bike tour dc

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• Washington, DC

Influential and Inspiring

Washington, dc bike tours.

The White House, the Washington Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall - Washington DC is an absolutely unmissable sightseeing destination. The influence and significance of the US capital cannot be overstated, and taking a bike tour of this global seat of power is the best way to immerse yourself in its inestimable history.

The city of Washington DC was founded in 1791 along the banks of the Potomac River, with the first session of Congress held in 1800. Over the decades, there have been several unsuccessful efforts to make the city its own state - DC currently belongs to the District of Columbia. The city is home to the three branches of US federal government - Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court. As well as being of exceptional political importance, these sites are resplendent feats of architecture drawing millions to their elegant exteriors every year.

A guided, family-friendly bicycle tour in Washington DC, with the benefit of bike rental, can take in the National Mall, the Capitol, the Washington Monument, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, and the memorials to Martin Luther King Jr, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John Paul Jones, and Paul Mason in a single day. Cycling to such sites of international prominence is a spine-tingling experience that'll leave you wonderstruck at Washington!

So take to the saddle for the tour of a lifetime, cycling to where Martin Luther King Jr gave his famous "I have a dream" speech and two centuries of presidents have taken their oath. With cherry blossom bike rides, sunset cycles, and a wealth of US history, wonderful discoveries await every traveler in Washington DC.

Washington, DC Bike Tours · 1 to 6 of 6

Washington DC Monuments & Memorials Bike Tour

Washington, DC · from $65 USD

Description: Washington DC’s historical significance as a city simply cannot be overstated. Take the bike tour that shows you why by taking you to the Washington Monument, National Mall, Tidal Basin, and the city's most magnificent memorials, with the added…

Alexandria Mount Vernon Bike & Boat Tour

Alexandria, VA · from $94.34 USD

Description: Discover the home of the first US President, George Washington, on a guided bike tour of his grand estate, with the added benefit of bike rental. Picturesque gardens, stables, and a home of inestimable history overlook placid blue waters, and you'll have…

Washington DC Monumental E-Bike Tour

Washington, DC · from $79.79 USD

Description: Washington DC’s historical significance as a city simply cannot be overstated. Take the leisurely e-bike tour that shows and tells you why by taking you to the Capitol, Washington Monument, Tidal Basin, National Mall, and the city's most famous…

Washington DC Best of Capitol Hill Bike Tour

Washington, DC · from $55 USD

Description: The bike tour that brings you square-on with the three branches of the US Government – witness the White House, cast your eyes on Congress, and see for yourself the grandeur of the Supreme Court. Your guide will fill you in on the monumental…

Washington DC Monuments at Night Bike Tour

Description: See Washington’s spectacular sights at sunset and under milky moonshine. This unmissable moonlit bike tour takes you to the Capitol, National Mall, Washington Monument, Tidal Basin, and the city's most magnificent memorials, with the added benefit…

Washington DC Blossoms Bike Tour

Description: Experience Washington bursting with color at its most beautiful time of the year! This unique day tour takes you biking amongst the blossoms, providing insight into the history of the Capitol, White House, National Mall and Washington Memorial, with the…

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THE 10 BEST Washington DC Bike Tours

Bike tours in washington dc.

• Gear Rentals
• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• White House
• Washington Monument
• Bike and Roll DC
• Lincoln Memorial
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Washington DC Monuments Bike Tour

2. Washington DC Sites at Night Guided Bicycle Tour

3. Monumental Electric Bike Tour

4. Washington DC Capital Sites Bike Tour

5. Private Family-Friendly DC Tour by Bike

6. 2 Hour Guided Bike Tour of Capitol Hill

7. Visit Mount Vernon by Bike: Self-guided Ride with Optional Boat Cruise Return

8. Private Customized DC Sights Biking Tour

9. Private DC Monuments at Night Biking Tour

10. Private Endorphin Inducing Bike Road Ride

11. Private VIP Monuments & Memorials Bike Tour

12. Half-Day Private Guided Bike Tour in Washington

13. Festival Of Lights Night Tour

14. Washington DC Cherry Blossoms By Bike Tour

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

A Guided Walking Tour through Historic Old Town Alexandria

Haunted Old Town Alexandria Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour

