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@CCrew 9624 wrote:

Yeah, but even as a pedestrian he was required to wait for a walk light or clear traffic..

CCrew, I’m afraid you’re incorrect on the law, and it’s important for cyclists to understand the law.

As shown below in bold, pedestrians (and cyclists) may not enter an intersection “in disregard of approaching traffic”. Sounds like WillStewart was appropriately regarding approaching traffic. (I admittedly don’t know the intersection, so don’t know if there was a light or other “traffic control device”).

WillStewart, glad you’re ok. Hope this all turns out ok.

§ 46.2-924. Drivers to stop for pedestrians; installation of certain signs; penalty.

A. The driver of any vehicle on a highway shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian crossing such highway:

1. At any clearly marked crosswalk, whether at mid-block or at the end of any block;

2. At any regular pedestrian crossing included in the prolongation of the lateral boundary lines of the adjacent sidewalk at the end of a block;

3. At any intersection when the driver is approaching on a highway or street where the legal maximum speed does not exceed 35 miles per hour.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A of this section, at intersections or crosswalks where the movement of traffic is being regulated by law-enforcement officers or traffic control devices, the driver shall yield according to the direction of the law-enforcement officer or device.

No pedestrian shall enter or cross an intersection in disregard of approaching traffic.

The drivers of vehicles entering, crossing, or turning at intersections shall change their course, slow down, or stop if necessary to permit pedestrians to cross such intersections safely and expeditiously.

Pedestrians crossing highways at intersections shall at all times have the right-of-way over vehicles making turns into the highways being crossed by the pedestrians.

C. The governing body of Arlington County, Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, the County of Loudoun and any town therein, and the City of Alexandria, may by ordinance provide for the installation and maintenance of highway signs at marked crosswalks specifically requiring operators of motor vehicles, at the locations where such signs are installed, to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing or attempting to cross the highway. Any operator of a motor vehicle who fails at such locations to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians as required by such signs shall be guilty of a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of no less than $100 or more than $500. The Commonwealth Transportation Board shall develop criteria for the design, location, and installation of such signs. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any limited access highway.

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When I took it, the question about commuting on 66 specified modes of transportation (car alone, bus, etc) but did not include biking.

@DismalScientist – The reason I oppose widening I66 is adding lanes usually increases the number of cars on the road. In the very short term (after construction is completed), some cars may be diverted from alternative routes to the new lanes. However, as people hear that there is now more room in the new lanes and/or on the alternative routes, more people will choose to drive alone. Some the end result is more cars on the road. And while it’s nice that the cars are stuck down in the 66-canyon while they’re on 66, they have to go somewhere from the canyon. Whether that means driving through the Rosslyn death trap to get to Gtown/Rosslyn, or increasing congestion on Arlington and DC streets, eventually the cars come out of the canyon, and potentially pose a hazard to people on bikes and on foot.

I’m a firm believer that the best long-term thing strategy for make biking and walking safer is to have fewer cars on the road — get those people on transit, in buses (and train bus drivers) and on bikes. Focus on Smart growth and discourage growth in exurbs. There are benefits all around.

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In case you haven’t heard, VDOT is doing a survey of people who commute inside the Beltway in the “I66 Corridor”. It’s a bit long, but they’re sending out $5 Starbucks gift cards. The first questions are car-centric, but they eventually get around to asking about bikes…

http://www.logicdepot.com/surveys/run/start.cfm?skey=5FFJZ-P3YST

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@americancyclo 9473 wrote:

what blocks are closed?

C Street NW between 23rd and 20th (though 21st goes through)

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Paul – that’s a good start.

Really, I work for one of the agencies, and hope to be able point out to our security people that they’re violating a DC law or reg by blocking the curb cut. It’s a good point that if they take away the street, they are banning bikes, since bikes aren’t allowed on the sidewalk. (Though I think I’ve seen another map that says bikes are allowed on sidewalks West of the White House and South of Penn Ave – was that an old rule or just a mistaken map?)

Thanks!
G

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@Tim Kelley 8879 wrote:

I passed this along and this is response I get back:

“Those signs were put up a few years ago as a traffic calming measure before our current traffic calming procedures and manual were in place. There is plenty of room on the street for bicycles though. I’ll check it out to make sure but it looks like a good spot for “Do not enter except bicycles”.”

Sounds hopeful!

Yesterday, I noticed the signs were changed. Thank you so much! Score one for responsive local government!

(Seriously, please pass my thanks over to the appropriate people in the County)

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I’ll try to make it (though for future reference, the top of the hill would make it much easier…). Is this baby-friendly? If I can come, you’ll have some competition, Tim.

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There’s a CaBi station just north of Potomac Yards, at the end of S. Glebe Road (near the Harris Teeter, Massage Envy, etc).

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@Tim Kelley 8882 wrote:

We’ll be reprinting the map later this winter–I’ll make a note to look into it.

Any other map suggestions?

Thanks. Though I really hope the roads get the “bikes except” and the map can remain the same.

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Hooray! Thanks

I also noted that the newest ARL bike map designates this section of 3rd Street as an On-Street Bicycle Route. As currently signed, bikes couldn’t use it as shown on the map. (in either direction).

Thanks again

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@Tim Kelley 8863 wrote:

A couple of the Arlington County planners/engineers read this board. I’ll direct their attention to this thread.

Thanks so much! – Gillian

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I thought trails were closed to all but cyclists with appropriate lights between dusk and dawn.

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Yeah, hop stop routed me along 50 and I66 to get from Lyon Park to Foggy Bottom. Looks like it’s missing the trail along 50, the fact that bikes aren’t allowed on hwys (and bikes on 50 are a bad idea), and the fact that you can bike through the base and cemetery.

Thanks

[dasgeh]

I also second everything PotomacCyclist lists, which I think are the priorities.

On a more mundane level, general maintenance of trails and bridges — e.g. right now there are some rapidly growing holes on the Memorial Bridge.

Thanks!

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@americancyclo 7021 wrote:

I was hoping some of these might be closer to DC so I could get in a quick hill ride during lunch. I managed to find some small hills over in Rosslyn, but would appreciate any more tips leaving from Capitol Hill
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/45600606

Cross the Memorial Bridge, take the trail beside 110 up to Iwo Jima and continue straight through Fort Myer. Not the longest hill, but oh so steep. Coming back you can cruise down through the cemetery, and the view is stunning. At Fort Myer you’ll have to stop at the gate, and show either a government ID or drivers license. Usually the stop’s not that long, and the worst (best?) part of the hill is after the stop.

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