Washington Area Bike Forum - Commuters http://bikearlingtonforum.com/ Thinking about riding to work? Or maybe doing some errands around town? Figure out what to wear and how to carry your belongings. en Thu, 23 May 2013 14:49:29 GMT vBulletin 60 http://bikearlingtonforum.com/images/misc/rss.png Washington Area Bike Forum - Commuters http://bikearlingtonforum.com/ Park and Ride in Arlington http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?5052-Park-and-Ride-in-Arlington&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 19:47:16 GMT Hey all, newbie to this forum here. I live in Fairfax City and work in Crystal City. I really want to bike into work (I use to when I lived closer)... Hey all, newbie to this forum here. I live in Fairfax City and work in Crystal City. I really want to bike into work (I use to when I lived closer) but it's just to far to bike the entire route. Can anyone suggest good, safe place(s) to park/leave the car for the day close to the path??? Around RT 50 and the W&OD trail. ]]> Commuters bikershorts http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?5052-Park-and-Ride-in-Arlington Thank you to whoever took down that annoying branch between marina and south OT- http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?5048-Thank-you-to-whoever-took-down-that-annoying-branch-between-marina-and-south-OT&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 13:37:06 GMT Just a shout-out/thank you to whomever took down that annoying branch along the MVT just past the Wilson Bridge, but before the Bell Haven Marina. ... Just a shout-out/thank you to whomever took down that annoying branch along the MVT just past the Wilson Bridge, but before the Bell Haven Marina. It was hanging way too low and i'm glad someone took it out :). ]]> Commuters Terpfan http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?5048-Thank-you-to-whoever-took-down-that-annoying-branch-between-marina-and-south-OT Closure? of sidewalk on Theodore Roosevelt Bridge http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?5045-Closure-of-sidewalk-on-Theodore-Roosevelt-Bridge&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 12:53:07 GMT This morning, May 21, 2013, there were at least orange traffic cones with small printed signs that I rode past on my bicycle as I crossed the... This morning, May 21, 2013, there were at least orange traffic cones with small printed signs that I rode past on my bicycle as I crossed the sidewalk on the North side of the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge. It looked like the signs said something about "closed ... thru Friday". I called DCDOT and the person I spoke to had no information. There is nothing on the traffic advisories of the DCDOT website either, but the Memorial Day road closures are for 2012 - nothing for 2013 yet. Does anyone have any information about when and why the sidewalk will be closed? ]]> Commuters Whiffer http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?5045-Closure-of-sidewalk-on-Theodore-Roosevelt-Bridge Monday Properties decided to use Bike To Work Day to share their bike-friendly policy http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?5025-Monday-Properties-decided-to-use-Bike-To-Work-Day-to-share-their-bike-friendly-policy&goto=newpost Fri, 17 May 2013 18:53:22 GMT This email was sent from the property manager at Monday Properties (1000 Wilson Blvd, the twin towers): ---Quote--- Monday Properties would... This email was sent from the property manager at Monday Properties (1000 Wilson Blvd, the twin towers):

Quote:
Monday Properties would like to remind everyone that for personal safety reasons, bicycles are not to be taken on passenger elevators or escalators. Bikes may be stored in the building in one of two ways:

1) In the bicycle storage rooms located in the 1100 garage (5th level next to Drycleaners) or in the 1000 garage (3rd level, past MPark and Security office). Please contact our office or see a security officer for storage room lock combinations.
2) In your office premises by using one of the freight elevators located at the loading docks. You will need to call the elevator operator using the hand held phone next to the freight car.
I can see bikes on escalators as a safety issue (some people just don't know how to carry them), but on the elevator?

Edit: Also, I was informed by someone who works there that the bike storage area and the freight elevator are both located in areas of the building where she wouldn't feel safe going alone. ]]> Commuters Brent http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?5025-Monday-Properties-decided-to-use-Bike-To-Work-Day-to-share-their-bike-friendly-policy <![CDATA[Route Suggestion- Clarendon to Fairfax (123 & Braddock)]]> http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?5019-Route-Suggestion-Clarendon-to-Fairfax-(123-amp-Braddock)&goto=newpost Fri, 17 May 2013 13:02:43 GMT The Google is giving me this: http://goo.gl/maps/mmB2f But I suspect that there is a decent route via Annondale Rd off the WOD. Any... The Google is giving me this:

