OT: DC commuting info

[Patrick in VT]

hoping to get some some info from DC Metro Area bike commuters. My
wife will be moving to DC on a temporary basis and she'd like to
commute (on her Bleriot).

We lived in DC for a while, so she's familiar with the city - but not
since the addition of the new bike lanes and such. She'll be
commuting from approx. U St/New Hampshire to the Navy Yard Metro
Stop. Looks like 15th (is this a separated bike lane?) and cutting
through the Mall will get her most of the way, but I'd appreciate any
suggested routes, feedback on bike lanes, good bike shops en route,
etc.

Pls contact me offlist if you have any advice - thanks!

Patrick

[islaysteve]

I wish I could be more helpful, being in the area, but I haven't lived in DC proper for many years, and so don't know her route.  I'm sure she knows that there are rush hour restrictions on bikes on the Metro.  It's good to hear of another Bleriot in the area.  Be sure she locks it well.  I don't want to perpetuate the DC crime rep, but I've heard this advice also from our suburban bike shops.  I'm sure it's no different than any other urban area.  And the Bleriot is such a pretty bike.  Anyway, good luck to her and contact me if I can be of any help.  City Bikes has a good rep, but they are not near her area.  Otherwise, it's College Park Bicycles, the closest we've got to a Riv-type shop, but a very good shop nonetheless.  Steve

[Patrick in VT]

Thanks for the feedback, Steve. She'll be riding the whole way to the
Navy Yard metro stop (i just don't know the exact address of her
employer), so thankfully no need for multi-modal transport (that can
be a hassle). And, she'll have indoor bike parking/storage at work,
so no worries there - but I know, and agree, that theft on the street
is a real issue. I had two bikes stolen when i lived in the District
- fortunately insurance covered both. Like a good neighbor ..
Statefarm is there ... with a new bike!!

FYI, there's a city bikes in Adams Morgan (where we used live), which
isn't far away from her U St. apt.

thanks again for the response. cheers,

Patrick