S. Arlington Observer
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September 20, 2016 at 4:43 pm in reply to: Four Mile Run Trail Closure Along South Glebe — Options #1056801
S. Arlington Observer
ParticipantBeen away for a while. So, apologies if asked and answered. Is there any update on snow removal plans for this detour?
I don’t cycle on even freshly plowed trails (ice phobia) but plowing can cut the melt time dramatically. Since this is in Alexandria not sure if it will be plowed.
S. Arlington Observer
Participant@scoot 141735 wrote:
Hmmm… you may be onto something. So now I’m trying to think of a counter-example.
Are there any cyclists who dislike riding on a bike boulevard like Key (between Veitch and Highland) or N Irving (between 50 and Pershing)?
I use Key Boulevard all the time. Even with no special infrastructure I feel safe because trucks and buses don’t use it, there are lots of traffic calming features and vehicle traffic is not heavy. It is a good example of a street that doesn’t (at this point) need any special bike infrastructure.
S. Arlington Observer
ParticipantI tend not to ride on anything other than the most untraveled of streets (11th and 13th St N. in Arlington, for example) without a bike lane. Dooring is an issue, but not nearly as intimidating to me as riding in a lane with vehicle traffic. I guess it really depends on whether not one wants lots of people to cycle, or if it should be the transportation mode only for the confident athletic few.
S. Arlington Observer
ParticipantHappy Bike to Work Day! At least the weather is nice.
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S. Arlington Observer
Participant@dasgeh 138093 wrote:
I agree this is one of the worst blocks in Arlington. It’s not just a cycling issue – it’s bad for everyone.
You can also reach Arlington’s DES on twitter (@arlingtonDES) and des@arlingtonva.us
Thanks to both you and Sunyata for the info on DES. I will follow up, though I don’t have a twitter account. I’ve resisted forever but may have to give in. My kids have Instagram, Twitter and 8 million other things. I feel lucky to not to be strangled for time with just Facebook.
But thanks. I will follow up with the County.
S. Arlington Observer
ParticipantS. Arlington Observer
ParticipantWithout some infrastructure many people will not ride at all. Including me.
I bike to work because I have infrastructure that makes me feel comfortable enough to do so. The bike lanes are of varying quality on S. Eads Street (from fully protected to just being a narrow margin outside the auto lanes) but they do give a space to ride apart from the delivery trucks, buses and impatient commuters. Without them I would not use that street – ever. While that might make gung- ho elitists happy, it would mean fewer cyclists overall.
S. Arlington Observer
Participant@ShawnoftheDread 136194 wrote:
We’re doing great, but I think Robert J had to correct some miles since you took that screenshot. Must have had a strava glitch. Or he was messing with Caleb.
Well, it was a fine moment while it lasted.
S. Arlington Observer
ParticipantA long way from 14th place. Let’s ride our hearts out comrades.
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S. Arlington Observer
Participant@creadinger 136159 wrote:
I think in these cases engineers figured that the green cycle was WAY too short for slow moving pedestrians to actually cross 8 lanes of road in time, so when the beg button is pushed the walk cycle begins and the parallel green light signal is lengthened accordingly.
And this is precisely my beef with the buttons. If they help summon a signal change for pedestrians and/or cyclists they are useful. But there should be no difference in signal timing based on whether the button was pushed. Once the traffic signal does change, for whatever reason, (if there is a pedestrian crosswalk) the traffic signal should allow enough time for pedestrians and cyclists to cross. People have been taught to cross with the traffic signal, not necessarily the pedestrian walk signal that may or may not work. The mix of automatic and triggered pedestrian signals also confuses people.
I’ve seen plenty of people start into the intersection of Walter Reed Drive and Arlington Mill Drive when it truly was too late because they hesitated for a walk signal that did not come. If the signal was adjusted to always give time for pedestrians to cross and to always turn on the walk signal when the light changed, confusion would be eliminated and the effect on traffic on Walter Reed would be negligible. The varying light lengths (shorter if the button was not pushed in time) provide a very small gain for drivers at the expense of other users. Which, is unfortunately typical.
S. Arlington Observer
Participant@Tania 135609 wrote:
I can’t access that link but the article I read yesterday said that the cyclists were riding single file and as far right as possible – so they were NOT taking the lane unless I misunderstand what that means.
But seriously, how do you hit all four of them? (Ok ANY of them?)
I think you are right. They may have been better to be in the center of the lane. But I suspect she would have tried to pass them with the same result. In other articles the cyclists dispute that another car was coming. And there is this:
ANGIER, N.C. – The woman who was behind the wheel of a vehicle that hit four bicyclists in Johnston County Saturday was on probation for felony drug charges, records show.Donnie Marie Williams was sentenced to more than five years probation in September 2013 on multiple felony drug charges, including possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a Schedule II substance.
I think my comment should have been “don’t like to ride without an actual bike lane” rather than “don’t like to take the lane.” Single file or in the lane, I at least feel better when there is a designated space for me. Vehicles certainly don’t recognize the regular lane as such a space.
S. Arlington Observer
ParticipantBeware of the underpass where the Four Mile Run train goes under W. Glebe Road (between the Interstate and the Mt. Vernon underpass). Last night I had to turn back due to water. This morning I discovered that the flood had left a thick, SLICK AND SLIPPERY deposit of mud. I regretted not having fenders for my dress pants and shoes but navigated it fine. It could, however, be a danger, especially if still there after dark. Most of us use the descent to the underpass to pick up speed. Not a good choice right now.
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February 24, 2016 at 7:25 pm in reply to: Existential Thread: Or What is Freezing Saddles Really All About #1048259S. Arlington Observer
ParticipantSome thoughts.
This was my first year and I have enjoyed it very much. It has definitely increased the number of days and the length of my winter rides. I enjoyed the initial happy hour very much and, while my team has not organized follow ups, I do enjoy seeing their stats and occasionally commenting with them on the Strava discussion. They are great at encouraging me.
I think it is important to remember that “competition” can mean different things. I knew going into this that I could not ride for miles and miles. I am older (not old, just older than the median) and not conditioned for that. And my other life commitments don’t really allow me to devote more time to it.
What I knew I could probably do is ride every day or almost every day. And, so far, I have (every day .. usually between 2 and 5 miles, sometimes 7 or more). So, even though I average only between 30 and 40 miles a week I have always ranked in the mid range of players by sheer consistency. That is a goal I can reasonably strive for. If the goal post is moved to require that I compete with those AWESOME guys at the top of my team’s leaderboard I would essentially be out of the game.
Our team has battled two others for the 4 – 6 spots for weeks now. Sure, it would be great to be number one. But the more realistic day to day chance to be on top of THAT sub group is actually very motivating.
I hope FS won’t become elitist because there is a place for all levels – and it has been a great experience for this middling rider.
S. Arlington Observer
ParticipantHead’s Up. The Storm Prediction Center is saying that there is a 95% chance of a tornado watch being issued for the District and points south this afternoon. http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/md/md0145.html . The Post’s Capital Weather Gang is on top of it. Best to check radar before heading out. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2016/02/24/enhanced-risk-of-severe-thunderstorms-for-d-c-area-this-afternoon-and-evening/.
February 16, 2016 at 3:20 am in reply to: King Street Complete Streets Project Meeting 11/17 #1048066S. Arlington Observer
Participant@bobco85 134980 wrote:
So, I went to check out the parking situation at First Baptist Church of Alexandria on King Street as one of their services had let out, and I found something interesting:…….
….if Option 3 is selected, I think this would make the officers’ jobs easier because managing 1 lane of traffic each way would be easier than 2 lanes.
Great work. Thank you.
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