To Washington DC scooterists

[mukaiboston]

I currently live in Boston but am planning on relocating to Washington DC. I'm just curious how easy it is to get around the area on a Buddy 50.

I had a job interview on Friday and saw like 20 scooters while I was walking there but I saw no stickers or plates on any of them. Are you not required to register them?

My biggest concern is where I am going to live. If I live in Virginia, how do I cross over the river into the district? My family, who lives on the Virginia side, tells me that only the interstates go between Virginia and the District so if I live in Virginia, I'd never be able to get the scooter across. Is this true?

I'm pretty sure I've been over the Rosslyn Key bridge once and that looks okay, but is that seriously the only way over?

[BootScootin'FireFighter]

I'm pretty sure I've been over the Rosslyn Key bridge once and that looks okay, but is that seriously the only way over?

There is also the Memorial Bridge, in front of Arlington Cemetery. There are several approaches, from George Washington Pkwy N or S, Washington Blvd, or Boundary Channel Dr. New registration requirements in Virginia will require some sort of registration on all scooters including below 50ccs. I think that goes into effect sometime this year or beginning of next. It is doable, however the approaches are more fast paced, more to the likes of 45-50 mph. Also, the bridge is under authority of US Park Police, and they require tags to ride on their roadways. Although rarely enforced, it is a possibility. A stock 50cc on the GW Pkwy will surely attract attention of any officers in the area. I'd strongly recommend de-restricting anything you get so you can at least get close to that speed. The District is very easy to ride in and as you mentioned there are tons of scooters. The FS Key Bridge in Rosslyn is the best bet on a 50cc stock, since it's approaches on both sides are city streets. Then there's the Chain Bridge, pretty far uptown. If you're going to be living up near McLean or Tysons Corner, that's a good option to connect to Tenleytown, Georgetown, or other areas uptown.

Make sure you lock up around here. The area has always had a rampant plague of thefts, so you'll need a beefy chain.

I'm on a 125, been riding around here for the past 4 years. No major issues out of the ordinary. I've also crossed all 4 interstate bridges in the area on it. So, I'd recommend making time to take the MSF and possibly upgrading at some point. It's much easier to navigate around here on the remaining bridges with at least 125.

[mukaiboston]

Thanks for your response. I'm only really worried if my 50cc is sufficient for the area. Ideally I will only be staying with my parents in Alexandria temporarily and will be able to get a place either in Arlington or the District. So far it looks like I can only take the Rosslyn bridge. I will consider upgrading but I need to see where I will be living first to determine if it will be necessary.

I've never really worried about what the registration laws are. I have a 50cc in Boston that is derestricted, plated, insured and inspected. I also have a motorcycle license with no restrictions (meaning I took my road test on a motorcycle so I can legally ride any type of bike). When I move, I will just transfer everything and can't imagine it will be that big of a deal.

[mukaiboston]

I think that goes into effect sometime this year or beginning of next. It is doable, however the approaches are more fast paced, more to the likes of 45-50 mph.

What is the speed limit on the GW Parkway between Alexandria and the exit for Memorial Bridge? That sounds like it is pushing it for me.

[hcstrider]

Another option that you may want to consider is riding your scooter to one of the Alexandria MetroRail stations then riding MetroRail into D.C. This would help you avoid some of the insane rush hour traffic around here. I work in Silver Spring, MD and there are a lot of people who lock their scooters to the bike rack at the Silver Spring Metro Station then take MetroRail into D.C.

As for 50cc friendly routes into D.C. and registration/licensing questions, you might consider posting your question to the Washington Metro Area Scooter Authority ( http://www.wmasa.org/index.php ).

[BootScootin'FireFighter]

What is the speed limit on the GW Parkway between Alexandria and the exit for Memorial Bridge? That sounds like it is pushing it for me.

40mph in the area of the Airport (with most cars averaging 50) and drops down to 30 or 35 close to the bridge because of all the merging and pedestrian crossings. You can also take Potomac Ave through the new development going on at Potomac Yards, right on Crystal Dr, then Long Bridge Dr past all the ballfields to Boundary Channel Dr and get on 1/4 mile from the Memorial Bridge to avoid the speedway. Another option is Mt Vernon Ave through Del Ray, then Arlington Ridge Rd to Joyce St near the Pentagon south parking. From there, it's a short run of 1/2 mile to the bridge. Locking up at a metro is an option, but by then, you're so close and you'd be downtown before you finished locking up and waiting for a train. I'm in the Potomac Yard area and can be at McPherson Square in 10-15 minutes riding. Silver Spring would be a different story with so many unsynchronized lights on 16th St.

Also, if you like to bike ride, there are so many paved bike trails in and out of downtown from NoVA. You can time it right and pay no more than a membership fee of $25 annually for your commute.

[Stilts]

What is the speed limit on the GW Parkway between Alexandria and the exit for Memorial Bridge? That sounds like it is pushing it for me.

40mph in the area of the Airport (with most cars averaging 50) and drops down to 30 or 35 close to the bridge because of all the merging and pedestrian crossings. You can also take Potomac Ave through the new development going on at Potomac Yards, right on Crystal Dr, then Long Bridge Dr past all the ballfields to Boundary Channel Dr and get on 1/4 mile from the Memorial Bridge to avoid the speedway. Another option is Mt Vernon Ave through Del Ray, then Arlington Ridge Rd to Joyce St near the Pentagon south parking. From there, it's a short run of 1/2 mile to the bridge. Locking up at a metro is an option, but by then, you're so close and you'd be downtown before you finished locking up and waiting for a train. I'm in the Potomac Yard area and can be at McPherson Square in 10-15 minutes riding. Silver Spring would be a different story with so many unsynchronized lights on 16th St.

Also, if you like to bike ride, there are so many paved bike trails in and out of downtown from NoVA. You can time it right and pay no more than a membership fee of $25 annually for your commute.

Couldn't have said it better myself!

However, what's the $25 membership fee for?

[BootScootin'FireFighter]

However, what's the $25 membership fee for?

CAPITAL BIKESHARE

And I was wrong, it's $25 monthly, or $75 annually.