Phantoms of Annapolis Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures

Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore

Historic Annapolis Food Tour

Self-guided Waterfall Hiking Tour through Great Falls National Park

Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point

A Walking Tour of Frederick, Maryland - The Crossroads of Maryland

Alexandria Ghosts Ultimate Dead of Night Haunted Ghost Tour

The Original Fells Point Ghost Walk by Baltimore Ghost Tours

Duke Street Black History Tour

Self Guided Walking Tour in Old Town Historic Alexandria

Freedom's Fight in Alexandria

Historic Leesburg Guided Walking Tour

Walking Tour of Still's Underground Railroad in Alexandria

Alexandria Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

What travelers are saying.

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Hello, D.C.

25 years of experience, low price guarantee, 24/7 guest support, flexible cancellation.

See America's Capital

Experience Washington, D.C. Your Way

Segway Tours

The National Mall

See the Capitol

See the Monuments

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The White House

The Land of the Free

America’s Capital City

See and learn about the nation’s Capital City with us! Explore the National Mall , lined with Smithsonian Museums and adorned at either end with the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol Building . Or cruise around the Tidal Basin and experience the awe-inspiring monuments . However you want to visit, we’ve got you covered. Check out our guide to D.C. to help you navigate your way.

Don't Miss Out

Our Most Popular Tours

Monuments & Memorials Night Bike Tour

From $49 €45 £40

Washington, D.C. Day Bike Tour

From $44 €41 £36

Best of D.C. Electric Bike Tour

From $79 €74 £65

Monuments & Memorials Bike Tour

From $54 €50 £44

White House

U.S. Capitol

Smithsonian Castle

Lincoln Memorial

Discover The Fat Tire Tours Difference

Our tour with Chris was very good with al lot of information, nice stories, jokes and enough time to visit and watch the beautiful buildings and monuments in Washington DC. Our children, 17, 16, 14 and 12 years old also enjoyed it very much. Sandra Washington, D.C. Day Bike Tour

Me and my daughters had a wonderful time touring the city! I recommend this company to anyone, their tour guides were extremely helpful friendly and very informational. It is a much is it Washington DC! Melissa National Mall Segway Tour

I couldn’t have picked a better way to tour Washington on our first day! Artie did an amazing job, and injected great individual personality and quirky facts into his tour. I loved that he was a GW student. Highly recommend this company. Emily Washington, D.C. Day Bike Tour

Excellent service. Very informative tour. Lots of fun. Will do it again when I visit Washington DC. Susan E. National Mall Segway Tour

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Unlimited Biking

Discover the most unique, dynamic and fun way to enjoy washington dc's historic monuments and architecture with a professionally guided bicycle or segway tour of dc..

Discover the most unique, dynamic and fun way to enjoy Washington DC's historic monuments and architecture with a professionally guided bicycle tour of DC. Choose between a bicycle tour or self-guided bike rental with helmets and bike locks provided. See our website for tour schedules as well as information on rentals and tours in Washington, DC and Old Town Alexandria, Virginia at www.unlimitedbiking.com/washington-dc .

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998 Maine Ave. SW Washington , DC 20024 United States

(202) 842-2453, [email protected].

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17 Best Washington DC Bike Tours 2023

Are you looking for a new and unique way to see the nation’s capital ?  Washington DC bike tours are the perfect way to see the city as a family, couple, or small group. We’ve rounded up some of the best bike tours Washington DC has to offer.

When you are visiting Washington DC there are so many tour options.  Walking tours wear kids out quickly, bus tours can be a bore.  But bike tours give you the ability to see a lot of Washington DC while letting kids burn energy in a fun way.

During our family trip to Washington DC, we took a bike tour at the beginning of our stay.  It was one of the best things we did!  It was such a hit that we decided to do the same thing on our trip to London .  

Washington DC bike tours offer lots of options from electric bike upgrades to bike trailers and baby seats for young children.  My three-year-old had the best time riding with Daddy during our tour.

Let’s dive into the best Washington DC tours for families with bicycles!

Table of Contents

Best Washington DC Bicycle Tours

1. private family-friendly dc tour by bike.

