York City has the cibi.me version but their bikeshare system is not operational yet. Plus all this came at no cost to the jurisdictions (read: taxpayers) or users (read: local cyclists).

[Chris Eatough]

Thanks for trying this out and your initial feedback.
I want to make sure everyone realizes that the base map for Bikeplanner (openstreetmap) is open for edit by anyone. So if you get a result that doesn’t seem right, you can view the base map and usually there is a correction that can bring the map and the routing more in line with reality. The openstreetmap that is used as the basemap is here: http://www.openstreetmap.org/
You can log in and start making improvements!
This is truly a community tool. Avid cyclists like yourselves are the people that collectively know all the details of our bike network, and that knowledge can be incorporated into the base map over time.
The more we use Bikeplanner and provide feedback, the more accurate it becomes!
Open Plans and BikeArlington will be bringing more tutorial info (both online and in person) to you soon to help with map editing skills).
What’s important is that we see this as a great starting point that we can improve collectively, rather than dismissing it because it does not replicate our preferred routes the first time.

[Chris Eatough]

The minimum is 18 years old for the waiver.

[Chris Eatough]

Anyone thinking about joining us for this ride tomorrow? We still have some spots available and we really want to have a good turn out to justify bringing in instructors. There is something for everybody. Discussion, instruction, practice drills, and a 12 mile ride.
Yes, we will even have BIKE SWAG!
Everything is free. Go to this link to register:
http://bit.ly/IESchM

[Chris Eatough]

For clarification:
The original post by Bike-Ped Manager IS from an Arlington County Planning staff member. He is looking for a gauge of interest in cycletracks and other innovative facilities for street design and separation of bikes and motor vehicles. The NACTO/Bikes Belong Green Lane Project fosters these advancements and showcases 6 projects in 6 progressive cities across the country. Arlington is considering applying. The question is, does the County have enough public support to implement these kinds of facilities. Will there be major complaints about the changes, possibly including a reduction in car parking or travel lanes?

[Chris Eatough]

A signalized intersection with red and green light phases is a stronger traffic control device than a “walk/don’t walk” message especially to cyclists who could even make the argument that “I wasn’t walking I was riding!”.

[Chris Eatough]

Yes, these are scheduled to be operational within a couple of weeks. The 2 locations are both where the Custis Trail crosses a road that has a traffic light. The traffic lights for bikes and pedestrians replace the previous “Walk/Don’t Walk” signals, which were apparently not effective, since many cyclists and pedestrians would continue through on the “Don’t Walk” setting even though cross traffic had the green light. This causes dangerous situations and crashes. A red traffic light will be a clearer indication to cyclists and pedestrians that cross traffic has a green light and should lead to safer conditions for all.
Feel free to comment on this thread if you think the lights are working well and if you think they increase safety at those locations. County planners and engineers do read this forum!

[Chris Eatough]

Most respectable bike manufacturers have reasonable warranty policies, and riding on DC streets is certainly not an issue. Go back to point of purchase and be open, honest and appreciative.
Chris Eatough
BikeArlington Program Manager

[Chris Eatough]

Straight down Wisconsin. It’s actually quite bike friendly if you command the lane and let cars pass you in the other 2 lanes. Go down to K street and turn left. There is an off street path over to the Kennedy Center if you are going near there.

[Chris Eatough]

Welcome to the bike forum, Kate!
And thanks for your continued coverage of bike issues and stories.
We look forward to reading the profile of our forum buddy, and hope that you can check in once in a while on this forum and offer your insight.
Have a good weekend and enjoy the balmy weather.

[Chris Eatough]

I ride regularly from Ellicott City area (just SW of Baltimore) to Rosslyn via DC.
I have a good route on the West side of 29 that is quite pleasant, then linking up with Capital Crescent Trail.
Coming out of Baltimore, you would want to head west, maybe on Gwynn Falls Trail towards Woodlawn.
Then through Catonsville and main street Ellicott City, probably on a combination of Edmonson Ave and Frederick Rd.
Then several options, most bike friendly, to Columbia, over by Cenntenial Park.
Cedar Lane, Guilford, Hall Shop Road, Browns Bridge Road, Ednor Road, Layhill Rd.
Now the worst part, a mile or so on Georgia Ave.
You can link up with Capital Crescent Trail from there, which is very pleasant all the way down to Georgetown. Then head across to DC to final destination.
It’s not the most direct since it heads out west a bit to start out, but it’s pleasant.
Let me know if you are interested in this and want me to fill in the gaps.

[Chris Eatough]

Morning bike commute conditions: 98% clear pavement. 2% ice patches. Watch out for the 2% where water pooled and froze.

[Chris Eatough]

It’s a Trek AND a Fisher. Trek Superfly 29er mountain bike, Gary Fisher signature line.
High end mountain bike, but doubles well as snowy/icy trail commuter.

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