Riding in the Dark

The Del Ray Patch notes that bicycling is now permitted for longer hours along the W&OD trail. The Northern Virginia Regional Parks Authority has extended the hours so that the trail is now open from 5am to 9pm (Park Authority Extends Hours on W&OD Trail).

The W&OD, one of the first "rail to trail" conversions, runs from Shirlington near I-395 to Purcellville in Loudoun County. The 100-foot-wide W&OD has been called "the skinniest park in Virginia." But it is also one of the longest parks, 45 miles of paved trail for walking, running, bicycling and skating and 32 miles of adjacent gravel trail for horseback riding. Built on the roadbed of the former Washington & Old Dominion Railroad, the multi-use W&OD Trail runs through the urban heartland and countryside of Northern Virginia.

The Patch writes,

The NVRPA said the decision was driven largely by the needs of commuters, who — especially during winter months — have no other choice but to use the trail after dark.

But NVRPA is promoting safe cycling and a bikes have to meet a series of requirements. Check out the Patch for details.