curlyJul 27, 2023
@bikedc help! I’m new to the city and biking on streets. Is there a good guide on biking rules and guidelines in DC? Is there a group that makes it easy for newbies like me to get comfortable biking around the city? I’ve read the Pocket Guide to DC bike laws but I didn’t found it helpful when I’m on the street. #bikedc
Show threadnot that ready

@curly Sticking to bike paths and protected bike lanes makes things lots less stressful. Residential roads (like those on Capitol Hill) are also pretty calm. I usually try to avoid avenues without bike infrastructure (i.e. Rhode Island Ave or North Cap). Helpful bike map at https://godcgo.com/wp-content/uploads/DC-Bike-Map.pdf

@WABA offers group rides which might be nice (I haven't used them, though), and @hillfamilybiking has slow routes that I enjoy.

(I would worry less about rules--drivers don't really follow them.)

Jul 27, 2023 at 8:47pmWeb
Show threadnot that readyJul 27, 2023

@curly What's the thing that you're finding uncomfortable while on the streets? Is it the streets you're on? Is it the cars? Is it not knowing the "best" routing? Is it generally feeling like you're just doing the wrong thing? (You almost certainly aren't!)

Lots of potential sources that I think riding more (and on protected facilities) would help with, but that might not be the right answer for some sources of discomfort.

Show threadcurlyJul 28, 2023
@notthatready I struggle most with understanding when it is best to bike on the sidewalk vs street when there is no protected lane. I’ve tried observing other bikers and have seen a range of behaviors with no obvious pattern.
I’m going to start with biking earlier in the day or in the afternoon when there is minimal street traffic. Rest will just come with practice I guess.
Show threadnot that readyJul 28, 2023

@curly The rest definitely comes with practice!

The question of when to bike on the sidewalk mostly comes down to personal comfort and how many people are on the sidewalk. If you think the cars are too fast and close? Sidewalk it is! I often see bikers on sidewalks and think, "I'd do the same."

If you're deferential to pedestrians and there are no protected facilities nearby, it is ok to make sure you are safe. You got one body--take care of it!

Show threadnot that readyJul 28, 2023

@curly
(Are there rules about where you're "allowed to" bike on the sidewalk? Yeah. Fortunately, there's enough protected bike infrastructure downtown that going a few blocks out of my way to use it isn't a big deal.

But am I going to illegally use the sidewalks along Independence Avenue between 1st St SW and Washington Avenue SW nearly every day? Yes, and I ain't going to feel shame about it.)

Show threadcurlyJul 28, 2023
@notthatready I think I get it, lol. Thanks for your detailed responses!
Show threadcurlyAug 26, 2023
@notthatready I finally biked in the city! I stuck to streets with bike lanes and it was a breeze. :D
Show threadnot that readyAug 27, 2023

@curly Hey!! The weather is close to perfect for riding around the city! Sounds like you had a good time 🙂 Any particular pain points, or basically just Good the whole way?

The infrastructure has come a long way in even the last five years. Still a ways to go, but yesterday we went down to Del Ray, then up to AdMo, then home, mostly on protected streets. If you plan, the routes can be pretty good!

Show threadcurlyAug 27, 2023
@notthatready yes, the weather was great.. I’m realizing a lot of the inhibitions I had were mental blocks and anxiety. I’m glad I got over them. I used Capital Bikes and couldn’t figure out if there was a way to dock my phone. I memorized routes before starting.
Show threadcurlyAug 27, 2023
@notthatready I was wondering which app you find best for navigation. I found that I liked the routes by City Mapper better than Google Maps. Is there an app you prefer?
Show threadnot that readyAug 27, 2023

@curly Congrats on handling the mental blocks! CaBi is an incredible asset to the city and the e-Bikes are 🎇🎇🎇

We don't use an app often. If we're planning to go somewhere we haven't gone before, we'll look it up on Google Maps to try and figure it out. We'll "memorize" the route but inevitable pull out our phone a few times to make sure we're going to right way--there may be a better app, but Maps seems to be good enough for our purposes

Show threadcurlyAug 27, 2023
@notthatready makes sense! I’m sort of doing the same too. Thanks, your responses have been very helpful!
Show threadnot that readyAug 27, 2023
@curly Happy to help! Biking in DC is pretty good in a lot of cases. Always happy to help people discover the joy of leisurely rides on sunny days!
Show threadcurlyJul 28, 2023
@notthatready @WABA @hillfamilybiking thank you for that map! It will be very helpful in planning my routes. My goal is to be able to bike while running errands.