The writer is obviously not from DC, and likely not from the DC metro area!! Riding Metro (train) is the easiest thing in the world, every visitor I've met says the map is simple (and it is). The Metro (bus) is a little more challenging, but even that's a good way to get around (if you have a little more time). As for driving in DC, that's no more of a challenge than any big city. If you're stupid enough to try to go east-west or north-south during rush hour, then....well, you're stupid! The ONLY part of the city I would not recommend driving to, through, or trying to park, would be Georgetown (Friday evening, Saturday or Sunday). "If" you know your way around (or find someone who does) getting around DC in a car is easy, and thanks to the alphabetical and numerical order of the city's layout, it's impossible to get lost! Riding a bike?? Yeah, maybe around the neighborhood, but you're seriously (I mean "seriously!") taking your life in your hands if you ride anywhere downtown, Georgetown, Capitol Hill, or Adams Morgan.