Bike Bus Rail Car Walk

Be a Roll Model

February 21 to March 18, 2022 goDCgo encourages you to become a “Roll Model” for better biking! As a “Roll Model,” you’ll be setting a positive example as a DC bike commuter by committing to ride a bike, encourage others to join the bike community, and practice proper bike etiquette.  To get “rolling,” take the Pledge... View Article

February 21 to March 18, 2022

goDCgo encourages you to become a "Roll Model" for better biking! As a "Roll Model," you'll be setting a positive example as a DC bike commuter by committing to ride a bike, encourage others to join the bike community, and practice proper bike etiquette. 

To get "rolling," take the Pledge to Pedal for the chance to win awesome prizes like an ebike and gift cards to top retailers. By pledging, you agree to bike instead of driving alone at least one day per week and become a “Roll Model” for others. As an added bonus, the first 100 people to take the pledge will receive an annual Capital Bikeshare membership!*

*To qualify for an annual membership, you must NOT already be a Capital Bikeshare member.

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PLEDGE TO PEDAL

I pledge to bike at least one day a week instead of driving alone and be a “roll model” for others.

PEOPLE HAVE PLEDGED TO PEDAL!

Biking in the District

With over 160 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 be an exemplary “roll model” for others and keep growing the DC bike community. 

  • DC Bike Map

    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. The first 60 interested pledgers will receive a FREE class voucher — just send a request to info@goDCgo.com.

  • Cross-town Routes

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

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. Follow these social distancing tips for riding in shared bike lanes and trails. 

  • 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! goDCgo will even offer a complimentary voucher for you to take the class, limited to the first 60 interested pledgers. Send a request to info@goDCgo.com.
  • 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 winter 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.

Pledge to Pedal and be a “Roll Model!” We can provide all the resources you need to promote biking in DC among your friends, family, and citywide. Along with posting about your pledge commitment on social media, you can share some helpful information to spread the word about DC bike culture with your household, throughout the workplace, neighborhood, social media, and beyond!

I became a "roll model" because

See what others are saying #DCRollModel

Join the Biking Community

Black Women Bike

Black Women Bike

Through education, advocacy, and recreation, the Black Women Bike Facebook group builds a community and promotes interest in biking among black women.

 

Check out Black Women Bike

Women and Bicycles

Women and Bicycles

Centered around peer-to-peer experience, this online community encourages women to bike, participate, teach, advocate, and lead in the bike movement.

 

Check out Women and Bicycles

DC Family Biking

DC Family Biking

A community dedicated to biking as a family, DC Family Biking has created a strong online community providing tips, advice, and more. This group does not define “family”, all are welcome.

 

Check out DC Family Biking

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