You've done your homework, figured out your walking route and now it's time to think about what to wear and bring to prepare you for walking long distances, standing for long periods of time, and facing the prevailing weather conditions when you head out on January 20.
Safety and Comfort
First of all, if you don't typically venture out on long walks, take a minute to check out these basic tips for walking safety and comfort from WALKArlington.
Then forget the ball gowns and tuxedos and focus on the layers of clothes, socks, and shoes, and outerwear you plan to sport on January 20. Check out WALKArlington's suggestions on gear as you lay out your wardrobe-and make sure your outer layer also helps you be seen!
Supplies
Of course, you'll need some basic supplies, like food, water, any meds, and hand/toe warmers. On the flipside, you also need to know what NOT to bring. Here is the official list of items that are prohibited in the secure zones for the swearing-in and parade:
- Firearms and ammunition (either real or simulated)
- Explosives of any kind (including fireworks)
- Knives, blades, or sharp objects (of any length)
- Mace and/or pepper spray
- Sticks or poles
- Pocket or hand tools, such as “Leatherman”
- Packages
- Backpacks
- Large bags
- Duffel bags
- Suitcases
- Thermoses
- Coolers
- Strollers
- Umbrellas
- Laser pointers
- Signs
- Posters
- Animals (other than service animals)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event as determined by and at the discretion of the security screeners
If you have younger members of your party, take note that strollers are permitted on the bridges and up to the western portion of the Mall near the Lincoln Memorial but not within the security zone for the swearing-in or parade. There are no facilities for storing strollers or any of the prohibited items.
Weather Conditions
And two days out, the Weather.com Inaugural weather forecast for Inauguration Day is mostly cloudy with a low of 19 and a high of 31 degrees F. In other words, it's going to be ccccold, so check out these tips on walking in winter.
Rules of the Road/Sidewalk
Last but not least, while walkers will encounter fewer vehicles along their walking routes on January 20, there will be more bicyclists and walkers than you've probably encountered before, so follow the pedestrian rules of the road:
- Cross the street at marked crosswalks
- Before crossing, look left, right, left again
- Use pedestrian pushbuttons where available
- Begin crossing the street on the "Walk" signal
- Walk against traffic on roads with no sidewalks
- Stay to the right and heed stop and yield signs on trails
- Wear bright/reflective clothes to stay visible after dark and in bad weather
- Watch for turning motorists and bicyclists
Two More Resources
As we've been saying all along, Inauguration plans are very fluid. Here are two of the most recent updates to previously mentioned resources. Keep checking CommuterPage.com's Inaugural Page for new information and resources to support your travels, all the way through January 20, 2009!
Paper Trail
Arlington County has updated its resources for getting to DC from five points of origin and now offers these Print and Go Guides from the following spots:
- Pentagon City / Crystal City (Greatly expanded bus service for this area, including direct service into the District)
- Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor (Wilson and Clarendon Blvds.)
- Fairlington/Shirlington
- Columbia Pike
- North Arlington and Lee Highway
Click on this Print and Go Guides link to choose the Guide you need!
On-Line
And if you haven't heard about it yet, get the skinny on Twitter.com, Arlington County Commuter Services' CarFreeJan20 Twitter activity, and the new video that puts it all together.
To sum up, use these resources (plus WALKArlington's Special Inaugural Edition of our e-newsletter) and your common sense to be safe, be seen, and stay warm!
YES YOU CAN! See you downtown on Tuesday!
Lauren Hassel handles outreach and promotions for WALKArlington, part of Arlington County Commuter Services in the Department of Environmental Services.
thanks for the tips! See ya there. maybe. unless the "38 special" accidentally just takes us as far as a local pub. drat.
Posted by: washwords | January 18, 2009 at 09:37 AM