Old Army

As I recall, we had lots of the world's population flag waving right after 9/11. But it didn't take long before waving turned to burning. Obama or not, its good sport to hate the USA and it always will be. Right now it also is fashionable to embrace Obama. But I expect, like most fashion trends, it wont last long.

-Old Army

mackerel

You mean the music festival in Germany where Obama made a scheduled cameo?
Very funny.

cyclezealot

Here' s the rules about bikes and the Inaugural.. Keep your distance from the Capitol at the very least.
...
Inaugural Security: Leave Chairs, Strollers Home

WASHINGTON (AP) -- No strollers near the Capitol. No tents on the National Mall. None of that Silly String on the parade route.

That's just a sample of the items forbidden from President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration for security reasons. And while many people say the inconvenience is a small price to pay to witness the swearing-in of the nation's first black president, others are scratching their heads, trying to figure out how they will sit, snack, carry diapers or transport tired tots.

snip

Some older people are backing out of their inaugural plans, partly because of a no-chair rule for the parade route. Parenting blogs are abuzz with complaints about the less-than-kid-friendly restrictions. Thermoses, coolers and backpacks are out at both the Capitol and the parade route.

''Of course, they're not going to say, 'no children,''' said Sunny Chanel, a San Francisco-based contributor to Babble.com, a parenting Web site. ''But they're definitely not making it easy for parents with smaller children to go.''

snip
West Front of the Capitol. There are understandable prohibitions on weapons and pepper spray. But you also can't carry an umbrella. And don't think about holding up any ''Yes We Did'' signs -- posters also are not allowed.

It could get tricky as people congregate along the parade route, where many items allowed on the Mall will be off-limits. That list includes bicycles, backpacks, aerosols (which could include Silly String), coolers, thermal containers and chairs.

Signs or placards can be brought to the parade -- but only if they're made of cardboard, poster board or cloth and are not more than 3 feet by 20 feet.

https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2008...ules.html?_r=1

rdubbz

I'm planning on taking my bike here with a group of friends. Should be a lot of cyclist. I'm just not sure how close to parade route they'll let us get. Also I see they will have a free bike parking valet service.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Eric Gilliland
Washington Area Bicyclist Association
p) 202-518-0524
c) 202-215-5249
e) gill@waba.org
America Bikes to the Inauguration
Local Cycling Group Announces Free Valet Bike Parking for Inauguration
The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), a local non-profit bike safety and advocacy organization, is
pleased to announce it will be providing free valet bike parking services at two locations during the 2009 Inauguration
festivities on January, 20th as a way to encourage more people to travel that day by bike. The bike valets are being
made possible through the support America Bikes, Dero Bike Rack Company, and the District Department of
Transportation. America Bikes, a coalition of national bike advocacy organizations based in DC, is working on
incorporating the needs of cyclists into the forthcoming economic stimulus package as well as the future
reauthorization of the federal transportation bill. Dero, a Minnesota-based manufacturer of commercial bike parking,
will be supplying the bike racks that will be used to hold bikes in the valets.
According to WABA’s Executive Director Eric Gilliland, cycling could prove to be the ideal way to get around on the
day of the inauguration. “Many roads will be closed to vehicular traffic, access to bridges into the city will be restricted,
and Metro will be packed. If you have a bike, we encourage you to ride it that day and we hope to make it as easy as
possible for you to do so,” Gilliland said. The association has also created a special inaugural web page with
information about the safest routes to the valets, information on safe cycling and bike rentals, as well as other tips to
make riding safe and enjoyable. That page can be found at www.waba.org/events/inauguralbikevalet.php. Cyclists
who take advantage of the bike valets will receive a free commemorative claim check and bicycle wheel spoke card
courtesy of WABA, America Bikes and Dero.
“In addition to making it easier for people to travel by bike on that day, we hope the bike valets will demonstrate the
important role biking plays in our transportation system as a new Congress and president take office,” said Caron
Whitaker, Campaign Director of America Bikes.
“Bike valets are very similar to car valets,” said Henry Mesias, project manager at WABA. “You simply ride up to the
valet, a volunteer will attach one half of a claim ticket to your bike and hand you the other half. The volunteer will then
park the bike in a safe enclosure while you head off to enjoy the inauguration. When you want to leave, you show us
your half of the claim check and we get you your bike and you ride off. It’s quite simple.” Mr. Mesias says that the
association is prepared to park well over 1000 bikes.
The bike valets will be located on the south side of the Jefferson Memorial and on 16th Street NW between I Street and
K Streets NW. Both will be open from 7am to 5pm. In case of extreme weather, the valets will be closed, but the
unattended bike parking racks will still be available for use.
For more information, please contact Eric Gilliland at the Washington Area Bicyclist Association at 202-518-0524 or
email gill@waba.org.
For more information on America Bikes, visit www.americabikes.org, or contact Caron Whitaker at 202-215-3908 or via
email caron@americabikes.org.
For more information on the Dero Bike Rack Company, contact Nick Mason at 612-359-0689 or email
nickmason@dero.com. Dero can be found on the web at www.dero.com.