Rating: 5/5

A private, customizable bike tour in Washington DC is the perfect fit for a large family or group of friends.  This bike tour offers hotel pick-up and drop-off, along with healthy snacks and water to make the bike experience even better.  Guests will see important sites such as the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Capitol Building, and learn fun facts from your guide.

“This was our favorite activity during our time in DC. Jeff met us at our hotel and had great equipment. The route was perfect – we hit everything we expected and more. His narrative was spot on – educational and age-appropriate. Not only is he an excellent guide, he is a great photographer! I’m usually the one taking the pictures and now I have evidence I was on the trip.” Amanda C. (tripadvisor.com)

2. Private Customized DC Sights Biking Tour

This private bike tour is jam-packed with all the sites of Washington DC.  Your tour guide gives facts and information about memorials and monuments as well as the White House, the Capitol building, and the Smithsonian museums.  This tour is great for families and multigenerational groups, and customers rank this as one of the best bike tours of Washington DC.

“Jeff is an amazing tour guide. He kept all four kids of varying ages excited and engaged. He was chock full of interesting information at every sight. The tour was the highlight of our trip! I highly recommend Jeff and DC Cycling Concierge, you won’t be disappointed!” Wendy S (tripadvisor.com)

3. Private Group Monuments & Memorials Bike Tour

This private tour highlights the National Mall and Tidal Basin in the center of Washington DC.  Guests will learn fascinating facts about the Vietnam Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the World War II Memorial.  Your guide will share interesting details about the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument as well.

For the seventeenth year in a row, the bike tour has been a highlight of my students’ week-long senior class trip to DC. We are already planning for next year. We had to make adjustments this year due to appointments with the White House and weather. The professionals made this happen with no headaches for me in my planning.” Gordon M (tripadvisor.com)

4. Private Endorphin Inducing Bike Road Ride

This private bike tour allows you to set the pace and endurance level for the day.  Guests can choose a more leisurely itinerary that takes in the historic sites of DC as well as the natural beauty outside the city.  Amp up the energy level with a 3-4 hour tour that goes into Virginia or Maryland.  More extreme 6-hour tours are available upon request.

“Met at my hotel. I was expecting a good ride out along the Potomac. I got that. What I wasn’t expecting was the fount of knowledge and the fascinating insights about the history of the places we passed. A pretty unique experience.” Martin (tripadvisor.com)

5. Washington DC: Monuments and Memorials Bike Tour

Rating: 4.7/5

Enjoy 3 hours of easy biking around the National Mall and Tidal Basin.  The Unlimited Biking guided bike tour of DC will stop at the most popular memorials including the Lincoln Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and the Washington Monument. Experience the Jefferson Memorial and learn about its history with your guide.

“Joe was the best tour guide. He looked out for both my kids (ages 8 and 11), was super knowledgeable, and had a wealth of fun tidbits about all the sights. Would definitely recommend to anyone, especially families if your children could bike that distance.” getyourguide.com

6. Bike Tour: Capitol Hill, Lincoln Memorial, National Mall

Rating: 4.5/5

This 2-hour guided bike tour covers 7 miles across the center of Washington DC. The tour includes all the highlights of DC: the White House, the Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, and more. Guests will learn the history and interesting facts about the many monuments around the National Mall and get a great introduction to the capital city.

”We had a great time on this tour. Our guide Joe was a wealth of knowledge and enthusiastic about showing us all he could in just two hours. It was apparent he loves DC and its history and lives to share it with others. Our group was about 13 people, all from different places. We had a family with middle school kids, several high school-aged kids, and adults. The tour route was manageable for everyone.” getyourguide.com

7. Washington DC: Best of Capitol Hill Guided Bike Tour

Rating: 4/5

This tour is perfect for political enthusiasts, government geeks, or those who want to learn more about civics.  This guided tour will take guests to all three branches of government including the Capitol and Supreme Court buildings, the Library of Congress, and the White House.

“Very good experience! My tour guide, Sam is humorous and very experienced. I really enjoyed this bike tour.” Yu Kyung (getyourguide.com)

E-bikes and Segway Tours

8. washington dc: e-bike tour of the national mall.

Rating: 4.8/5

Electric bikes allow tourists to see more and pedal less.  This Washington DC electric bike tour takes guests along the Tidal Basin, across the National Mall, and around the Capitol building and Smithsonian museums.  Learn fun facts and history during multiple stops at various memorials and monuments throughout the capital.

