[johnnyhowell]

Hi – I missed seeing the total count for April before it reset to May. What was the total and where / what website can this info be seen? I know the count is inaccurate, as at least I get counted 3x times when heading west on Custis (uphill into Arlington), but correctly counted (1x) headed the other way (to MV trail). It’s too bad that the “Arlington – Bike Friendly Community” (or whatever) blocks the view of the counter when heading towards MV trail. Funny. OK, thanks all….enjoy the perfect weather! JOHN

[johnnyhowell]

@Tim Kelley 71817 wrote:

Just a heads up on riding technique on ice or slick surfaces:

-Slow way down.

-Maintain a smooth pedal stroke. Don’t mash the pedals up and down, but rather try to pedal in a smooth circle.

-Ride in a straight line. Turning the handlebars can make you take a spill. If you need to change course slightly, try “steering from your hips” by shifting your balance slightly.

-Get off and walk if you need to!

Great tips…they work. And for me, off with the Fat Boy slicks and on with the big GEAX knobbies. Oh, and for me, I need to ride unclipped through these spots. These wooden bridges over Potomac wetlands are slick! Thanks all for the reports!

[johnnyhowell]

Any reports as to how the conditions CAP CRESCENT / Georgetown Branch end to end? Have to go to Silver Spring tonight and ride home to Ballston. Thanks in advance! JOHN

[johnnyhowell]

These folks rock! One day I’ll be riding the trails and thinking “there sure are a lot of leaves”, and the next day….poof! ~ gone. I’m really impressed that the trails are so well maintained! They don’t clear snow though, do they? I guess we’ll see soon. JOHN

[johnnyhowell]

This weekend in Brooklyn, I talked with 5 separate groups of 2, and only one of them knew that it was ‘unlimited 30 minute’ trips. The others all believed that it was a very reasonable rate for a daily rental. I encouraged these folks to go back to a kiosk and re-read and understand the true rates, as the overtime charges go to $12 per half hour relatively quickly! At least when their rage at getting a $100+ bill on their credit cards for each rental they could direct their anger at Citibank! Seriously…I think that there could be better signage indicating that these are not rental bicycles, or even directions to shops that do rent bikes for this purpose near each kiosk. JOHN

[johnnyhowell]

@johnnyhowell 53593 wrote:

However, my NYC Citibike fee includes 8.875% NYC sales tax

Wrong wording….not ‘includes’, rather the tax was added, making my $95 annual membership $103.43 Still that’s less than 4x subway rides.

Although when I leave DC (White House vic) to go to Union Station for Friday Amtrak trips home, CapitalBikeshare is my travel means of choice for the 1.8 mile trip (unless there are no empy docks). However, arriving at Penn Station NYC at the other end, #2 Subway is preferred choice for the 6-mile trip, and would be unlikely to Bikeshare home.

[johnnyhowell]

Hi – I’ve been a CaBi member since, well, SmartbikeDC. Whatever the annual fee, there’s no added sales tax in DC.

However, my NYC Citibike fee includes 8.875% NYC sales tax

I signed up April 16th (‘founding member’), but key didn’t arrive by mail in Arlington by last Thursday, in time for me to take home to NYC for the inaugural weekend. I know they’re blaming the Post Office for the SNAFU, but my envelope however indicated that someone did not put enough postage on the envelope…more was added . . . a 2nd stamp at a later date. Anyway, was out pedalling Bklyn to lower Manhattan and saw a few in use….asked if few folks when they received their keys….”why just this Friday” was the common answer. Even though I probably wouldn’t have used Citibike on Monday, it would have been nice to have the key, just in case I wanted to.

JOHN

[johnnyhowell]

…or at least I hope so. I called Adrian at PEPCO at the number posted in the first message in this thread by Tim. I did not know if the access plate on the sidewalk where the bridge crosses TR Island was temporary or permanent, but noted to him that it was raised substantially like 2+ inches above the sidewalk surface. It looks temporary to me, or else is really poor permanaent. Adrian will check, but he indicated that is should be temporary and that a permanent repair should be flush w/ sidewalk. This is on his radar and he will check with his crew. He indicated that the work time is 9:30 – 3:30 for any possible closures. Other than that, was fine and clear (‘cept the encroaching jungle growth) when I passed at 8:40am today. I cross late at night generally — no issues this week.
Be safe. JOHN

[johnnyhowell]

Trail was closed this morning @ 9:30, with an orange safety cone with a note on it from PEPCO. It was at the top of the ramp where the bridge actually starts on the VA side. Would have been nice to have earlier notice, but it was a nice day to turn around and go to Key Bridge. Some went past cone and then turned back. It was open this evening. Signage says closures Mon thru Friday this week. Perhaps 9 to 3:30 as stated in the email. I hope they trim/tame the bushes from TR Island while path is closed. I’ll go Mem Bridge tomorrow via Arlington Cemetery.

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