RESTONTODC

Forum Replies Created

Viewing 15 posts - 181 through 195 (of 200 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • RESTONTODC
    Participant

    I do the same thing for the group rides. We rides two or three abreast fast and form single line when call out “Car Back”. We’re not blocking the roads. The drivers have to slow down for few seconds before they can pass. Some drivers are not happy about slow down before passing or don’t want to see the cyclists on the road.

    There are a lot impatience drivers in this DC area. When I rode in Portland OR, this is not an issue at all. When I ride on trail that cross the road, all drivers would stop and yield. I didn’t have to wait.

    I think the drivers need to be more educated and aware of cyclists on the road.

    in reply to: Hmm, FFX must be short on funds.. #926171
    RESTONTODC
    Participant

    Yes, a FFX police officer in Reston has been giving out a lot of tickets for the group ride during recent weeks. He would follow the cyclists with his unmarked car and give out tickets if they don’t stop completely foot down at the stop signs.

    I heard that 20 to 30 riders got the tickets from a group ride.

    If you’re riding in Reston, you need to do a complete stop.

    I would be fair if he would ticket the distracted drivers as well.

    Rick

    in reply to: Bike to Work Day: The Discussion #926057
    RESTONTODC
    Participant

    I stopped by the Vienna stop and happy to see Susan from FABB. Since I’m living in Fairfax, I really excited to see FABB is taking off.

    The new Merrifield stop has Virginia Hot Lane tent. They said they build new bridges for cyclists. They’re giving out some free stuff than Vienna.

    The Rosslyn stop always rocks. Bike Arlington is doing a great job.

    At the Freedom Plaza, Mayor Vincent Gray said he wants the DC to become Gold level next year. It’s great that he’s supporting this effort.

    Can’t wait to ride home

    Rick

    in reply to: Arlington Cyclist Involved in Collision, Dies #925837
    RESTONTODC
    Participant

    @acc 3482 wrote:

    I’ve thought a lot about this accident and some small gesture I can make to recognize other cyclists beyond a friendly wave and nod when I’m on Spartacus (my bike). Unlike my vehicular cyclist friends, I still drive a car– frequently even. Oh, the horror. But today as I was coming down to work I decided I’d start waving to the cyclists I see. It is my way of showing my support of other cyclists working out or commuting or simply going to the grocery store. So at the corner of Jermantown and somewhere in Fairfax this morning I gave the bike dude waiting at the light a big thumbs up. His mouth fell open in astonishment, hesitated, then waved back. It was a good moment.

    The reality is we are a small community and losing even one diminishes us all.

    I have the same feeling too. Since I commute on my bike, it brought me close to the peoples and communities. It slows me down to enjoy life and appreciate how beautiful the Washington DC area is.

    I enjoy the morning fresh air, flower smell, fresh baking smell, or perfume smell in Georgetown. I enjoy pizza baking smell on Curtis trail in the afternoon commute and BBQ smell on WOD during the summer. I also enjoy a great view of White house, many priceless views from Mount Vernon trail and many more

    I often wave or smile at other cyclists and walkers on the trail. I always slow down and say “Good morning” to senior walkers on the trail. Bike commute is my best time of the day.

    Alright, I can go on forever but I need to stop dreaming and get back to work.

    I can’t wait to ride home.

    Rick

    in reply to: Arlington Cyclist Involved in Collision, Dies #925823
    RESTONTODC
    Participant

    It’s a very sad news. I rode this route on last Thursday and always want to climb this hill for fun.

    Rick

    in reply to: WEAR YOUR HELMETS!!! Mine just saved my skull! #925706
    RESTONTODC
    Participant

    Thank you for sharing the details. Even I follow the rules; sometimes I feel it’s not enough. When I’m riding in DC, I have to always aware of the surrounding.

    e.g. Recently, a lady was waving for a taxi. One taxi would fly all the way from the left in my lane and slam on his brake. I hit his bumper and almost end up on his trunk. He was apologized about it. The taxi drivers always fight for the customers in DC. Now, anyone is waving a taxi. I need to watch out for a flying taxi.

    in reply to: WEAR YOUR HELMETS!!! Mine just saved my skull! #925702
    RESTONTODC
    Participant

    Nice, don’t forget to ask the insurance company to pay for your new helmet too!

    I know this accident wasn’t your fault but would do anything different to be safer rider in the future?

    I believe the bike lane would prevent this accident but Tysons Corner is not a bike friendly town.

    I had a couple close calls with cars. After each incident, I would reevaluate it and learn to watch for it.

    RESTONTODC
    Participant

    From the picture, it looks like both walk/don’t walk for pedestrains and traffic lights for bicycles will be installed.

    RESTONTODC
    Participant

    @Chris Eatough 3308 wrote:

    “I wasn’t walking I was riding!”.

    Now, the pedestrians are going to say I wasn’t stopping because I didn’t see the “Don’t walk” message and I wasn’t riding!

    Hopefully, the lights will reduce accidents.

    Rick

    RESTONTODC
    Participant

    I don’t see how the lights can help with the bicycles and pedestrians traffic. There are so much bicycles, pedestrians traffic and very little of automobile traffic in this section. I would be nice if Arlington county can make the right land as a bike lane.

    Rick

    in reply to: WEAR YOUR HELMETS!!! Mine just saved my skull! #925636
    RESTONTODC
    Participant

    I’m glad that you’re ok. Bike is replaceable.

    I always wear my bike helmet. Today, I was looking for a best protected bike helmet.

    When I stop at the light, I often look at my back to make sure that I won’t be sandwich between the cars. There are a lot of distracted drivers out there.

    RESTONTODC
    Participant

    Thank you god that it was returned. I was dropped near Clark Crossing Park.

    We’re secured now :-)

    in reply to: Capital Crescent to Downtown — best routes? #925599
    RESTONTODC
    Participant

    Hi,

    Another option is the Pennsylvania Ave around the Washington Circle to M St, make left on 29th, and right back on Water St. If you need someone to ride with you on first ride, let me know. I usually leave Chinatown around 6:00 PM.

    Good luck.

    Rick

    in reply to: My first road rage incident #925587
    RESTONTODC
    Participant

    I have experienced a couple times with these drivers in DC but it doesn’t bother me much anymore. On the positive note, they horned then it means they see you. I’m afraid the most is the drivers didn’t see you because they’re distracted with texting and driving. Sometimes, I’m happy they blow their horn then I would wave and say”Have a nice day!”

    It would be every help if you ride on the routes with a lot bikers.

    Good Luck
    Rick

    in reply to: Arlington Input wanted: Bikes May Use Full Lane Signs? #925452
    RESTONTODC
    Participant

    @StopMeansStop 3024 wrote:

    What’s the point? Every licensed driver already knows bikes are allowed to use the streets. Seems like a waste of money.

    I would disagree with this. In this DC area, most drivers believe the bikes should belong to the trails, not on the roads. It makes the drivers aware of possible bikers on the road. The paint and signs don’t cost much.

    I applaud the Arlington county for this effort.

Viewing 15 posts - 181 through 195 (of 200 total)