“We had a great day touring on the e-bikes with David and Joe! Both guys are prideful in the nation’s Capital and seemed to truly enjoy what they do!! We would absolutely recommend this excursion for any that want to get a general lay of the land!” Amy B (getyourguide.com)

9. Washington DC: See the City Segway Tour

Rating: 4.9/5

Seeing Washington DC by segway is a fun and unique way to learn about our nation’s capital.  Once you arrive, you will be trained on how to ride the segway, then you will zip off to see the top monuments, memorials, and historical sites.  Guests can see much more on a segway tour than on a walking tour.

“Excellent tour to get a quick overview of the National Mall. We were all new to Segway riding and got a good introduction and felt safe all along the tour. Great experience, rounded up by two nice guides who gave interesting info on DC and monuments, and excellent recommendation for dining.” Luxembourg traveler (getyourguide.com)

10. Washington DC: Sightseeing Segway Tour

After comprehensive training, guests will feel comfortable setting off on segways to see the National Mall and Capitol Hill.  Your guided tour will stop at monuments such as the Lincoln memorial and the White House to give interesting facts and detailed information about the nation’s capital.

“My daughter and I loved this tour! Our guide, “Joe” was fantastic! He was extremely knowledgeable in DC history and architecture. We took several of his advisements on where to go and what to do. He made sure all guests on the tour were carefully trained on Segway usage and looked after during the tour. It was fun, informative, and safe. I will bring friends next time.” (getyourguide.com)

Pro Travel Tip

Night Bike Tours Washington DC

11. private dc monuments at night biking tour.

Gear up for a nighttime adventure.  This private tour of Washington DC allows guests to see the monuments and memorials lit up in a unique way.  Your guide will take you to all the top historical sites of the nation’s capital. This customizable tour is great for family groups.  It is one of the most popular bicycle tours of Washington DC.

“We loved our bike tour with Jeff! Seeing all the sites on bikes is absolutely the best way to do it, and the personalized experience was exactly what we were hoping for. Jeff is incredibly knowledgeable about the area’s history, all the way up to modern times. He weaves in stories and anecdotes that would keep people of all ages engaged. Plus, with a small group size you can always hear what he’s saying (which is not always the case with large groups) and you can ask all the silly tourist questions you want. Our tour with Jeff was hands-down our favorite part of our very first trip to Washington DC.” Kallen M (tripadvisor.com)

12. Washington DC Monuments by Night Bike Tour

Enjoy the national monuments lit up at night and without the crowds.  Guests will cruise along the Tidal Basin and National Mall with a guide to give fun facts and detailed information about the historical sites of the city.

“We took our children ages 12 & 10. It was perfect for their ability level on bikes and much cooler than being out in the middle of the day. We were able to see all the monuments and learn about each one along the way. The entire family enjoyed this fun way to explore DC.” Jennifer (getyourguide.com)

Seasonal Tours

13. washington dc: cherry blossom festival tour by bike.

Explore Washington DC in all its glory during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.  This springtime event takes place from mid March to mid April, when the cherry tree blossoms are in full bloom.  This Washington DC monuments bike tour takes visitors for a scenic ride around the Tidal Basin and East Patomic Park as well as the capital’s top historical sites when spring flowers are at their peak.

“Very good. Loved seeing the blossoms and the monuments — especially the Roosevelt Monument, as I had not seen it before.” Terri (getyourguide.com)

Bike Tours Beyond DC

14. mount vernon: full-day bike and optional boat tour.

Rating: 4.2/5

This bike tour from Alexandria starts off in historic Old Town and is self-paced.  Guests take a leisurely ride along the Potomac River to George Washington’s home and plantation.  After exploring Mount Vernon guests can choose to take a scenic boat ride back to Alexandria or ride bikes back.  Alexandria is an easy metro ride on the blue line from Washington DC.

