[JanaeBixby]

@GovernorSilver 142784 wrote:

“That’s a red light you dumbass!”

I still enjoyed my morning ride even if the heat was starting to drain me a bit.

The heat, or the negativity flying through the airspace?!? Sometimes I go out of my way to make a good impression on a really mean driver too We don’t want them to hate us all!

[JanaeBixby]

Yesterday afternoon, saw a guy riding a capital bikeshare bike, cradling his lunch Tupperware in his left arm awkwardly, using his right arm to try and steer his bike, wearing no helmet, and sweating in his work attire and dress shoes. It was interesting and a little scary to watch. I was sure he probably wasn’t going far, but he ended up crossing the 14th street bridge and then connecting with the MVT towards DCA. All using only 1 hand!!

[JanaeBixby]

@mohonk 142779 wrote:

That spot is problematic for a couple of reasons. You have riders building up speed for momentum to get up that quick rise by the water park. But the trestle is one big blind spot, you won’t see walkers until you enter the tunnel and then it’s too late. Then you have riders who ignore the slow warning sign as they leave Crystal Drive. That’s where I get on as I head into the District for my morning commute. I take the sign literally and I pray that there isn’t a cyclist passing a walker at speed heading in my direction!

You are right about the dangers of the particular spot you reference, It’s one of the worst. This accident, however, seemed to be on the upper bridge right on the MVT (or where the two trails meet), not below. So if you were coming from Crystal City, to join the MVT. Picture below. this spot is also tricky because if you are joining the MVT you have to stop and look in both directions, and yesterday was the busiest day I have seen. Of course, it could have just been an accident from passing of people already on the MVT, as that is sort of a blind spot in all directions.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]12079[/ATTACH]

[JanaeBixby]

@bobco85 142769 wrote:

I will be showing the 14th St Bridge->Boundary Channel Dr->Eads route in my upcoming SafeTrack video, so hopefully that will help guide people on a less-crowded route.

How do we find your videos? Where are they posted?

[JanaeBixby]

@Arlingtonrider 138718 wrote:

The temporary MVT curb bumps at the south end of DCA were nicely smoothed out overnight. Many thanks to dbb and others for making that happen!

Yes! A pleasant surprise today. It was smoothed with asphalt, but let’s hope that is not the permanent solution. It is a much improved situation though! Thanks everyone!

[JanaeBixby]

@Steve O 138681 wrote:

Although I have not ridden the MVT section since the problem was created, I sent this email anyway to the address dbb provided:

---

Hello,

There is a serious danger presented as part of the repaving project alongside the airport on the Mt. Vernon Trail.
Workers there have milled the surface several inches below the trail surface. This has created a very large lip which, if struck at even moderate speed, can cause flat tires and/or bent rims. It can also cause people riding bikes to crash. I am aware of at least 4 cases of people experiencing flat tires and at least one crash caused by this.

It is unacceptable to leave the trail in this condition without adequate warning signage at the very least. In addition to signage, the workers should have also smoothed the lip on each side, reducing the impact.

Please address this problem as the emergency that it is. A crash at this site prior to a distracted driver coming along the ramp could result in very serious consequences.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.

Kind regards,

I too sent an email (with photos and map of the location) and called. The woman I spoke to sounded very surprised by the issue and had not already heard of it. The more people who bug them about it, the better for quicker action. Thanks!

[JanaeBixby]

@Emm 138675 wrote:

Until it is fixed, you can take the Crystal City Connector through Crystal City, and then rejoin the MVT at the 4MRT connector–here’s a quick map of the easiest way through Crystal City I found, that puts you right back on the MVT.

Or you could just bike super slow through that section on the MVT. So far that’s been my solution (with an added bunny hop with the front wheel), and it’s going ok

EMM,

Thanks for your map! It is actually SUPER helpful. I live in Del Ray and took the Crystal City route during the MVT construction last fall/winter, but hated it due to:

1. Idiot drivers trying to parallel park along Crystal City Drive and not checking that a biker is coming from behind them before they decide to pull nose-first into an available parking spot to snag it, or people double parking in the bike lane to pop-into Chic-fil-A.

2. Hitting the one way portion of Crystal City Drive- so frustrating where the bike lane just ends.

Your map works around all of those! I had no idea you could go behind the Noodles & Co building. Thanks.

[JanaeBixby]

@Emm 138675 wrote:

Until it is fixed, you can take the Crystal City Connector through Crystal City, and then rejoin the MVT at the 4MRT connector–here’s a quick map of the easiest way through Crystal City I found, that puts you right back on the MVT.

Or you could just bike super slow through that section on the MVT. So far that’s been my solution (with an added bunny hop with the front wheel), and it’s going ok

DBB, EMM,

Thanks. I have been taking it slow but it’s still painful, and I have never been a good enough biker to do hops or jumps! Just your standard every day commuter. Maybe one day. Either way, it isn’t right for them to leave it in the current condition. Its dangerous, and if you are heading south, and stop for a car, I have a hard time getting back over that lip trying to go from stopped and up hill and over a ridge all at the same time. They should have at least put some signage up. It may not be a problem for runners, but anyone jogging with a stroller will encounter frustrations as well.

[JanaeBixby]

@dbb 138568 wrote:

I’ve contacted the NPS. They spoke with the contractor and were of the impression it was resolved. I rode it this morning and the lip was pretty significant (I relayed that to the NPS). The NPS will have their project management investigate.

DBB, how do you contact NPS about issues on the Mount Vernon Trail?

[JanaeBixby]

@worktheweb 138520 wrote:

There was a cyclist who hit the curb and ended up landing hard on the trail yesterday afternoon. He got scraped up pretty badly and left some blood on the trail but claimed to be alright. Be careful out there.

I have seen three people with flats/ruined wheel frames in the last 2 days. It’s only a matter of time until I am one of them. Does anyone know how/where to talk to NPS or those who maintain the Mount Vernon Trail? My previous attempts to contact NPS lead me in circles. If anyone has a contact I would most appreciate it for future purposes.

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