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Community Corner

Bike to Work Day and Bike D.C. Come to Arlington This Weekend

Cyclists will be hitting Arlington's streets this weekend. And anyone can be a part of it.

Friday will be the D.C. area's Bike to Work Day, with more than 10,000 area residents opting for their bikes as their means of getting to work.  In the hopes of giving hesitant commuters some encouragement to try it out, the sponsors are providing "pit stops" with food, speakers and entertainment.  Arlington will have three pit stops this year:

  • Rosslyn (Rosslyn Gateway Park, 1300 Lee Highway)
  • Ballston (Conte's Bike Shop, 3924 Wilson Blvd)
  • Crystal City (Crystal City Water Park, 1750 Crystal Drive)

Rosslyn, traditionally the biggest pit stop in Arlington, will include stunt rider Mike Steidley among its entertainment.   Riders are asked to register for Bike to Work Day here (it's too late for the t-shirt, but registration will get you a raffle ticket – and it's free).  There are, of course, many pit stops outside of Arlington – you can pick your preferred pitstop when you register.

Bike to Work Day is a great opportunity to test out bike commuting.  Not only do riders get the extra support of the pit stops, but – especially in Arlington – they can be assured that they'll have plenty of extra company on the streets and trails.  New riders will appreciate the resources assembled by Bike Arlington here.  

Find out what's happening in Clarendon-Courthouse-Rosslynwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As the weekend progresses, the focus moves from work to recreation, and Sunday's Bike D.C. ride will bring several thousand cyclists out onto a closed circuit through D.C. and Arlington.  The route starts near the Mall, comes across the Roosevelt Bridge, heads up the George Washington Parkway, and drops back down to the Air Force Memorial before returning to D.C.  Registration is $35, but kids 12 and under ride for free.  With no cars, plenty of rest stops, and course marshals to assist with problems, it's a very low stress way to spend a Sunday morning.

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Find out what's happening in Clarendon-Courthouse-Rosslynwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Those who live or work is Crystal City may be pleased to find out that the Crystal City BID is making it Bike to Work Week, offering complimentary breakfast, bike assistance and showers every day this week.  More info here.

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