Originally Posted by
cyccommute
I've ridden in the DC area. There are alternatives. Even in the gridless east there are alternatives that parallel busy roads. Even the busy roads are still rideable to an experience cyclist.
You're right. They're called trails around here: Mount Vernon Trail, Custis Trail, Capital Crescent Trail, Four Mile Run Trail, etc. All are used heavily by bikes, runners and walkers day and night. The alternatives are not nearly as safe, but you already knew that, having ridden in the DC area.