ShinyBiker

This is in the "rumor" category, but one of the radio guys was saying he heard that Bruce Springsteen will be playing in front of the Lincoln memorial. As in previous inaugurals, this kind of concert would be free.

dynaryder

rdubbz: coming in from VA? FYI,you may not be able to cross most of the bridges:

https://voices.washingtonpost.com/ina...etclosings.pdf

Some will be open to peds,but who can say how the cops are going to treat bikes.

Also,a general map of street closings. Not as detailed or inclusive as the press release,but gives you an idea:

https://www.secretservice.gov/press/GPA01-09InaugMap.pdf

daddybland

Anyone recomend a good route from Bethesda to DC? I will be staying with relatives there and the bike sounds like the way to go.

rdubbz

I am. The key bridge is the closest to me but from your link looks like it will be closed to peds. Memorial looks like it may be an option.
It's silly that i haven't heard any local news report on restrictions for bikes. I guess we'll find out then.
Thanks for the info!

CCrew

Capital Crescent trail. Take you right down to Georgetown.

CCrew

More than a rumor..

BarracksSi

I'm really not sure how pervasive the restrictions on bikes will be. For example, they won't be allowing bikes, ice coolers, baby strollers, and folding chairs on the parade route.

I may just hoof it that day even though I live two blocks away.

CCrew

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Arlington's Schedules for Martin Luther King Day and Presidential Inauguration
Residents, visitors urged to plan ahead for Jan. 20
All Arlington County administrative offices, schools, public libraries, courts, and nature centers will be closed Monday, Jan. 19 and Tuesday, Jan. 20, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the Presidential Inauguration. Please note:

ART Bus Service: ART Bus and STAR: ART 41 & ART 51 will operate an enhanced Sunday service schedule on Jan. 19 and 20. No other regularly-scheduled ART services will be operated on these holidays.
STAR (Specialized Transportation for Arlington Residents): STAR Call Center is closed and all standing order rides cancelled on Jan. 19 and 20.
Parking Meters: Meters are not enforced on Monday, Jan. 19; however, all normal weekday parking regulations will be in effect for Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Courts: All Arlington County courts are closed Friday, Jan. 16, for Lee-Jackson Day and Jan. 19-20.
County offices, courts and schools will resume normal schedules on Wednesday, Jan. 21. More information available on our holiday schedule web page -- it features details on closings and schedule changes.

Presidential Inauguration: Plan Ahead Planning for the Presidential Inauguration is in full swing. Arlington is proud to be an important part of the Inauguration and celebrations. The entire Washington, D.C. area -- including Arlington -- is bracing for record crowds during the inaugural weekend January 17-20, 2009. Crowds and events during the inaugural weekend will affect all area residents – even those not planning to attend any of the events.

Our best advice for Arlington residents and visitors – pretend that a snowstorm is coming… and plan accordingly. A storm is coming, bringing with it crowds, congestion, traffic and delays. Getting around on Jan. 20 will be difficult at best – you’ll want to plan ahead. Please note that no privately-owned vehicles will have access to DC from Virginia.

Be prepared: Please visit our special Inauguration web page for helpful tips from now through Jan. 20.
Make a plan: Avoid driving if at all possible; telecommute if you can. Remember, the storm is coming!
Be informed: Sign up for Arlington Alert and stay tuned to 1700AM Arlington, our emergency radio station.
###

Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency’s highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America’s preeminent places to live, visit and do business.



