I like to ride on the Capital crescent trail. Is it safe at night? I dont believe it goes through any bad areas? Which trails should I avoid at night? Are any specifically closed after sunset?

I ride on the CC trail a few nights a week, and have not had any issues. You do need to watch out for animals, though (I've seen deer, raccoons, and foxes).

From the bits that I know, it goes through some of the poshest bits of Maryland!

Most of the DC trails close at sunset, but they are kept open for commuters.
The CCT goes thru nice neighborhoods, but since it is wooded and separated it feels very far from the city.
The Mount Vernon and W&OD has occasionally had an attack reported. The lower end of the W&OD goes thru a rough area, but it's adjacent to a busy street.

If you want some good night riding, go down to the Mall and Potomac Park. Wilson Blvd in Arlington is also pretty lively. Also Old Town Alexandria.

A neighbor of mine was pulled off his bike and strangled to death a couple of years ago on the Mt. Vernon trail just north of OT - it was during the day. I think there were some threads about it. The perp was insane, he ended up punching his lawyer during a hearing. A real sweetie. Always be aware of your surroundings I guess.

^^^
That was one of the attacks I was thinking. But I consider that an isolated nut-job.
Custis Trail and W&OD in Arlington has had some attacks on lone women.

Agreed - I mean, how can you prepare for that? Can't live your life in fear.

I biked the trail Christmas night at 9 PM. I encountered one very strange person after 3 miles from Georgetown. He had a bunch of bags collected together sitting on one side of the trail. He didn't appear homeless. I just passed him, but I dont think I will bike that trail at night again.

Next time take a ride buddy........and a taser.

Are tasers legal for private citizens to own in DC?

Not legal in DC, but 2/3 of the Capital Crescent Trail is in Maryland where they are legal.

What about mace, pepper spray, and the like?

I ride the capitol cresent trail at night and it is very dark in parts but there has not been a mugging or attack in DC for many years. However, I almost had a head-on collision with a six point buck on the bridge over McCarthur Blvd. I think that there is significantly more risk riding through the city and being hit by a car than a mugging or deer collision on the CC trail.

Really? I've been riding the W&OD in Arlington occasionally this past Nov & Dec and still plan on doing this through the winter when I visit VA. It really gets quite desolate around 7-8:30PM when I usually ride there as a workout, but I'm using some bright lights. Are there some particular areas I should avoid?

Steve - I wouldn't worry to much. These attacks were on lone women. I guess I'm assuming you're not a babe...

Got that right! Thanks for the reply. Maybe it's time to get insurance on the bike, though...OT, but are there any VA riders that ride these Alexandria/Arlington paths in the evenings for recreation?

Sure, there are many thousands - although the crowds will certainly thin out in the next couple of months. All the trails around here see heavy usage, unfortunately not just bikes though - walkers, joggers, skaters, etc... On the weekends in warmer months there can be traffic jams. In the evenings during the winter most of the cycling traffic would be commuters - at least IMO. CC Rider will know better...