Newsletter: in praise of the Trolley Trail
Happy Friday (and happy Hanukkah!),
Have you scoped out the newly completed section of the Hyattsville Trolley Trail yet? I took my daughter on it to grab a birthday present for her friend at the Artist & Craftsman Supply the other day and I found myself getting a little emotional about how much of an improvement it is. Here’s a photo:
If you’re near the Anacostia Trail system, this short new connection opens up a whole bunch of new places you can get to without having to deal with drivers much. Just off the top of my head, here are are few spots I’m a lot more likely to visit now that I don’t have to ride on Route 1: Maryland Meadworks, Pizzeria Paradiso, Streetcar 82 Brewing, Arrow Bicycle, Vigilante Coffee, Pyramid Arts, Franklin’s, Busboys & Poets, Yes Organic Market, The Riverdale Farmers Market, Riviera Tapas, Town Center Market, and that whole newish complex with Whole Foods and Denizens Brewing.
The Trolley Trail is not the leafy, serene riverside trail experience of the Northeast Branch trail that runs parallel to it about half a mile to the east. But that’s what’s great about it—it puts you right in the middle of the neighborhoods you’re passing through. It’s not a way to escape civilization for a few miles, it’s a civilized way to move through a series of vibrant human spaces. Go check it out if you haven’t yet!
Things to do this week:
- Come hang out at our annual WABA Member Mixer tonight!
- Check out this walking tour.
- Ward 5 (DC) Family Bike Ride!
- Speak up for streets that put people first in DC.
- Indoor traffic garden for kids.
- Learn what’s coming up in Maryland’s 2024 legislative session.
- Watch a documentary about the safe streets movement.
- Join the DC Bike Ambassadors for light-giveaway season.
A Fun Route Idea For the Weekend
Pack a dry pair of socks (there are a couple of creek crossings) and head south from the Frederick Douglass bridge to Oxon Cove, then cross the river and ride back into the city on the Mount Vernon Trail. Great views of Anacostia, Alexandria, and the DC monuments. Here’s the RidewithGPS route.