[Just161]

Newbie question – what do all these numbers and ratios mean? I think I need a cheat sheet!

[Just161]

I normally get a tune-up about once a year at a bike shop. Inflate tires about once every couple months, lube the chain maybe twice a year, or whenever it gets noticeably creaky.

[Just161]

Agreed – the Rosslyn-to-Ballston corridor seems like a great (and obvious) place for some Bikeshare stations, especially with the bike lanes on Wilson/Clarendon. Shirlington would be great too.

In fact, why are there no locations here? All the Arlington locations look like they’re in the Pentagon-Crystal City area.

[Just161]

I get right-hooked at that intersection almost every morning. The delayed green for the cars coming off the ramp is only mildly helpful, and usually only at off-peak times – at rush hour the cars seem to think they can turn on red and right-hook anytime they want. Sometimes I even try yelling and/or waving my arms when entering the crosswalk (coming off the MVT and headed towards the Marriott).

[Just161]

Yeah, the sidewalks around TJ and East Basin Drive aren’t bad in the winter. During Cherry Blossoms, they’re virtually impossible – even on foot! In April I’ve even tried the big long-cut around the top of Hains Point (Buckeye Dr) just to come out on the other side of East Basin drive.

I personally find Independence, East Basin, and Raul Wallenburg to be completely un-bikable at rush hour – it’s all commuters going super-fast, and there are few shoulders on these “parkways”. I’ve had alot of bad experiences trying to take the whole lane.

Mark you make a good point – Independence from 14th to the Lincoln might be a perfect place for a bike lane. It could even be made as an addition to the sidewalk on the Mall side. (how would it work on that little bridge?) This would make the east DC-to-Arlington movement much easier – you could just roll all the way to the Memorial Bridge. The only drawback with using the Memorial Bridge is the pretty horribly unsafe at-grade “crosswalk” across the GW Parkway to get to the MVT and other trails in Arlington.

[Just161]

Looks like I spoke too soon. Repavement was completed yesterday – smooth sailing for the ride home last night. Nice and fast!

[Just161]

Wow, I don’t know if it’s causation or correlation, but the gash is paved over! Thanks a million.

[Just161]

Southbound side swept today! Looks great thanks!!

[Just161]

@Vogy_Says 384 wrote:

Exactly, the lane has been widened on the humpback bridge so two bikes can be on it at once. The chicanes are annoying and should be removed, people ride through them and then dismount and then people walk across the bridge and mount before going through them again- rendering the whole thing useless.

Also, the tunnel under Memorial- that can fit a biker and runner- happened to me yesterday.

Vogy — looks like those cones/chicanes were removed yesterday. Hoorah!

[Just161]

Actually, as of last night the northbound (downhill) side is in good shape and looks like it was recently swept (thanks!). Southbound side (uphill towards Courthouse) is still messy though.

[Just161]

How many times do you/should we ring the bell to pass? Ringing 3-4 times seems like you’re mad or upset or something, but ringing once could go unheard or be mistaken. Twice?

[Just161]

If you use the section of the Mount Vernon Trail that crosses the Humpback Bridge… You are actually meant to get off your bike and walk

When traffic volumes are really heavy on the MVT, I agree it’s a good idea to dismount and walk. However, at commuting times when there are few pedestrians/runners, and when bike traffic is sporadic enough that you can see you’re not going to encounter anyone, dismounting to cross the bridge is pretty unnecessary. The MVT at this spot was even narrower throughout much of the winter, yet there were no pylons – we just adapted.

I treat this similar to the narrow point under the Memorial Bridge – we yield to oncoming traffic and take turns passing through. I would say, just be polite to others and dismount if the circumstances demand.

And I can’t wait for the construction project to give us a nice, wide path!

I agree with Jabberwocky – this time of year is tough not only because of new riders, but also because those of us who have been riding through the winter aren’t used to so much company!

[Just161]

Google bike maps says to go Memorial Bridge to Washington Boulevard. I’d recommend taking the Memorial Bridge to the Mt. Vernon Trail, and then staying on the trail until Crystal City (there’s a very nice, safe exit that takes you under the G. W. Parkway and train tracks), and then back north up to Pentagon City. Not sure where it’s best to cross Jefferson Davis. Here’s my suggestion in Google: http://tinyurl.com/y9xuw92

Good luck!

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