Share this: Facebook

Twitter

Tumblr

Email

Print



As you’ve almost certainly read, the Purple Line is moving forward . The end result of this project includes a big win for biking in the region: a paved, grade separated trail from Bethesda to Silver Spring. But the construction phase will include unavoidable disruptions—the entire Georgetown Branch Trail from Bethesda to Stewart Avenue will be completely closed starting September 5. It will remain closed for the duration of construction. There are a number of workable on-street routes, many low-stress and relatively direct, but things get a bit complicated here because the town of Chevy Chase has so far refused to allow the county to sign a trail detour on its roads . At present, the official signed detour is on Jones Bridge Road, which is a busy thoroughfare with narrow sidewalks and no bike infrastructure. If you’re a confident bicyclist * , it may be fine. If you’re not, it will be a stressful experience.It is, of course, perfectly legal to ride on Chevy Chase’s neighborhood streets. Here’s one relatively low stress option that’s only about half a mile longer, and only slightly hillier. If you’ve got another detour you like, share it with us on Twitter or Facebook And here’s a map with a couple of detour options through Chevy Chase, depending on where your Silver Spring start/end point is.We’re working with Montgomery County and the Town of Chevy Chase to improve the signed detour, and we’ll keep you posted.* Sound good? Take a City Cycling Class