Chain Bridge weekend closures Sept.-Oct.

DDOT announces weekend closures of the Chain Bridge into Oct. to finish up the structural work.

The closure includes the bike/pedestrian sidewalk/trail.

• 8pm on Friday, September 17 thru 5 am on Monday, September 20
• 8pm on Friday, October 1 thru 5 am on Monday, October 4
• 8pm on Friday, October 8 thru 5 am on Monday, October 11
• 8pm on Friday, October 15 thru 5 am on Sunday, October 17

And maybe also:

• 8 pm on Friday, October 22 thru 5 am on Sunday, October 24.

Bike thefts at GW

This just in from GW Police:

CRIME ALERT: Bicycle Thefts

The George Washington Police Department (GWPD) is investigating an increase in
the number of bicycle thefts on campus. Bicycles that have been locked also are
being reported as stolen. Thefts are occurring during the afternoon and evening
even with pedestrians in the area. 

GWPD encourages all bicycle owners to use heavy U-Lock devices securely fastened
to the frame of the bike and the rack that typically deter thieves.  

If you observe suspicious persons or activities near bike racks, for example
someone carrying bolt cutters or hack saws, please report information to GWPD at
202-994-6111 or anonymously at 202-994-TIPS. 

For more safety tips, visit http://gwired.gwu.edu/upd/Education/SafetyTips/. 

This information is provided by:
The George Washington University Police Department
Emergency 994-6111
Non-Emergency 994-6110  

Cyclists' rights in crosswalks (Falls Church News Press story)

The Falls Church News-Press published my letter to the editor regarding cyclists' legal rights at crosswalks. 

This was in response to prior responses to their story about the theft of five recently-installed W&OD crosswalk signs warning cars to stop for pedestrians/cyclists.

Virginia law is pretty clear:  Cyclists may ride in crosswalks (unless signed otherwise) and cars must yield to cyclists in crosswalks just as they must yield to pedestrians.

Bikeshare comes to GW

The GW Hatchet reports on Foggy Bottom locations identified for the extension of DC's Bikeshare program: 

"A SmartBike station already exists outside GW Hospital, but other locations include 1959 E St.- the residence hall near the Elliott School of International Affairs – and 982 21^st St., which is near the corner of 21st Street and Pennsylvania Avenue."

None are near the Mount Vernon campus or anywhere in Maryland or in Fairfax Co., Va.  But  a dozen or so are in Arlington.

Check out proposed locations on the DC Bikeshare Map.

WO&D I-66 bridge (no closings expected)

This from the Friends of the WO&D:

"As part of the Capital Beltway HOT Lanes project, a new W&OD Trail bridge -- to the north of the old one -- is currently under construction. The existing bridge and the Trail itself will remain open, but bridge abutment walls are being put in place on both sides of the Beltway, so that users are advised to exercise special caution in this work zone. The beams of the new bridge are scheduled to be installed in October, and the deck in November. Once this new bridge is completed and opened to users, the old one will be removed."

construction updates

Construction updates:

Chain Bridge work is completed, with all lanes & the sidewalk to C&O Towpath back open full time.

Mount Vernon trail has construction near the 14th St. Bridge, but there is a short & protected detour along the GW parkway.  Biked it w/ the kids last week and it is fine.

The Idylwood Rd. bridge over I-66 is closed for 6 months at least.  The WO&D trail bridge remains open.  Looks like they might be rebuilding it (there is a new pier next to the current bridge), so at some point it might have closures.