[eminva]

@WillStewart 15076 wrote:

Does anyone commute in from the Kensington or Silver Spring area? Are the Beach Rd and Rock Creek Parkway trails suitable to commute in on?

I used to commute from Takoma to downtown DC and I took 14th Street. Rock Creek Park was a possibility, but much more time consuming — too twisty/turny and less direct. Much of 14th Street had bike lanes, although there were always the busses to contend with (I imagine it is the same today).

Liz

[eminva]

Welcome to the DC area!

Specifying a 5-10 mile commute with MUTs and/or bike lanes most of the way, with reasonable metro access, I’d suggest either the eastern side of the Red Line (Takoma DC/Takoma Park, MD, Silver Spring or Shepherd Park or Colonial Village in DC) or Arlington or Alexandria, VA, somewhere near the Orange or Blue lines.

Those areas near the Red Line will be on the shorter end of your desired commute, but you could take advantage of the 15th Street cycle tracks which will get you within four blocks of your final destination. Depending on where you find your house, you might have some part of your route on streets on the north end, but you could easily work out a route that takes you on quiet residential streets and there are some bike lanes on some of the larger arterial routes.

The advantage of Arlington is that, in my view, it is the most bike friendly of all the local jurisdictions and there are miles and miles of bike lanes, as well as three popular MUTs (Custis Trail, W&OD and Mount Vernon Trail). This trail network can take you to several bridges to DC, but again, specifying that you don’t want to play with cars, you would probably aim for the 14th Street bridge so that you can pick up the 15th Street cycle tracks. Also, these trails will give you lots of options for excellent recreational riding for your whole family.

Having said all that, I commute via Arlington and cross the Key Bridge into DC, where I ride on the streets with the cars in traffic for a mile or two. There are so many bicycle commuters I think the cars are used to us even if they don’t exactly love having us around. As you get used to urban cycling, you might find that you don’t mind riding in traffic as much as you anticipate.

Here are links to a couple of bike maps that will help you see where the bike routes are in the jurisdictions I mentioned: DC and Arlington. You can order paper copies, too.

As for snow, well, if next winter is like this winter, you might not have to worry too much (much to the chagrin of those of us who purchased studded tires before the season started). But you never know around here.

And you can join the large group of participants on this board who have lengthy streaks of commuting by bicycle exclusively.

See you soon!

Liz

Addendum: After reading Adamx’s post, I have to admit I know next to nothing about rental rates in our area, so I couldn’t say whether my suggestions will line up with your budget. However, I ruled out most of northwest DC (west side of the Red Line), figuring it would be too pricy. Good luck.

[eminva]

@dcv 14909 wrote:

Westbound on Custis trail, just before it goes left under 66?

Correct!

Liz

[eminva]

I will also join you somewhere. I will also make a donation whenever I next sit down and attend to my personal finances (same for you for the Climate Ride, Zanna!).

I looked at the Tim Johnson Facebook page and saw those cool bike bumper stickers — do I get one of those? It seems I may grow old waiting for the Rapha Festive 500 patch, so I need some shiny thing . . .

Liz

[eminva]

A nighttime shot:

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Liz

[eminva]

We have the same set up as DaveK . . . we also have a few bikes that seem to live there permanently, including one highly covetable “classic” bike in excellent condition that has been in the same spot for months if not years. It wasn’t a problem, but our building has a new tenant that apparently has a lot of employees with a major commitment to bicycle commuting, so now it is pretty crowded in there (just wait until summer!).

I would consider raising the issue with our property management office, but my office is moving across the street in three months, so it will be moot for me soon.

Liz

P.S. This thread brings up a question about bike rack etiquette — a couple of weeks ago, when I was parking my bike in the a.m., I noticed a bike with its headlight still on. I had no way of contacting the person so I turned it off and left a note. I was afraid if it stayed on all day he wouldn’t have any battery power left for the commute home. Did I do the right thing?

[eminva]

Very sorry to hear it. Also check Washcycle, where want ads for jobs in the area are sometimes posted. Best wishes.

Liz

[eminva]

@Dirt 14824 wrote:

The woman on the other side is equally naked. In the context, it is really, really odd.

I’ll have you know that naked lady represents enlightenment.

[eminva]

7. I love getting to play for two hours every day.

[eminva]

Thanks for the clarification, Chris.

I know there are pros/cons for bike lanes and cycle tracks, but overall I am in favor of them for the reasons Greenbelt cited. Like DismalScientist, I prefer vehicular cycling myself, but I understand the purpose here is to get more people out cycling, not accomodate the die hards like us who are already out there. I think (hope) the incidence of right hooks, etc. will go down as drivers get more accustomed to interacting with cyclists.

Of all the local jurisdictions, I think Arlington is best positioned to take advantage of this opportunity and I would love to see the county set an example for other parts of our region and our continent. Having said that, I am not an Arlington resident so I’m only shouting for the sidelines here.

Liz

[eminva]

I have not had a time to read it yet, but I think it is a great idea. When I started bike commuting, I began my research with google. There wasn’t a lot out there then, so it would be nice if it were posted somewhere in cyberspace where those contemplating a bike commute could find it.

I assume there is a lot more on the internet now about bike commuting — you might start by googling the topic and seeing what’s out there. Then try to fill any gaps. You might be on to something with addressing the needs of cyclists in a particular age range, long distance commuters, etc.

I will read it and give you comments (it’s harder for me to find time to read stuff like this now because I used to do it on Metro — the only downside I can think of to the bike commute . . . ).

Liz

[eminva]

Time to vote in the Revolution Cycles Calendar Photo Contest!

Tim’s photos are # 105-110 (right, Tim?) and mine are # 51-54. If you entered, let us know the numbers for your photos.

Voting is now through Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Liz

[eminva]

@americancyclo 14555 wrote:

sweet. Can’t wait to be run over.

If you read the comments below the comic, it appears there are some who would love to do it . . . yikes.

Liz

[eminva]

I think there are some people on this forum who would love for you to bring the bakfeits and kids so they can see how you do it!

I sent you a private message (maybe two; sorry).

Liz

[eminva]

All sound advice, especially to let fit be the deciding factor and to go with a very “local” local bike shop. I would visit several. Take advantage of test rides as you have not been on a road bike before, just to get a sense of handling.

You mentioned that you ride a mountain bike already; if you have a relationship with a bike shop for your mountain bike you might ask there what they recommend.

Liz

[Author]

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