[DismalScientist]

I don’t know about the setup on Lorcum Lane, but I would suggest that sharrows are generally a better idea than bike lanes. Bike lanes give drivers the impression that cyclists are restricted to bike lanes. Drivers should be making right turns from the bike lane, rather than pulling right hooks across the lane. Often bike lanes do not have dashed lines before potential right turns, which exacerbates the likelihood of right hooks. Sometimes the road surface in the bike lanes suggests cyclists should be in the main traffic lane. On downhills, cyclists can keep up with cars and should not be (implicitly) restricted to narrow bike lanes as it make it more difficult to maintain escape routes.

[DismalScientist]

But, do they have a parrot?

[DismalScientist]

@creadinger 10446 wrote:

I have no idea what you guys are talking about and I need to confess that this post does not in anyway involve cycling or bikes… however, in an attempt to figure out what you guys are talking about I happened upon a thread in the Arlnow forum entitled “Custis Trail Incident” where a jogger apparently was the target of a flying microwave. The appliance missed fortunately.

This one: http://www.arlnow.com/2011/11/08/rock-em-sock-em-bike-commute/

[DismalScientist]

@Terpfan 10445 wrote:

I’m glad they’re doing it. Hopefully they educate the officers too. My dealings with them this morning taught me they don’t have any clue. The only ones who seemed to understand were the ones who owned and used bicycles, big surprise, right? Interesting with the always riding on correct side of road since the cycletracks by default place you on the wrong side if you’re heading one direction. Still glad they’re being proactive.

Speaking of cycletracks, it looks like DC is setting up a special one for salmons out of water: http://www.ccca-online.org/5thStNWSharrows. Is this really a good idea?

[DismalScientist]

Not that I am over-critical, but it would be nice to suggest to drivers that they signal their turns as well.

[DismalScientist]

There is no direct connection between the W&OD trail and the corner of Carlin Springs and Kensington. To get from the W&OD to Carlin Springs, you have to go through the gravel road a the electric substation (?) or cross over to the Four Mile Run trail.

[DismalScientist]

@americancyclo 10204 wrote:

looked like a truck took out a section of the jersey barrier on Lee Hwy as I rode past this morning. Anyone else notice that?

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=arlington,+va&hl=en&ll=38.896641,-77.084795&spn=0.000558,0.000862&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=36.915634,56.513672&vpsrc=6&hnear=Arlington,+Virginia&t=h&z=20

It happened a few days ago, maybe Monday. Half of a Jersey barrier was laying on the sidewalk on the way up to Courthouse. Would have been nasty if encountered at night. Fortunately, that was removed the next day.

[DismalScientist]

It was a $50 mid-80’s Bridgestone touring bike that was just my size. For some reason, they were throwing in a wind trainer, as if they thought that was the optimal use of such a bike.

[DismalScientist]

250 lumen flashlights are under $10 on ebay!

I’m wondering how this baby will work: http://www.ebay.com/itm/3800-Lumen-CREE-XM-L-3x-T6-LED-Flashlight-Torch-Lamp-/280765159868?pt=AU_Torches&hash=item415ee859bc

[DismalScientist]

@pfunkallstar 10065 wrote:

That 25mph, widely-accepted speed limit really lets you take in your morning coffee and Blackberry.

It is signed at 40 mph.

[DismalScientist]

Rather than dealing with Lee/Lynn, I suggest taking Fairfax and Clarendon from Ballston. Turn left at Lynn and the path to Roosevelt Island is now a right turn and you are traveling in the direction of road traffic, which I find safer. As an added bonus, you don’t get off the Custis trail downhill, which, particularly past Scott, is a glorified sidewalk. An alternative may be Custis to Scott/Key (over Lee Hwy) and then right on Lynn. Of course, riding in traffic bothers me less than some trail riding. YMMV.

[DismalScientist]

@jabberwocky 8207 wrote:

I’ve been a fan of Panaracer Pasela TG tires. A good all-rounder for commuting. I generally get five thousand or so miles out of a set, they have a kevlar liner for flat resistance and are reasonably light and fast rolling.

I use the non-kevlar. Of course, It’s the only inexpensive thing I can find for 27 inch rims!

[DismalScientist]

Good luck. I purchased a Bridgestone 90 off of ebay and am waiting for my kid to grow into it. Late ’80s steel with stem mounted shifters and suicide brake levers. 1 3/8 inch tires. It even has a quill seat post! You are welcome to borrow it for a while, but I imagine you are looking for a Fuji Ace 24 or better.

Is something like a GMC Denali salvageable is the hands of competent home bicycle mechanic?

[DismalScientist]

@jrenaut 9923 wrote:

In order to pass legally, the car must fully leave the lane, and only when the line is dotted. If the bikes are riding legally while the cars are driving illegally, I’m not sure how one could conclude that the cyclists are being rude.

If this were true, it would be illegal to filter through traffic if the cars were moving at all.

[DismalScientist]

In my recent (and very rare) driving excursion to Montgomery County last weekend, there were lots of cyclists about. Traffic was been slowed by them in general, but I don’t think they were doing anything unsafe or particularly rude. Except of course two riders abreast on a residential street that was a detour for route 127 (I think). Cars were backing up behind and could not pass in spite of no opposing traffic since the outer bike was near the non-existent center line. Since I bike more than I drive, I think I look at this from the cyclist’s perspective. These folks were rude.

I think folks are being too absolutist here. Sometimes riding abreast is reasonable and safe, in other times, not.

[Author]

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