[WillStewart]

To continue, I waited a good ten minutes to see if I had any aftereffects, which didn’t seem to transpire. A couple of the other cyclists helped check my bike out. It’s workable, though some adjustments will be required.

I had a blinking front light, an LED of approx. 80 lumens (and a 5 LED tail light with a eyecatching blinking pattern). I had ordered a NiteRider Minewt 600 (lumen) over the weekend as an additional light (helmet mount), so that may have been helpful this morning if I’d had it.

[WillStewart]

Glad to have you join us, Don, especially since you are already a seasoned bike commuter!

There may be people joining from up in your neck of the woods, so you may be able to pass along some of your route tips.

[WillStewart]

I also have a challenging commute, and the way around the seemingly impossible or seriously dangerous segments for me is to employ a hop on a bus (with a bike rack). The Fairfax Connector system is extensive, and all the ones I’ve seen have bike racks. Some possibilities include;

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/maps/631m.htm
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/maps/630m.htm

These are only a sampling, btw.

[WillStewart]

Segways by Virginia definition are electric personal assistive mobility devices that are not allowed in bike lanes, nor on streets with a speed limit over 25mph.
Indeed, they are relegated to sidewalks where they exist.

http://www.virginiadot.org/programs/bk-laws.asp

Here is a summary of the DC laws;

http://dmv.washingtondc.gov/info/forms/NontraditionalMotorVehiclechart_pdf.shtm

[WillStewart]

I would call out when trying to pass “You’re blocking the bike lane!”. The more often they hear this, the more they’ll realize their error.

[WillStewart]

@Mark Blacknell 7968 wrote:

3M Scotchlite Reflective Tape. Comes in white, black, silver, red, etc. No matter the color, it lights up like you’d never believe, when even a little light hits it. I’ve been adding it to all of my bikes.

2″ x6″ about $5

[WillStewart]

So we have 3 categories of visibility;

– Active lighting (including pulsing lights) for day or night

– High visibility colored clothing and accessories (mostly for day, unless also reflective)

– Highly reflective surfaces for night visibility

@OneEighth 7974 wrote:

I would specifically recommend SOLAS tape (Safety of Life at Sea). Designed to work very well in wet conditions.

It certainly does have a high degree of reflectivity, and will withstand a harsh (and wet) environment.

I’ve seen 2″ x 12″ strips for $8 online;

[WillStewart]

[WillStewart]

Surprisingly (at least to me), Schwalbe has low rolling resistance balloon tires called Big Apples for $25 to $30 that absorb quite a bit of road/trail shocks without slowing one down, giving close to the effect of full suspension. I switched to them and am so pleased that I’m not looking back…

Note the reviews at MTBR.com and bikeforums.net.

[WillStewart]

Nice tour plan! Let us know how it went.

[WillStewart]

This is a dangerous crossing, as many cyclists blow through there at almost full speed, without the benefit of sufficient line of sight. I often see a patrol car parked in the church parking lot overlooking this intersection.

[WillStewart]

Looks like the lightest charge to be applied would be assault with intent to cause bodily harm. Several other charges as well, of course (Hit and run, failure to yield right of way, etc).

[WillStewart]

For those who like this thread, don’t forget you can click on “Like this thread” underneath the entry itself (see my LIKE under the first message in this thread).

[WillStewart]

@5555624 6216 wrote:

I find that the biggest obstacle is time. When people realize it won’t save them time commuting or running errands, they balk.

I add on (whether I was doing it or not) the time it takes to get to the gym and back, and the time to work out, as my commute is a significant workout. That changes the timing comparison considerably.

[WillStewart]

Here’s a video of ROAM riders passing through Leesburg, along with the picture below of them on the W&OD just east of Leesburg;

Last night, the ROAM riders celebrated at the EU Delegation downtown, along with the EU Delegation Ambassador João Vale de Almeida.

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