[WillStewart]

@CCrew 1591 wrote:

Just a FYI… Trikes aren’t allowed on Metro nor will they fit on bus racks. Metro’s regs are 2 wheeled bikes only.

I’m actually not going on Metrorail or Metrobus, though if I were, a folding SWB recumbent would likely be the pick, as it would fit on the bus racks without folding, and be able to be carried on Metrorail with a canvass carrying case. The TW Bents Cobra is one folding SWB recumbent bike that fits this requirement.

[WillStewart]

I measured the WFC elevator this morning and it is indeed tiny, about 60″ x 60″. I’ll have to be creative if I’m to take a 75″ recumbent onboard, such as lifting one wheel up high when I roll it in (which may violate the guideline above in bold), positioning on the diagonal (which is 84″), etc.

[WillStewart]

Yes, though how the term “Metrorail System” is interpreted could certainly apply to the Metrorail mezzanine and elevator that I would be using, so I’m trying to get a sense of what would work with least risk of being told “No you can’t do that” after I’ve sunk $2k into a recumbent that will meet my needs and fit in the elevator.

For example, the guidelines also state;

Cyclists shall be required to use elevators to access mezzanines and platforms. Escalators and stairs shall not be used except when special requests (for emergency reasons) have been granted by Metro Station Managers, Metro Transit Police or city/county police or fire officials. Cyclists shall allow other passengers to exit before placing bicycles in or taking bicycles out of the elevators. When it appears that a bicycle will cause an inconvenience or possible injury to other passengers, cyclists shall wait for the next elevator. At all times in the Metrorail system, both wheels of any bicycle must be placed on the ground/floor and cyclists shall not use Metro property such as, but not limited, to poles, seats, and doors to support their bicycles.

So if I try to lift the front of a recumbent bike/trike to make sure it fits on the elevator (i.e., roll it in on the back wheel), a pedantic transit policeman or station master might decide that is verbotten.

I will be measuring the elevator tomorrow, to verify what will and won’t fit. Does this answer your question?

[WillStewart]

68″ certainly does limit my recumbent options, though I suppose it is possible to tilt the bike/trike up like one person suggested in another forum.

Going all the way in to Herndon-Monroe park and ride is around 22 miles one way for me, which is more than I would want to shoot for at my age (55).

I’ve heard the Custis trail from Falls Church to Ballston can be a bit bumpy in places – would a partially or fully suspended recumbent be considered appropriate there?

[WillStewart]

Thanks for the helpful hints. I undoubtedly will make a few runs with my current hybrid bike from WFC Metro to Ballston on the Custis trail just to ascertain the condition of the trail and any logistical considerations.

This 5 mile leg will be my bike commuting starting point, as it is fairly short. The next step would be to do the 10 mile leg from my house to the Leesburg Park and ride. The eventual goal is to do both approx 4 times a week.

I’ve been checking out the elevators at Rosslyn and Ballston, which I’m assuming are the same size as the WFC one, but I’ll make sure to bring a measuring tape with me one day when I take the WFC bus.

I may also bring a canvas cover to put over the crank/gears, as WMATA policy does talk to sharp pointy components on bikes being against policy. Ultimately, they give the final say to the station personnel, so I’ll make sure to avoid rubbing them the wrong way.

Would still like to hear thoughts from others on their take on this matter.

[WillStewart]

@invisiblehand 1248 wrote:

The Roslynn Death Zone!

As for the pavement on the Custis Trail, I think that the section of St Ann’s church/school has been addressed. But more generally, the trail is still bumpy enough that when I ride my recumbent there my neck is usually fairly irritated by the extra jarring relative to simply riding on Fairfax and Wilson. And I ride with 40mm wide tires pumped to 60/70 PSI on a flexy steel frame. So I rarely ride the Custis Trail any long length. I find the WOD heading towards Shirlington much more tolerable.

This is good to know since I planning on riding a recumbent from West Falls church Metro to Ballston, though have not purchased one yet. Would a suspended recumbent likely solve the irritation problem?

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