I lived in the area, and know that for commuters there are points
along the Mt Vernon trail that there is no alternative (unless you
ride the GW parkway).
Remember this is Alexandria, jest south of DC and Yuppie Central,
and he is some pissant little gov't employee with a BIG chip on
his shoulder (roughly like 75% of the population up there, I know
I was one).
I agree with Lou (where in Brooklyn ya from? I was born in Sheepshead bay area?)
In diving we say (well I do) that Poisidon will sort them out, getting nailed
at 15+mph will do the same thing.

Marty