“From the beautiful, historic town of Alexandria, following level terrain along the Potomac river with some wooded sections with modest hills. This was a ride that we were able to do, even though my wife and I are aged 70, with histories of knee and hip surgeries, and our granddaughters ages 8 and 12. Ending with a tour of the home of George Washington and visit to the tomb of the first President and his wife. Finally, slow boat ride back to Alexandria within steps of our car. A fantastic trip.” Lee (getyourguide.com)

15. Alexandria, VA: Bike Rental

If you want to get out of the city and explore historic Old Town Alexandria and the surrounding areas on your own, choose a bike rental.  The bike rentals include maps of the area.  From there, you can decide to stay in town, hit the nature trails, or bike down to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home, for the day.

“Was easy to reserve bikes on the website and by call. The employe was super friendly and prepared everything for us to hope on and go when we walked in. Nothing went wrong and prices were reasonable. I would highly recommend and definitely going back.” Gracieanne (google reviews)

Washington DC Bike Rentals

16. washington dc ebike rentals.

Rating: 3.5/5

Explore Washington DC in a unique way by electric bike.  See more of the city than when walking and if the ride gets tiring, you will have help with the e-bike.  This Washington DC bike rental allows you to choose the places you want to see that fit your interests without feeling exhausted at the end of the day.

 “We had a great time! Will definitely do it again next time we’re in DC. We were given very nice maps, directions and even suggestions for dinner.” Patrick (viator.com)

17. Washington DC Bike Rental

Touring Washington DC on your own can be an adventure.  When you rent bikes for the day, you can customize the route you take to fit your personal interests.  Employees are happy to offer ideas for the best bike routes around Washington DC.  Bike locks allow you to secure your bikes and enjoy lunch or explore the monuments and museums.

“Bike ride was the way to go! Everyone was so helpful here and the bikes worked perfectly. It was easy and the only way to see all the sight in a few hours.” Steven (viator.com)

Is Washington DC bike friendly?

Washington DC is very bike friendly.  With over 40 miles of bike lanes throughout the city, cyclists can easily and safely see all the top landmarks by bicycle.  The greater DC Metro area offers 800 miles of trails.  This offers a healthy and environmentally friendly way to explore the nation’s capital and beyond.

Is it safe to bike in Washington DC?

Cycling in Washington DC is a very safe activity as long as you follow the rules and pay attention.  Here are some safety tips for bike riding in Washington DC:

• Always wear a helmet
• Ride in the same direction as the traffic
• Use bike lanes whenever available
• Obey all traffic laws
• Yield to pedestrians
• Always lock your bike if you will be away from it

Conclusion: Best Washington DC Bike Tours

A Washington DC bike tour is a great activity for families, couples, or groups to get to know the center of DC.  After our family bike tour, we learned so much and had great memories that we still talk about today.  A bike tour of Washington DC allows you to see many of the monuments memorials and important sites that shape our American government.  

There are so many other places to see in Washington DC that it can be hard to choose what to fit into your trip.  Head on over to our Ultimate Washington DC Family Vacation Guide to learn about family-friendly restaurants and hotels, the best attractions for your kids’ ages (even playgrounds), and a free 3-day itinerary.

Recommended

Travel Helps

Everyone can use a little help when planning a family vacation. Here are some of my top recommendations to make your trip run smoothly and save you some money.

Travel Insurance

Travelex Insurance  – With over 55 years of experience protecting travel investments from the unknown, Travelex is a world leader in travel insurance. Their most popular features and benefits including trip cancellation, trip interruption, and bankruptcy and terrorism coverage. Travelex develops and delivers innovative insurance products and services at a competitive price, while delivering excellent service to our customers at all levels.

Attractions

Groupon  – Groupon is a great way to find discounts for things to do on vacation.  You can save money on fun activities for the whole family.  

Viator – Viator delivers online and mobile access to thousands of trip activities including tours, attractions, shore excursions and private guides, in more than 1,500 destinations worldwide.  I’ve used Viator for several family trips and they have all been great.  They offer great prices, which is great for a family on a budget, and they have 24/7 customer service, so they are available to help you out whenever you need.  

Cash-back app

Upside  – If you are on a road trip, make sure to download this free cash-back app.  Upside users earn up to 25¢/gallon cash back on gas, up to 45% cash back at restaurants, and up to 30% cash back at grocery stores. 

