Originally Posted by
degnaw
No problem with it. Just yield to pedestrians, and use extreme care at intersections (at a minimum, slow to walking speed and check both ways).
I do slow down a lot (good opportunity to give my legs a rest). Of course try and stay out of the way of the pedestrians.
Originally Posted by
degnaw
Also, perhaps I'm looking at the wrong spot, but google maps is giving me a 'suggested' on-road/MUP bicycle route across Franconia and Van Dorn:
http://goo.gl/maps/WkH3 - it winds through the neighborhoods just west of Van Dorn.
Yes the problem is that then I have to ride a fairly long part of eisenhower either on the sidewalk (not crazy about) or on the road along with some traffic, but the street isn't that good. This is actually the route I tried the first time I rode from home.
Originally Posted by
JCFlack
I'm familiar with the Franconia and Van Dorn intersection, but I've never biked through there. I can understand your apprehension - wide streets with lots of traffic. You're heading for Eisenhower (which I have ridden) - a pretty good road for bikes, particularly after you get on the MUP. Are you coming from the Springfield direction on Franconia, or from Kingstown on Van Dorn? If I'm not mistaken, there is a MUP on Van Dorn after you get through the intersection - it's getting there that is the problem.
I'm actually riding from Lorton. I take Telegraph to Beulah and then Kathmoore to Em. Once I'm across Van Dorn I take Brookland and head for the entrance to Eisenhower through the residential area. This worked really well yesterday except I felt a little uncomfortable taking up the sidewalk.
Thanks for the encouragement!
Loren