I often bike the pike (from George Mason to S. Joyce Street). At first I tried to use 12th Street South, which runs parallel and has little traffic, but I quit because I had such difficulty getting across Glebe and Walter Reed that it took longer and decided it was less safe. There are plans, however, to make this road a "bicycle boulevard."
a street where all types of vehicles are allowed, but the roadway is modified for the prioritization of bicycle safety and convenience. Typically these modifications will also calm motor vehicle traffic and improve pedestrian safety.
Arlington is designing its first bike boulevard on South 12th Street between South Barton Street and South George Mason Drive, connecting bicyclists along this busy corridor to the Four Mile Run Trail.
It was noted in the comments that this isn't the first bike boulevard since Key Blvd, from N Rhodes St to N Johnson St, is; but it's "one of the first" let's say. There are plans to add a light at Glebe, which is good. But nothing yet to improve Walter Reed or to make a more level connection through Doctor's Run Park where the trail is directed up a steep hill - this park in general could use some work. (Not to hate on parking all the time - but removing the parking lane along the park and daylighting the run would be a nice start). other than that, I'm not sure what kinds of improvements are planned, but it wouldn't take much to make this better than the Pike.
Comments