Bicycling
The numerous trails in the District and its surrounding areas are well maintained and clearly marked. Washington’s large parks are also popular with cyclists. Plus, with new bike lanes on all major roads and the Capital Bikeshare scheme, it's also a great way to get around town.
East Potomac Park. Cyclists might try the 3-mile loop around the golf course in East Potomac Park at Hains Point (entry is near the Jefferson Memorial). This peninsula, though somewhat less scenic than a run around the Mall, is a favorite training course for dedicated local racers and would-be triathletes. Hains Point is a great place to view Fort McNair and the National War College, as well as to watch planes take off and land from Reagan National Airport across the river.
14th St. SW, Southwest, Washington, District of Columbia, 20024. 202/485–9874.
Information
Washington Area Bicyclist Association. Members conduct local outreach to encourage biking and do advocacy for a better integrated transportation system linking transit, trails, bicycling, and walking facilities. They also educate the public about bike safety. WABA provides an institutional structure for those looking for organized longer rides, including its fall signature 50 State and 13 Colonies event, which offers either a 62-mile ride down all 50 state-named streets in the District, or a 15-mile ride down just the streets in Downtown D.C. named after the original colonies. 1803 Connecticut Ave. NW, 3rd fl., Dupont Circle, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009. 202/518–0524; www.waba.org.
Rentals and Tours
Big Wheel Bikes. This 45-year-old company near the C&O Canal Towpath rents multispeed and other types of bikes hourly or for the day. Rates begin at $35 per day for an adult bike with a three-hour minimum. Tandem bikes, kids' bikes, and bikes with baby carriers are also available. Other locations are in Bethesda, near the Capital Crescent Trail, and Alexandria, if you want to ride the Mount Vernon Trail. 1034 33rd St. NW, Georgetown, Washington, District of Columbia, 20007. 202/337–0254; www.bigwheelbikes.com.
Bike and Roll. This national multicity company offers several two-hour, 4- to 8-mile guided tours of downtown Washington between early March and Thanksgiving, with bike or Segway rental included in the price. Tours start from Union Station, the Mall, and outside the Museum of American History, as well as from Alexandria for rides to Mount Vernon. Specific tours include Capital Sites or Capital Sites@Nite and Monuments or Monuments@Nite. Reservations are required. 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Downtown, Washington, District of Columbia, 20004. 202/842–2453; www.bikeandrolldc.com. $16--$85.
Capital Bikeshare. One of the nation's largest bike-share programs, with more than 2,500 bikes, lets you pick up a bike at one of more than 400 stations around Washington, Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax County in Virginia, and Montgomery County, Maryland, and then return it to a bike station near your destination. Using a credit card to pay the 24-hour, three-day, one month, or annual membership fee at a bike station kiosk, you receive a code to unlock a bike. The membership entitles you to an unlimited number of rides during the membership period. Washington, District of Columbia. 877/430–2453; www.capitalbikeshare.com. Membership: $2 for a single trip; $8 for 24 hrs; $17 for 3 days; $28 for a month. Usage fees from $1.50 for 30 mins.
