Cyclists get special treatment in Arlington

Kristi King, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – “See the back up on Chain Bridge this morning? I flew across and everyone else is just parked,” said cyclist Ed Murdy.

He chuckled while making that observation as he biked eight miles to work in Arlington, Va., from his home in Bethesda, Md.

Murdy is among two-wheel commuters encouraged by steps Arlington is taking to be more bike-friendly.

The city is painting portions of five bike lanes bright green to make them more obvious for motorists. There are also plans to give additional bike lanes that extra bright treatment.

Arlington will encourage the expansion of the Capital Bikeshare rental program throughout the county next year.

Some cyclists who have been injured by cars hope the paint will help to keep cyclists safe.

“It’s a low-cost, hopefully effective way to let people know we’re out here,” said Pete Scanlon of McLean.

Scanlon broke his collarbone a few years ago when a car pulled into the lane his bike was in, he said. He stopped abruptly and was tossed over the handlebars.

But that hasn’t discouraged him from biking to work in D.C. from his home in Mclean, Va.

“If there’s not snow or ice on the road, I ride to work.” he said. “It’s a good way to take some cars off the road.”

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