Biking DC

Before I moved to DC, I'd never used a bike as transportation or a way of commuting. As a kid, I used to ride around with my friends in the neighborhood. In Europe, friends and I often rented bicyles as leisurely ways to enjoy our travel--on beaches, in smaller cities, and, of course, in the biking capital of the world, in Amsterdam.

When I moved here, I was determined to ride. It seemed like the most cost-effective way to get around, as well as the fastest. The first two weeks or so I didn't know which streets went which direction, how to avoid North Capitol, and how to get back on my bicycle after stopping in the street. I was scared to change lanes, turn left, or ride in traffic. By the end of each day, I was sweaty and sore from riding. 

Now that I've gotten the hang of it, it has definitely proven to be both. Traffic hinders both buses and drivers, as does parking. The metro is often inconvenient (must walk/bus in addition to metro) and delayed. And crowded. Especially now with so many bike lanes and bike racks popping up, it's super easy to get where you want, with the added bonus of seeing all the sights along the way. Check out some of the great bike lanes throughout DC. Bikers have a great lane in the middle of Pennsylvania Avenue (a fabulous view of the Capitol) and a 2 way lane all the way down 15th St. NW. 

The start up cost might hold some people back: buying a nice bike can be pricey, and then you need to buy a good U-lock, a helmet, lights, and other  gear. But my bike has literally paid for itself in the money I've saved from riding metro and bus. 

DC is a very manageable city for riding, too. Not too big, and not too hilly. There is also a large number of cyclers here, and more and more services are opening each day to accommodate bike commuters.

The biggest issue with biking in DC is theft. Bike thieves are prevalent and bold. Be careful where and how you lock up your bike. If given the choice, bring it inside with you. Register your bike with the police. This is where community comes into play. Try and lock up your bike in well lit areas with other bikes. Always be vigilant and report other bike thefts that you see. More information about the horrors of bike theft and safeguarding your bike here.

Besides commuting, the DC area has some great options for enjoyable bike rides. Check out the Mt. Vernon trail, which takes you all the way down through Alexandria and to Mt. Vernon, or try the Capital Crescent Trail from Georgetown to Bethesda (and grab a Bethesda Bagel before heading back!). Rock Creek Park's Beach Drive is closed to motorists on weekends and holidays from 7am-7pm. 

Bicycling is a great way to promote health and sustainable living. Daily biking cuts back on energy waste, making the air cleaner and the roadways less congested. It helps people stay active and healthy in our busy day-to-day lives. The choice to cycle is a big part of DC's community identity. It has changed the cityscape and given a certain character and energy. Cycling has revitalized businesses and made different parts of the city more accessible. 

For more information about cycling, bike safety and bike maintenance, try Bicycle Space or WABA.

Interested in purchasing a bike? Try The Bike Rack or City Bikes. Interested in the Capital Bike Share program? Check out Capital Bike Share.