The Morning Commute is an occasional look at meetings or other #BikeSpecific discussions and stories happening in the District. It also looks at interesting bike, scooter, or urban related ideas or concepts from other places across the globe that could possibly work here. Again, this isn’t journalism, just fun.
Today’s commute includes:
The car sharing program Zipcar sent an email to its subscribers in support of Bike Month.
To transport you bike over the hills and dales to the mountains or the beaches, Zipcar provides roof-mounted bike racks on selected cars. Actually, it appears to be one car in the District, a good reason why you haven’t heard of this program if you are a member.
The email also from the car-sharing program also worked with Green Line Velo (Boston’s official cycling team) to make two 1980s era a three-minute videos called “Biking in an urban environment” and “Finding the right bike for you“.
Last, Zipcar has a contest allowing it’s users to win a PUBLIC V7 Bike. All member have to do is,
“share your #bikestories with @Zipcar on Twitter, and you could win one of these sweet V7 bikes from PUBLIC! Tell us why you bike in the city, share some riding tips, or post some pics of your ride.”
Below are some #BikeStories tweets that I’m certain can be out done by #BikeDC…Not that it’s a contest describing your journey to becoming a bicyclists…well, it is.
The events surrounding the Inauguration allow for a once-in-every-four-year opportunity to walk and bike in the monumental core without cars. Naturally, all street closures are subject to change.
 |
| Security Zones. Image: Secret Service |
Vehicle Restrictions
Along certain streets, parking restrictions will begin at noon, January 18. The Transportation plan generally has two security layers:
In most cases, these zones are free from automobile traffic, allowing pedestrians and bicyclists relatively free access. Galas, other related events, or motorcades may require additional closures and public safety officials may restrict access.
 |
| Pedestrian Access Map |
Biking and Walking
In the days leading up to the Inauguration parade and days after, most streets in the core should be open for pedestrians and bicyclists. The Woman’s March on Saturday and events associated with the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision Sunday may require periodic closures.
Capital Bikeshare will have two corrals on for the Inauguration and Inaugural Parade: 17th and K Streets NW and 4th and E Street SW. Corral Service runs from 7am to 5pm on January 20.
Bikeshare stations in the National Mall area will be closed January 19 and 20. This includes stations near the Capitol, National Mall, the White House and along the Inaugural Parade route on Pennsylvania Avenue NW from the Capitol to the White House. BikeShare will provide a specific list of affected stations by a service alert message.
Any station within the security perimeter will be offline and completely unavailable until some time after the ceremony and parade. If cyclists leave bikes at closed stations they are responsible for any losses or damages.
For those looking to ride their own bike, a free general bike parking corral will at 16th and I Street NW.
Bicycles will not be permitted aboard Metro trains on Inauguration Day.
The Memorial Bridge will be closed to all vehicular traffic but opened for pedestrians (presumably bicyclists) and Emergency Vehicles.
While the inaugural ceremonies on the National Mall do not require tickets bicycles and other items are prohibited. The non-ticketed area begins at 4th Street NW, and extends past the Washington Monument to 17th Street NW.
 |
| 2013 Tweed Ride Image: BikeSpecific |
After the ride, participants will meet at Roofers Union from 5:30 to 9 pm to experience the musical stylings of the legendary Dandy Wellington and His Band, and the Fidgety Feet Dancers. While the ride is free, the minimum costs for the Jazz-Age Jam is $20. (Dandies and Quaintrelles)
