“Looking for some community wisdom on biking to work”

Photo by C JRCook

“Dear PoPville,

I’m considering getting a bike for a few reasons (some pandemic related) but am trying to figure out if it’s feasible to ride to work when work resumes–I don’t want to invest in one and then let it sit in storage if things ever get back to normal. One possible route would take me down Rock Creek Park Trail between Porter St. and Georgetown (or between Calvert and Georgetown, depending on what I find out), and from all my research it’s hard to decipher whether or not this part of the trail is a safe, reliable route for someone on a hybrid/commuter bike during weekday commute hours (i.e. when Beach Drive isn’t blocked to cars).

Some sources seem to cite narrow areas or parts of the trail in disrepair, but it’s unclear where/how bad they are and if they are prohibitive for a very casual biker or just annoying to someone out for a real ride for exercise.

I’m hoping with all the bikers in the area, some people might have some recommendations/warnings/tips to share.”