sfreitas323

Hey everyone

I'd like to go to the dc mall for the fourth. I was thinking instead of dealing with parking around the city I would park about 10 to 15 miles outside of the city and bike in. I'm with my girlfriend who isnt too bike savvy but she got a 7.3 fx last year and we have taken a couple rides around town and she does fairly well around traffic but I'd still try and stick to trails when possible. I'll be coming from Fredrick.

Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks

telebianchi

What time?

If you go down early in the day, you can ride the roads (like Constitution Ave) that are closed to cars for the parade:


See the Red, White & Blue bunting on the buildings:


And watch the silly baloons getting inflated:


But I'm not sure what it is like once the crowds show up. There are security check points for getting into the main Mall area where people set up to picnic for the fireworks and other events. I know that it also gets crowded along the Virginia side of the river.

The above photos were taken around 9:00/9:30 AM.

cc_rider

You could park in Bethesda at one of the free county garages and take the Capitol Crescent Trail or Beach Drive/Rock Creek Trail in. I don't know how these are after dark. For a road route back, you could go up Wisconsin or the parallel side streets. Here is a route that should work that mostly stays off the main streets. https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5535936

sfreitas323

Thanks for the replies. I was actually thinking about parking in Alexandria and riding in on the mount Vernon trail and crossing at the 14th street bridge. Anyone know if that's safe at night?

I would imagine out of the millions of people who visit the capital on the fourth I won't be the only one biking in.

JCFlack

On the Fourth your route at night ought to be safe because of the number of people. But that will be the downside of your plan - a lot of people walk across the bridge after the fireworks to get to cars and the Metro stations on the Virginia side. In fact, a lot of people watch the show from the bridge. Arlington is suggesting Long Bridge Park as a good place to watch the fireworks, and this park has good access by cycle from the MVT from the south - it is a bit circuitous to get there from the 14th street bridge though. No matter where you decide to join the crowd, whether the Mall, Capitol Hill, or Long Bridge Park, sooner or later you are going to have ti\o get off your bikes and walk. It gets VERY crowded.

The Human Car

I'll note that the Capital Crescent Trail is awesome after the fireworks (fastest way out of there.) Just make sure to have good lights and a rear blinky.

Certifried

I hope I'm not late on this, but the Capital Crescent Trail WAS CLOSED due to the storm damage. I rode down the Bethesda Trolley Trail a little today and it was now passable (was previously blocked). I believe the CCT is still closed, but haven't seen verification of that. So, be ready with your GPS or alternate routes. Also, I don't think you can take bikes on the metro today. Hah, sorry for all the unverified info I'll see if I can find some verification of any of it

status of trail https://www.cctrail.org/CCT_Conditions.htm (still closed as of last report)

Part about bikes is down a bit, but they're not allowed today (just FYI if anyone was thinking about it) https://www.wmata.com/about_metro/new...ReleaseID=5248