Commuting - Does Anyone Commute In N.VA?

I am thinking of commuting to work. I am a bit afraid, since as a motorist I am painfully aware of how poorly my fellow Virginians drive. Any impressions on commuting by bike in NOVA/DC Metro area would be appreciated.

I've been commuting daily, year-round in Arlington and DC for over four years, and it really is a piece of cake on my routes. I'd call it a safe environment: i have yet to hear of any fatal bike accidents. Under normal conditions, my bike trip is perhaps ten minites longer than driving. If it snows, it can be an hour quicker. So, I would say it is reasonably safe, practical, and enjoyable. I don't know what your proposed route is, so I can't say anything about your situation.

Obviously, route choice counts for something
http://www.co.arlington.va.us/dpw/planning/bike/bikemap.htm
is a good starting point, The Washingto Area Bicycalist Association www.waba.org has a mentoring program and some info. I have found that the Arlington County site vastly more useful than the WABA one.

I find bike commuting much more comfortable than driving. You can build confidence by starting with a route that uses the on- and off-street bikeway system and then transition to more riding in traffic. Another idea is to "test ride" your proposed commute route on a weekend to see how it works for you.

I would say that fenders and a good light are critical. This is a rainy place, and it does get dark early in winter. Other than that, what's best for you is an individual thing, and I don't know how relevant my experience will be.

Good luck,

Paul

I ride in NVa everyday, and like any busy area it really boils down to your route. Traffic in NVa is terrible, so plan on spending some time with detailed road maps to determine the "best" route for your commute.

I am about 6 miles from the WO&D and can take the trail directly to my office. Best guess is 15 miles one way. Is that too much for a commute?

Originally posted by cyclochica
Is that too much for a commute?
You're the only one that can determine that. There are others around here who regularly commute similar distances. If you only bike commute once or twice a week, it's worthwhile. Plus, this time of year temps are becoming much more commute-friendly, at least for the morning portion.
Have you done a test run? If not, ride it on a week-end, when you don't have "get-to-work" pressure. Carry the same baggage you would use for a commute to get a feel for what you're in for in terms of time, exertion, stress, etc. etc.

I'd add this:

My perceptions of the dangers of cycling were based on my experience driving in traffic. People were so aggressive.

When I started cycling to work, a few drivers were inexperienced, some were aggressive. But mostly, they treated me as if I were made of glass.

Before commuting to work, learn Effective Cycling techniques.

I've been commuting from Tyson's Corner down to Alexandria (Seminary Road area) since March. It's 11.5 mile each way for me. I live almost exactly 4 miles from the W&OD Trail and work is roughly 2 to 2.5 miles from the trail. If you can get to the trail then you are golden. My commute to the trail is so-so. I have to go down Great Falls Street which is ok most of the way, but it does narrow down to no shoulders when it gets close to the W&OD Trail. So far I have not had any problems on that road. I use extra lights and blinkers, plus bright clothes. ADC makes a bike map for the NVa area. You can pick it up at a local bike shop (Spokes, or Performance). It's a good investment. I started out commuting twice a week, and now I do between 3 and 4 times per week. I'd love to ride 5 times a week. I also think it's possible to ride almost year around here. Except when it ices up.

PBW

Originally posted by P. B. Walker
. I also think it's possible to ride almost year around here. Except when it ices up.

PBW

I've been routinely riding all year here for years. When there is freezing rain or other black ice, just ride in the grass alongside the road. One good thing about riding when it snows-- you don't have that nagging worry that you will be stuck for hours. And, if the snow gets too deep to ride in efficiently, just take advantage of Metro's policy regarding bikes.

Paul

Originally posted by PaulH


I've been routinely riding all year here for years. When there is freezing rain or other black ice, just ride in the grass alongside the road. One good thing about riding when it snows-- you don't have that nagging worry that you will be stuck for hours. And, if the snow gets too deep to ride in efficiently, just take advantage of Metro's policy regarding bikes.

Paul

Not a bad idea, except there isn't alot of grass on the parts of the trail I ride. But I do agree about the snow. I think that's why I kept my cheapo Mountain bike... got some old knobby tires for when the snow comes. it's a great beater bike to have.

Thankfully , it's rare that we get that much snow here.

PBW