MBT Spring 2010 Newsletter

Hello Met Branch Trail Friends!

It’s been a long winter, and you’re probably ready to put on your walking shoes or hop on your bike. So if you’re looking for a new place to explore on the weekend or thinking about walking or biking to work, you should venture over to the Met Branch Trail and experience D.C.’s newest section of paved pathway! This month’s newsletter includes trail status updates and opportunities to get involved with trail events and activities.

Trail Status Updates:

New York Avenue NE to Franklin Street NE Construction - While the section from Franklin Street to the Rhode Island Avenue shopping center has been open for use since last fall, the trail connecting with New York Avenue is scheduled for completion in May.

Rhode Island Avenue Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge - Design for the bridge is almost complete. WMATA’s board approved their donation of an easement, and DDOT will be working to obtain additional easements and permits—so progress is being made!

Get Involved:

Trail Clean-up and Meeting - Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the Metropolitan Branch Trail Coalition will host an evening trail clean-up and meeting on Thursday, April 8. We will gather at the Edgewood Mural at 5:30 p.m. to clean a section of the trail and then continue on a walking tour of the pathway. Those who are unable to attend the clean-up can meet us at the Big Bear Café at 7 p.m. to learn more about the trail status, upcoming events on the trail, and opportunities to get involved. For more information, please contact Kelly Pack: [email protected].

Celebrate National Bike Month on the Met Branch Trail - Rails-to-Trails Conservancy will host a series of “Commuter Convoys” in the month of May. Details to follow in next month’s newsletter.

Save the Date: Saturday, June 5 – Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association are planning a large community event on National Trails Day to celebrate the opening of the Met Branch Trail’s newest section in Northeast D.C. In the coming weeks, visit www.metbranchtrail.com for more information. Details to follow in next month’s newsletter.

Adopt the Trail – As sections of the trail open, we will all need to work together to keep it a beautiful and inviting place.  DC Preparatory Academy’s “Prep Squad” has already adopted a section of the trail. Take a look at their efforts on DDOT’s facebook page. Let us know if you or your community group/workplace is interested in adopting a section of trail or flower box. Contact [email protected].

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For more information about the Met Branch Trail, visit www.metbranchtrail.com.

Comments

[CyclingFool]

I'm excited about the new section being completed in May! I'll have to swing by that way once it's open and ride up to my old neghborhood - Brookland, which will now be accessible almost entirely using off-road facilities by bike. I love it!

[Michael H.]

Interesting developments although I don't ride in that area.

Regarding a different trail, I saw that wooden fencing has been installed around the fields and picnic areas at Gravelly Point by Nat'l Airport adjacent to the Mt. Vernon Trail. Is this an annual occurrence? Or is there some sort of event or construction work going on?

I'm not complaining. It looks a little ugly but it does separate the grassy area from the trail. Sometimes kids, and even adults, wander lazily on the asphalt and block off the MVT. With the fencing, this is much less likely to happen. It's safer for the families and casual walkers on the one hand, and safer for cyclists and runners on the other.

[Mark]

I am happy to say that I was able to ride the entire length of the MBT yesterday between Franklin and NY Ave Metro. There are two sections that are still unpaved, but they are graded and hardpacked and didn't cause me any problems on my road bike (with 35mm tires).