Silver Spring Station Project Hard on Disabled

I've seen Metro employees and the red-shirted aides from the Silver Spring Urban District helping the disabled navigate the crowded sidewalks and steer clear of the heavy traffic. They're doing a fine job, but they don't have the numbers to solve all access problems.

Bikes on Parkway

Dear Dr. Gridlock:

I have recently had several occasions to drive the George Washington Parkway south from Alexandria and have noted what I consider to be a problem. Every time I've taken that route south or north, I've come across bicyclists on the parkway.

Now, since they have a separate bike path and I, and I assume other drivers, are not as watchful for bike riders as we might normally be, the bikers put both themselves and drivers at considerable risk.

A 165-pound rider and his 45-pound bike unexpectedly going through a windshield could ruin several people's whole day. In years past, I've pedaled from Theodore Roosevelt Island down to Mount Vernon and back and always stayed on the bike path, assuming that it was not only smart but also the law.

-- James R. Campbell Arlington

Sgt. Robert Lachance, spokesman for the park police, said bicyclists are prohibited on the parkways in the National Capital Region.

But the park service and the park police are reviewing whether to allow bicyclists along the George Washington Parkway south of Alexandria. They plan to meet with various interested groups to consider permitting certain high-speed cyclists to use that part of the parkway, Lachance said.

Among the considerations in diverting high-speed riders: Protecting the safety of more casual riders runners and walkers along the Mount Vernon Trail. Lachance also noted that in recent years, no serious collisions between bicyclists and motorists on the parkway have been reported to park police.

Dr. Gridlock appears Thursday in the Extras and Sunday in the Metro section. You can send e-mails todrgridlock@washpost.com. Include your name, community and phone numbers. Some letters are published. Get There:http://blog.washingtonpost.com/getthere.