What’s Hard About Biking in Washington DC? Every week, D.C. resident Monica Gray asks folks all over Washington, “What’s Hard About It?,” trying to help solve our nation’s problems. Click here to see what she’s tackled so far. What’s hard about biking in DC? I headed over to Washington’s third-annual Need for Tweed bike ride to find out. Organized by Eric Brewer, the Tweed Ride drew over 400 bikers, most of whom were decked out in their most dapper Victorian-era garb. Before they took off for the Tour de DC, I asked cyclists at The Fridge and at the start line at 8th and H Street NE, “What’s hard about biking in DC?” Check out the video to hear what they had to say… What’s hard about biking around the city in which you live? Sound off in the comments below… Monica Gray Monica Gray, a UVA grad and new DC resident, asks folks all over Washington: “What’s Hard About It?” Get your mind out of the gutter.
Tommaso 24.11.10 @ 7:06 pm I miss biking in D.C. As much as the taxi and bus drivers were out to get you, the bike community there was so amazing, especially the good folks form The Bike House. I thought biking in the East Bay was going to be easy, but drivers in Berkeley pass you by really close! Felt much safer in the district.
Adam 24.11.10 @ 7:38 pm Great video Monica!! I think there is nothing hard about biking in dc if you are a comfortable on your bike, take risks, and basically pretend lime you are a car on the road! Then you get respect from other drivers!!
Matt 25.11.10 @ 12:37 pm Cool interview but I think it only covers half of the bases. Biking in DC is hard because of a lack of communication, respect, and understanding between motorists and cyclists. It really is kind of a free for all. As an avid cyclist who is still forced to drive from time to time I can’t tell you how many times I have almost been doored, rear ended, and flat run over in and out of bike lanes. Just like driving, you have to be defensive and give yourself every advantage. I see way to many cyclist out there weaving in and out of cars, not stopping at lights and signs. not wearing helmets (which oddly most in this video weren’t), and making myself rival the White House Christmas Tree after dark. It would have been interesting to see interviews from taxi drivers and rush hour commuters to see the other side of the problem. There is no one side at fault here and both need to be educated and more understanding to solve this problem. And for good of everyone people, WEAR HELMETS!
Monica 30.11.10 @ 11:25 am hey matt – great points. i like your idea about talking to drivers too… “what’s hard about sharing the road” could definitely be a cool follow up segment. thanks for the post and thanks for watching!