http://goo.gl/maps/mmB2f

But I suspect that there is a decent route via Annondale Rd off the WOD. Any suggestions? I may have a consulting project out there for a bit. Not allergic to traffic... well except when in a car ;-) ]]> Commuters GuyContinental http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?5019-Route-Suggestion-Clarendon-to-Fairfax-(123-amp-Braddock) <![CDATA[Falls Church's Barney Fife]]> http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?5018-Falls-Church-s-Barney-Fife&goto=newpost Fri, 17 May 2013 12:16:49 GMT Was our favorite cop really celebrating BTWD by handing out stop sign tickets at the crosswalk of a low speed, low volume street which was closed for... Was our favorite cop really celebrating BTWD by handing out stop sign tickets at the crosswalk of a low speed, low volume street which was closed for the Bikenetic BTWD station? I'd like to hope that I just misread that interaction. ]]> Commuters mstone http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?5018-Falls-Church-s-Barney-Fife Fairfax County releases interactive bike trail map... http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?5008-Fairfax-County-releases-interactive-bike-trail-map&goto=newpost Thu, 16 May 2013 13:26:12 GMT Just in time for Bike to Work Day 2013 Fairfax County Department of Transportation has released an interactive map aimed at bike commuters. It... Just in time for Bike to Work Day 2013 Fairfax County Department of Transportation has released an interactive map aimed at bike commuters. It includes major bike paths such as W&OD, CCT, Ox Rd trail, and the Fairfax County Parkway trail. It's not perfect, but a major step up from _nothing_.

Link to host page describing this project:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fcdot/bike/bikemap/

Link directly to map:
http://fairfaxcountygis.maps.arcgis....1f7d37e999b3c4

You get more detail as you zoom in on the map. Maps include features such as hazards (water crossings, etc), bike shops. Some roads are classified by their suitability to biking. You even get mile markers on the CCT if you zoom in enough.

Not (yet) included, but wished for, is the ability to automatically generate routes.

Disclaimer: I work for the mapping department at Fairfax County and was peripherally involved in this project. It is far from perfect, but local government moves slowly and at least we got this far



Jim ]]> Commuters jtcallahan http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?5008-Fairfax-County-releases-interactive-bike-trail-map Need a new route or I am gonna get fat http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?5005-Need-a-new-route-or-I-am-gonna-get-fat&goto=newpost Thu, 16 May 2013 02:28:13 GMT Ok, yeah I am hungry, but aren't we all? Gonna be hard to not stop at one or both of these places in the morning. ]]> Commuters jopamora http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?5005-Need-a-new-route-or-I-am-gonna-get-fat <![CDATA["Did you know?" Experiences with the ACPD and a run in with an aggressive motorist...]]> http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?4982-quot-Did-you-know-quot-Experiences-with-the-ACPD-and-a-run-in-with-an-aggressive-motorist&goto=newpost Mon, 13 May 2013 16:02:08 GMT Did you know that Arlington has an "Aggressive Driver Program?" Me neither!

Last week I had a run in with an aggressive motorist (nearly sideswiping me as the car tried to shoal me and the baby at a stop sign and speeding off around a turn) and reported it to the ACPD. It wasn't enough of an interaction with the motorist to merit a 911 call, but I'm glad I did report it to the non-emergency police number because I felt like I had a generally favorable response.

After a little back and forth I learned that there is a Aggressive Driver Program in which a public service letter is sent to the registered owner advising them of the complaint and reminding them that their actions do impact others. The intent of the letter is to raise awareness of aggressive driving and the dangers it presents. There is no court appearance or DMV penalties assessed and personal information is not disclosed.

The ACPD website is a bit spotty on information, although I'm told that it will be updated. I guess in the meantime, reporting it through the non-emergency police number (703-558-2222) and asking for a letter to be sent would be the way to go.

Remember, be a PAL! ]]> Commuters Tim Kelley http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?4982-quot-Did-you-know-quot-Experiences-with-the-ACPD-and-a-run-in-with-an-aggressive-motorist According to Garmin, 9.5k miles over the last 12 months. http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?4972-According-to-Garmin-9-5k-miles-over-the-last-12-months&goto=newpost Sun, 12 May 2013 02:13:02 GMT Laurie got me a Garmin for my birthday last year, and my first recorded ride was on May 13th, 2012 for Bike DC... Laurie got me a Garmin for my birthday last year, and my first recorded ride was on May 13th, 2012 for Bike DC.

With May 13th 2013 coming up, I looked back that the last year of pretty consistently recorded rides (I had a little Garmin glitch last July that probably cost me a couple hundred miles...)

Overall, it looks like I'm going to come up a tad short of 10k miles per year, which was sort of a target, if not a goal.

