Go By Bike, DC!

May 30-June 30, 2023

 

goDCgo is starting the summer off with a bang and encouraging DC residents to get on two wheels! From May through June, we will be hosting bike popup events, a group bike ride, and giving away tons of fun prized to those that pledge to go by bike this summer. We’re giving away gift cards to Conte’s Bikeshop, bike repair kits, bike lights, bike locks, helmets, and raffling off 50 annual Capital Bikeshare memberships and 6 bicycles! 

Explore all of our incentives, events, and bike resources below to learn the benefits of biking around the District and start your summer off right – on two wheels!

 

PLEDGE TO GO BY BIKE


Take the Pledge to Pedal to be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a $50 Conte’s Bikeshop gift card,
Capital Bikeshare Annual Membership (a $95 value), or a FREE Bicycle!


Biking Basics for Beginners

Have you recently learned how to ride a bike or haven’t ridden in a long time? goDCgo is here for you! To get started, we want to build up your biking confidence by starting with the basics before turning this into a habit. Discover biking resources and tips for beginner-level riders and find the bike route for you!

Tips for Experienced Riders

As an avid cyclist, you already know the many benefits of riding a bike like saving time, money, and boosting your health and mood. But one thing you can never be is too safe! Brush up on bike laws in the District, keep up with bike maintenance, and learn about DC’s growing bike infrastructure. 

Biking in the District

With over 165 miles of bike lanes and trails, there’s much to discover as a DC bike commuter! Here are some resources that can help bicyclists of every skill level. 

  • DC Bike Map

    A comprehensive guide to exploring DC by bike featuring maps, trails, safety tips, best practices, and more.

  • Laws

    Download the Pocket Guide to DC Bike Laws to review the rights and responsibilities of cyclists on DC streets.

  • Advocacy

    From commuter amenities to protected bike lanes, learn more about how to help improve bicycling in the DC metro area.

  • Bike-Friendly DC

    Check out the latest bike facts and stats illustrating DDOT’s progress on bike infrastructure. 

  • Lessons

    Take a WABA city cycling class to build your biking confidence.

  • Cross-town Routes

    Need help navigating? Review the North-South and East-West crosstown bike route maps for help getting across DC by bike.

EXPERIENCE DC ON TWO WHEELS

Download the DC Bike Map

Explore all the bike-friendliness Washington, DC has to offer. The map is colorful and easy-to-read, making it a perfect guide for experienced and new riders to venture out and experience DC by bike.

DC bike maps can be picked up in person at a variety of DC bike shops and at Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) events. Businesses, residents, visitors, and commuters can request a complimentary copy mailed to them by emailing info@godcgo.com.  

RESOURCES & INFORMATION

  • Wear a helmet. Helmets dramatically reduce the risk of head injury in a bicycle accident.
  • Ride on sidewalks only when necessary and always yield to pedestrians. Riding on the sidewalk is illegal in downtown Washington, DC.
  • Follow all traffic laws. Bicyclists are required to obey all regulatory signs and traffic lights.
  • Use hand signals. Tell motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians what you intend to do. Be predictable!
  • Beware of parked cars. Don’t ride too close to parked vehicles. Ride at least five feet away from parked vehicles, if possible, and watch for people exiting—doors can open at any time.
  • Be careful at intersections. Watch for crossing vehicle traffic at intersections, even if you have the right-of-way.
  • Never ride against traffic. Ride with traffic to avoid potential crashes.
  • Ride in a single file, except when passing.
  • Be alert. Scan the road. Always know your surroundings.
  • Be vocal. Give an audible signal when passing other people on bicycles, and pass only on the left.
  • Share the lanes and trails. Be a roll model and follow these proper bike safety and etiquette practices, like sharing the lanes and trails with other riders.

  • Start slow. Go on a few short rides around your neighborhood before you venture out further. Take it easy to start off with and have fun!
  • Take a class. Build your bike riding confidence by taking WABA’s city cycling class! 
  • Find good routes. Remember, the best route by car might not be the best by bike. Some of the best bicycle routes are hidden from the busy car-filled streets. Check out our custom bike routes to try and get rolling.
  • Stay prepared. While the summer can present its challenges, you can keep pedaling with the proper planning, equipment, and gear. Review the tips.
  • Make a goal. Take at least one trip a week by bike instead of driving. Add more trips as you feel ready. Practice discipline and self-forgiveness, and remember—the more you ride, the more you’ll experience!

For more than a decade, the District has been building a citywide network of bike lanes, signed routes, and other bicycle facilities. These efforts are successful in not only attracting a rapidly-growing number of bicyclists, but also making streets safer for all users —drivers, pedestrians, transit riders, and bicyclists.

moveDC 2021 is the long-range transportation plan for the District of Columbia. Under Mayor Bowser’s leadership, moveDC 2021 establishes goals, policies, strategies, and metrics for the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to invest in transportation facilities and programs that address the needs of Washingtonians across all eight wards. 

