Morning Commute

I rode with Ashley today on her morning commute. How is this for a way to start the day?

Ride four miles on the Custis Trail until it hits the Mt. Vernon Trail. Then roll for a couple of miles until it crosses the Arlington Memorial Bridge. Cross the bridge and then look up and to the left. Take a moment to appreciate the Lincoln Memorial and then pedal alongside Constitution Avenue toward the Washington Monument. At 13th Avenue, turn left and park the bike at the Ronald Reagan Building. There are security guards right next to the bike racks, so there is no need to worry about anyone breaking the lock.

The entire trip is on bike paths and wide, multi-use sidewalks. At 7.5 miles and 35-40 minutes, it’s beautiful, safe, and faster than the Metro.

Compare this to the harrowing 4.5 mile commute from McFerrin Park to Vanderbilt. Start out on Meridian Street. Wave to the onlookers, some of whom are puzzled, others intimidating. Turn left on Dickerson and prepare for an exhilarating mile. It begins by shooting across four lanes of traffic on Dickerson, then racing to the stoplight for Spring Street. When the light changes, you’ll need to merge across three lanes of traffic, avoiding the cars zipping on and off I-24.

At the next traffic light, turn left on 1st and choose between the sidewalk, with potholes and broken glass, or the road, with irritable motorists. Things will get better soon, so don’t despair. Turn left on Russell and then right on 2nd, pedaling in front of LP Field. Take a moment to enjoy the giant poster of Vince Young. Rejoice at the sight of the Pedestrian Bridge. For the next quarter mile, you will be totally free from automobiles!

Ah, but all good things (and safe travels) are short-lived. Take a left on 3rd and behold the glory of the new Schermerhorn Symphony center, but not for too long! You’re approaching Demonbreun, which for the next 1.5 miles will offer play brief nibbles of what a dedicated bike lane might taste like. One block is bike lane, the next block has you competing against big-rigs as you merge back into traffic, only to have a bike lane reappear the next block, and then again disappear. Nashville loves you, it loves you not.

It loves you! After the Demonbreun Roundabout, you may coast down the bike lane on 17th Avenue. Soon, you’ll be on campus. Immediately find a WiFi connection, increase your life insurance, and double-check the catastrophic injury coverage on your health insurance. You’ll need it for the ride back home.