Last Modified: January 8, 2009

rdubbz

Just found this update:

Inaugural Bridges

Yesterday, Transportation leaders announced that Key Bridge will also be closed to car traffic. That means 14th, Memorial, TR and Key are all closed. It does appear that bikes will still be allowed
Instead, these bridges will carry a mixture of motor coaches, shuttle buses and pedestrians, all trying to flock to the central core of D.C. for the ceremony.

but you can expect the sidewalks/MUPs to be filled with pedestrians, so it looks like Commonwealthers will be walking their bikes. You might be able to bike in the road on Memorial or Key, but I'm unsure. There isn't a lot of direction coming out honestly.
Transportation experts have been advising anyone planning to attend the inauguration to either walk or bike to the ceremony if at all possible.



January 07, 2009

pipes

That was back then he is the president elect now BIG diffrence ...

Old Army

It does indeed look like all the MUP's are going to be open. This includes the 14th Street Bridge, the Teddy Roosevelt Bridge, the Key Bridge and, of course, the Memorial Bridge. I would recommend the Teddy Roosevelt bridge as it is the least well known MUP and pedestrian access requires a good bit of local knowledge. However, given the expected crowds on the Mt Vernon Trail, just getting to any of the bridges is going to be probelmatic. They really should have opened up some lanes on the George Wahington Memorial Parkway to bicycles only.

I'm really beginning to think the best way to get there from VA is to swim.

-Old Army

BarracksSi

We have a map posted upstairs at work from the Washington Post. Of the four bridges from NOVA, it shows that only the Memorial Bridge and Key Bridge (the one that goes from Rosslyn to Georgetown) will be open to bikes. There are some restrictions on the MD side, too, but I can't remember what they are.

I'll try to get anotherlook at it today before I go home.

cyclezealot

I read the bridges crossing the Potomac will be closed. Will that include bikes.?. At one time: a worry about what might be stuffed inside a bike frame; DC security was considering , not allowing bikes within a certain distance from the Mall...

jagged

From CommuterPages:
Source: https://www.commuterpageblog.com/2009...the-bicyc.html

This is good advice; I'm planning on doing the Memorial Bridge. The Roosevelt Bridge is more convenient for me, but its narrow sidewalk can make a ride frustrating on a normal day -- I can't imagine the madhouse of inauguration day.

A gentle scolding is due to DC area media who made me panic yesterday by reporting all bridges would be closed to "private vehicles." They meant "private motor vehicles."

Jerseysbest

I actually got a chance to see Obama yesterday, but I doubt anyone will get close to him or even see him during the Inauguration...

dynaryder

Wisconsin. I think the trails are going to be a mess. All the folks who aren't serious cyclists are prolly going to figure they can get around by bike,but will be afraid of the traffic. Wisc is busy,but it's only hairy until Friendship Heights when the traffic starts getting slowed down,and worst case scenario you could run the sidewalk from Bethesda to FH since there's very little foot traffic. Wisc will take you straight into GTown,or you can take one of the side streets to get to Conn,then take Conn down to Dupont or turn onto Calvert to hit Adams Morgan or keep heading east. Can also run Wisc to Mass and bomb straight down into Dupont.

dynaryder

Also,Rock Creek Parkway will be closed from Beach to Virginia(Ave). Don't know if that means the trail will be closed too or not.

dcbrewer

Just launch it from anywhere upstream of TR bridge!

On the other hand, if the weather is cold enough, it might just be possible to ride across the ice on the Potomac if you put some studded tires on...

CCrew

Wisconsin will be worse tho. Considering all the VA bridges will be closed, only way in my car will be on the MD side. I really wouldn't want to wish an unfamiliar cyclist with what DC has to offer at street level. Not to mention the unfamiliar drivers also. I'm staying as far from it as I can, but if I had to go in (and I still might) I'd do it by bike. Besides, the cold will scare off many. My wife cycles, but even she thinks I'm crazy nuts at lower than 35 degrees.

-R

Old Army

If I had to go in, it would be on foot like the rest of the unwashed masses. I can't see cycling being any faster given the throngs of lookie-looo's.

-Old Army

BarracksSi

Are you sure? Which blur is him?

I mentioned a map by the Post earlier:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...T2009010702404
https://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-...9010703911.gif

(maybe this will show up)


**** It appears to be revised, compared to what I saw printed out this morning.

I wonder how much vehicle traffic there really will be, though. Yes, there will be thousands of tour buses, but I've got a suspicion that they'll have the run of the town and most drivers will simply not drive.