But regardless, it was a great year for commuting, and the occasional silly weekend rides too! Not bad for the old fat guy.

Knock on wood, but I haven't had a flat for at least 6 or 7k miles, since I switched to the super heavy Schwalbe Marathons on the commuter bike.

Only bad thing: a couple of uncharacteristic road bangs over the last several months, once on ice (just pure stupid), once when I hooked my handlebar on the rear bumper of a delivery truck (even stupider), and once a couple weeks ago up in Baltimore (which I swear wasn't my fault, it was the combination of the water main break and sun that greased that rail spur so slippery that.... OK, that one was stupid too).

Going to work on not-being-so-stupid for the next year, and hopefully get in another 9.5kmiles without flats or crashes this time!

Here are my stats since last May 13:

ACTIVITY
Avg Rides / Week 11
Avg Distance / Week 219mi
Avg Time / Week 15hr 53m
YEAR-TO-DATE
Distance 3,723.2mi
Time 279hr 45m
Elev Gain 123,816ft
Rides 226
ALL TIME
Distance 9,537.3mi
Rides 573
Biggest Ride 100.9mi
Biggest Climb 1,715ft ]]> Commuters Greenbelt http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?4972-According-to-Garmin-9-5k-miles-over-the-last-12-months Tips for Mixed-Mode commuting http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?4964-Tips-for-Mixed-Mode-commuting&goto=newpost Thu, 09 May 2013 22:14:50 GMT Thought people might like tips for getting started bike commuting with a mixed approach (i.e. bike to metro/bus). Also wanted to point out... Thought people might like tips for getting started bike commuting with a mixed approach (i.e. bike to metro/bus).

Also wanted to point out potential problems with the approach. Problem number 1 which I just had today:

What if you lock your bike to a rack at Metro all responsible like and someone ELSE locks their bike to yours?

Just happened to me, so my bike is currently sitting at Metro waiting for a response from said person (left a note ductaped
all over their seat). Their bike is a Specialized Rockhopper (not too shabby), so I don't think its any kind of scheme to strand my bike and steal
it in the dead of night.

What would your response be? ]]> Commuters ebubar http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?4964-Tips-for-Mixed-Mode-commuting The Bike Commuter Code http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?4961-The-Bike-Commuter-Code&goto=newpost Thu, 09 May 2013 17:33:11 GMT The Bike Commuter Code (http://chasingmailboxes.com/2013/05/08/the-bike-commuter-code) by @gypsybug The Bike Commuter Code by @gypsybug ]]> Commuters rcannon100 http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?4961-The-Bike-Commuter-Code <![CDATA[Need Directions -- W&OD to Chain Bridge]]> http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?4955-Need-Directions-W-amp-OD-to-Chain-Bridge&goto=newpost Wed, 08 May 2013 15:32:31 GMT Have to go out to the Rockville office tomorrow -- already got directions once across the Potomac. How I am getting to the river? Thanks. Liz Have to go out to the Rockville office tomorrow -- already got directions once across the Potomac. How I am getting to the river?

Thanks.

Liz ]]> Commuters eminva http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?4955-Need-Directions-W-amp-OD-to-Chain-Bridge Best Commute from Upper NW to Downtown DC http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?4948-Best-Commute-from-Upper-NW-to-Downtown-DC&goto=newpost Mon, 06 May 2013 22:58:58 GMT Looking for advice on the best route from Chevy Chase DC / Barnaby Woods to Penn Quarter. Connecticut Ave or RCP? Any bike friendly streets that... Looking for advice on the best route from Chevy Chase DC / Barnaby Woods to Penn Quarter. Connecticut Ave or RCP? Any bike friendly streets that will make my commute less dangerous and more enjoyable. Thanks! ]]> Commuters dcchargers http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?4948-Best-Commute-from-Upper-NW-to-Downtown-DC DHS / Nebraska Avenue Complex commuters? http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?4941-DHS-Nebraska-Avenue-Complex-commuters&goto=newpost Sun, 05 May 2013 14:36:48 GMT Does anybody commute to DHS / Nebraska avenue? I am considering a job change and wondering how easy/hard it would be to get there from Arlington. ... Does anybody commute to DHS / Nebraska avenue? I am considering a job change and wondering how easy/hard it would be to get there from Arlington. Looks pretty simple. Also, What kind of on campus bike facilities do they have: Bike room/lockup/showers and all that.

Thanks! ]]> Commuters Jason http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?4941-DHS-Nebraska-Avenue-Complex-commuters