Beating The Cars

Though the summer has come to a close, it still might be a good time to dust off that bicycle.

Cities around the world will be celebrating sustainable transportation on Wednesday for "Car Free Day," which is recognized every year on Sept. 22. The date is used as a reminder that people don't have to accept a car-dominated society.

Virginia is taking it a step further, making next work week Try Transit Week. Alexandria residents can pledge to be car-free on the city's website and are entered into a raffle for a one-year DASH transit pass or two Amtrak tickets.

For some people in Del Ray, however, a car-free commute is an everyday thing. Many walk to nearby Braddock Road Metro stop or take the bus. And with easy access to trails, the community also has a fair share of bicycle commuters.

Erik Johnston, a 29-year-old lobbyist with the National Association of Counties, bikes year round (though not every day) from Warrick Village to his office on Massachusetts Avenue in Washington, D.C.

"I used to live in the outer suburbs and I was tired of the car, train, bus thing," Johnston said. "I tried biking and I loved it. It's cheap, it's good exercise."

Like many headed to the District from Del Ray, Johnston takes the Four-Mile Run Trail to the Mount Vernon Trail. He then heads across the 14th Street Bridge and into the city.

Johnston said it didn't take long to get used to the 8-mile commute. He said the hardest part for cyclists is finding a place to shower and a good place to store their bikes. He said he's fortunate to have a shower in his office building.

Uhler Avenue resident Eric Wagner has been biking to his job in Franklin Square in the District since June 2008. The Verizon employee started doing it just three days a week, then upped it to every workday in early 2009.

"I have kids and I wasn't finding time to workout," Wagner said of his decision to hop on his bike. "I was getting too much out of shape. I wasn't taking the time and I wasn't fit anymore."

Wagner admits he took a novice approach to making the switch. He didn't have a lot of expensive bike-specific equipment or gear, and he didn't know how to pack his dress shirt and pants in a backpack without getting them wrinkled.

But the 42-year-old adapted. He joined a gym near his office where he could shower and he picked up gear along the way to help handle the weather conditions, even a second bike.

"You don't have to spend $1,500," Wagner said. "And the winter is not so bad. Over time you build up enough equipment to handle it. And it's just like skiing; no one complains that it's cold when they're skiing."

Wagner and Johnston both said that those interested in making the switch to the bike should talk with a current commuter cyclist for riding tips and advice on routes. Wagner recommends prospective bike commuters also consult the Washington Area Bicyclist Association website and its extensive collection of maps before getting started.

Safety has never been a concern for either rider. In fact, Johnston said he's felt less safe in a car during peak traffic hours on I-395 . And hopping on their bikes has also allowed these riders to beat traffic most of the time.

"I usually beat the cars," Wagner said. "I saw a red, early-60s Ferrari on the GW Parkway on my way in one morning. It's a very distinct-looking car. Well, I was getting very close to my office and there it was again!"

Whether it be exercise, helping the environment or beating traffic, it seems there's plenty of reasons to dust of that bicycle. 

"Once you start, you'll never go back in the car," Wagner said.