Continued expansion of the bike network, bike parking, and the Capital Bikeshare program are moveDC 2021 priorities that will help ensure a safe and convenient bicycling environment in the District for everyone. As part of the plan, DDOT plans to install 20 miles of protected bike lanes by the end of 2022 and 1,000 bike racks per year over the next 3 years.

The 2005 Bicycle Master Plan establishes fourteen core recommendations in three goal areas to improve bicycle transportation in the District:

GOAL 1: MORE AND BETTER BIKE FACILITIES

  1. Improve and expand the bike route system and provide functional and distinctive signs for the system.
  2. Provide bike facilities on roadways.
  3. Complete ongoing trail development and improvement projects.
  4. Improve bridge access for bicyclists.
  5. Provide bicycle parking in public space.
  6. Encourage bicycle parking in private space.

GOAL 2: MORE BIKE-FRIENDLY POLICIES

  1. Update District of Columbia laws, regulations and policy documents to address bicycle accommodation.
  2. Provide training to District staff.
  3. Review District of Columbia projects to ensure they provide bicycle accommodation.

GOAL 3: MORE BICYCLE-RELATE EDUCATION, PROMOTION AND ENFORCEMENT

  1. Educate motorists about safe operating behavior around bicyclists.
  2. Educate bicyclists about safe bicycling.
  3. Enforce traffic laws related to bicycling.
  4. Establish a Youth Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Education Program.
  5. Distribute the District of Columbia Bicycle Map to a wide audience.

Learn more about DDOT’s Long-range Bike Master Plan Learn about progress made on DDOT’s Long-range Bike Master Plan

  • Anacostia Riverwalk Trail

    The backbone of the Anacostia Riverfront in DC, connecting residents, visitors, and communities to the river, one another, and numerous commercial and recreational destinations.

  • Anacostia Stream Valley Trail

    A link in the national shore-to-shore American Discovery Trail, this trail provides miles of uninterrupted trails along the tributaries of the Anacostia River.

  • Baltimore and Annapolis Trail

    An established recreational greenway following the route of the old Baltimore & Annapolis Railroad from Glen Burnie to Annapolis.

  • BWI Trail

    A 12.5-mile scenic trail that encircles BWI Airport property and connects hikers, bicyclists, walkers and joggers to community resources, public transportation and area attractions.

  • Capital Crescent Trail

    Rails-To-Trails converted the old Georgetown Branch of the C&O Railroad from a railroad bed to this paved trail with gentle gradients.

  • Custis Trail (I-66 Trail)

    This noise-protected trails runs along I-66 in Arlington County and is accessible 24-hours a day and lit at night.

  • Four Mile Run Trail

    An East/West running trail that follows Four Mile Run, linking the W&OD Trail and the Mt. Vernon Trail.

  • Henson Creek Trail

    A scenic, recreational route through Henson Creek Stream Valley Park in southern Prince George’s County.

  • Metropolitan Branch Trail

    An eight-mile linear park and trail running parallel to Metro’s Red Line from Union Station in DC to Silver Spring, Maryland, connecting to the Capital Crescent Trail.

  • Mount Vernon Trail

    An 18.5 mile path along the Potomac River, parallel to the George Washington Parkway, connecting to the Custis and Washington & Old Dominion trails.

  • Rock Creek Trail

    This popular 18-mile asphalt trail runs from Lake Needwood in Montgomery County into DC.

It’s no secret that Washington, DC is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country. In addition to the abundance of bike lanes, trails, and infrastructure, there are several two-wheel options available like Capital Bikeshare, electric bikes, and even dockless scooters. Review goDCgo’s guide to help you navigate which system is best for you.

Join the Bike Community

Learn About District Bike Groups

One of the most important benefits of biking is the community and comradery it creates. Between bike groups and community bike rides, biking is a great way to make friends and get to know the District. Whether you’re a fitness junkie, a history enthusiast, or want to ride for a worthy cause, DC is home to a variety of bike groups that may be of interest. To get started connecting with the biking community, read our National Bike Month blog that highlights bike groups in the District. 

Attend a Bike Event

Stop by one of goDCgo bike events. In June, we’re hosting two bike popups and a group bike ride to help District residents get on two wheels! At these events we’re giving away Capital Bikeshare memberships, bike repair kits, 2023 Bike maps, other cycling resources and so much more! Stop by to check it out. 

Custom Bike Route Maps

Find the Bike Route for You!

We teamed up with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) to customize the best local routes for cyclists of any skill level. Whether you’re looking for a beginner route, more advanced route, or just a scenic ride, you’ve got options.

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