Riding a Bike in DC

Riding a bike in the metropolitan DC area can be rewarding, but also very complicated. Did you know you can bring your bike on the Metro? Did you know you can ride your bike on the sidewalk in some parts of town, but not in others? Did you know a bell or other audible warning device is required in the District?

It’s important to know the law and to know some tips on safe driving around town. The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) aims to educate area bicyclists so they are prepared for the DC streets.

For those looking for some general information, the “Area Bicycling” section of WABA’s website would be a great place to find some preliminary advice. Once there, you’ll find bike and trail maps, safety tips, bike laws and more.

If you want a more in-depth lesson on bike riding in DC, WABA offers several adult and kids classes on topics like: Riding in the Cold and Dark, Confident City Cycling, Bicycle Maintenance and Repair, etc. You can find a list of the local classes HERE.

Finally, once you’ve learned the rules of the road and you’ve mastered city cycling, you can become a member of WABA and have access to several great benefits. WABA provides members discounts on their tours, access to bike boxes and special offers from local businesses. All of the benefits of membership are listed HERE.

Photo Credit: CC-licensed by Flickr user Alex Barth