[JustinW]

Sounds like a symbolic lights out in terms of responsible parties stepping up. Last we heard, VDOT actually has domain over this location, tho there was talk of some Arlington folks making a quick fix (which seemed to not happen in the end).

For their part, VDOT is having trouble figuring this out – there are mentions of paperwork and permit requirements (??) as well as statements along the lines of “How do you know we are responsible for that? Are you *sure* about that? Let me check and someone will get back to you…”

The closest VDOT office on Columbia Pike suggests that their office in Dale City (!) would cover this since they are in charge of I-395 up to the river’s edge. That’s my next call – (703) 580-8357 may be the right number – to see if they have anything close to a clue.

My offer to affix BikeArlington blinkies to the underpass walls still stands…..

[JustinW]

http://www.axiomgear.com/products/ge…iner-road-dlx/ — coolness. Anyone have experience with such a set up?

[JustinW]

I can help if you need more bodies. I can help if you don’t need more bodies. Let me know.

[JustinW]

“Obviously in the real world, Justin would not load 200 lbs of stuff (5 lead-acid car batteries?” — unh, why not? Sounds fun, as long as you are going down hill…

I think I am not pursuing the CF frame route due to rack concerns. This is the kind of rack I’m talking about (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1023820_-1_1552500_20000_400104) — works well on my current urban assault vehicle (one without other rack attach points on the frame) and so I’m thinking of doing the same on the next acquisition as well.

From what I’ve seen one does not use a CF seatpost with these, as the clamping force may make the seatpost unhappy. I suspect (as another forum person noted) that such a set up may put bad twisty forces on a CF frame (that a non-CF seatpost is stuck into).

Anyway, thanks all for the inputs!

[JustinW]

Even after using baby wipes, I would be fortunate to smell like baby butt. Good suggestion on the Action Wipes….may have to try!

[JustinW]

Combine the educational bits with a social component and you’ll get a lot of traction. Some folks rebel at the thought of “education” alone, but if you toss in some fun stuff they’ll go for it. Based on forum communications, involved bikers (who could help lead educational efforts) seem pretty social as well.

A general problem with functional education is that the ones who partake are often those who are more engaged and open, and in some ways they need the education less than others. The ones who either can’t be bothered, are unaware of the educational opportunities, or who “know enough already” are the ones in need of education. This is similar to what happens with so-called continuing education or professional education. You end up teaching to the choir and not reaching those that can *really* use the info.

All of this is to say that mixing info and fun may extend the reach and get to audiences that otherwise might not participate.

[JustinW]

This may have been thought of already….but what about conducting such a program focusing on street bikers? The trails provide a useful concentration of bikes, yes. But we do see many on-street bikes that *really* need lighting, and a good number of these riders don’t usually go on trails.

You would have to spend more time at a given location to see a good number of bikes, but with the number of potential crazies, er , volunteers coming from our ranks, it would be cool to see if we could make some sort of impact. Or am I just overly optimistic?

[JustinW]

Congrats and bravo. How many miles racked up in this first year?

[JustinW]

The good news: the issue of the lights being out is recognized.

The bad news: the “who got it” nature of this fix….urghh.

Thanks Tim for keeping the fires stoked regarding this issue. For the time being can we duct tape some BikeArlington blinkies to the walks to provide some semblance of light in that underpass?

[JustinW]

Happy to hear that you are (mostly) ok. What did the driver say?

[JustinW]

Yes the vuvuzelas were indeed an inspired touch. Good thing we were not forewarned, or we might not have stopped there….

Excellent ride. Kudos to all involved. And all that bike goodness – plus a cameo from Dirt – for a mere $5. Wow.

[JustinW]

Spoke again with Alexandria’s Facilities person who must be new to the area. He needed help locating the area of concern, but having now done so says he’ll get out and inspect the lighting situation “within a few days,” and he thinks that fixes should be doable. I’ve asked him to update me if anything should change. We’ll see what happens….

[JustinW]

Well poop. I have left a message to that effect, asking that the lights be fixed soon, and asking for an ETA. Will post if anything comes out of this….

[JustinW]

Ok, I just spoke with the person who deals with this stuff (in Alexandria, as that part of the trail is in Alexandria) and he says the lights were repaired last week. Must’ve been after Wednesday evening, as they were still out then. Has anyone been through there since to verify? I can check later today….

[JustinW]

Any update on this? Arlingtonrider, did you get a pulse out of the County?

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