Hotels.com  – Hotels.com® offers more than 1,000,000 properties in 200 countries – from hotels and B&B’s to condos and all-inclusive resorts.  Earn free nights for every 10 nights booked with the Hotels.com Rewards program.  Find hotels during sold-out periods.  Book the perfect trip- backed by the Hotels.com Price Guarantee.

VRBO.com  is cost effective and comfortable for family travel.  You can customize the size, location, and budget of the accommodations for your next vacation.  With over 2 million vacation rentals you are set to find the perfect place for your family’s next adventure.

WayAway -WayAway provides travelers with the best rates on airline tickets and a WayAway Plus membership plan providing users with cash back on many travel services. It compares airfares offered by all major US and global airlines and agencies.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Washington DC?

Let me know in the comments below. If you found this helpful, don’t forget to Pin, Share, and Subscribe.

Kyleen Bontrager

Kyleen is a wife, homeschool mama, lover of teatime, and passionate traveler.  Having lived on 3 continents and visited +32 countries, she helps others enjoy memory-making experiences for multigenerational travel.  Ready for a bonnie adventure?   Let’s go!

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Unlimited Biking

Unlimited Biking, the nation's largest bike rental, bike tour and experiences company, now has a location in Washington, DC. Unlimited Biking offers rentals of bicycles, e-bikes, racing bikes, wheelchairs, and rollerblades, as well as DC's highest rated guided bicycle and Segway tours every day from 9am-7pm from their shop at  998 Maine Avenue SW .

Get Your Fill at The Wharf

Fresh seafood is a given on the waterfront. But The Wharf offers more, including a wide selection of distinctive choices for food, drinks, and entertainment while you eat. Watch the chefs prepare your meal. Listen to music. Or just people-watch while you savor the flavors of The Wharf.

Do It All on the Waterfront

Whether you like to be on the Potomac or prefer the sparkling views from land, The Wharf offers ample things to do and ways to enjoy the water. Dine in one of our fabulous restaurants. Browse our shops. Or join us during one of our festivals. Take a look at our upcoming events to plan your next visit.

Biking in Washington DC: A Guide to Bicycling the Capital Region

Things to Know about Biking in Washington DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia

 Tony Webster (CC BY 2.0) / Flickr

Washington, DC is a great city to explore by bike with 40 miles of bike lanes and more than 800 miles of biking trails throughout the metropolitan region. While the traffic around the nation's capital has gotten more congested in recent years, the capital region has become more bike-friendly than ever before. 

Guided Bike Tours, Bike Rentals & Bike Sharing

Taking a guided tour with Bike and Roll is a fun way to visit Washington, DC's most famous sights. Three-hour tours of the city are offered daily from March through November. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, pick up a bike and a map and plot out your own adventure. If you live or work in the city or are planning an extended stay, you can sign up for DC's Capital BikeShare self-service bike rental program. Riders can pick up and return a bike to multiple locations throughout the region. Bikestation at Union Station offers secure bike parking in addition to changing rooms, lockers, bike rental, bike repair and retail sales. Bike rentals are available through several vendors in Washington DC: Big Wheel Bikes  (Georgetown), Bikes to Borrow (Adams Morgan) ,   Fletchers Boat House  (C & O Canal), and  Revolution Cycles (Georgetown). 

Bike Trails

Hundreds of miles of bike trails in the Washington DC metro area make bicycling a popular activity for local residents and visitors. Trails wind past scenic locations and must-see landmarks, including the Kennedy Center, Georgetown, Arlington National Cemetery and Old Town Alexandria. See a guide to the best bike trails in the Washington DC area.

Bike Valets

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA)  provides bike valet services for major events in the Washington DC area including the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the Taste of Georgetown and more. The bike valet is free and keeps your bike safe under the supervision of an attendant.

Commuting Around Washington DC By Bike

Bicycling is a healthy, economical and environmentally friendly way to get to work. Commuter Connectionshas a bike commuting guide providing information on planning your route, bikes and transit, the Guaranteed Ride Home program and much more.

Annual Biking Events

Biking events are becoming very popular in the Washington DC area. Bicycling is a wonderful way to improve your health and a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Some bike events raise money for Washington, DC area charities, while others just offer a day of fun and activity. See a guide to bike events in the Washington DC area.

Washington DC Area Bicycling Clubs

• All American Bicycle Club - Damascus, MD
• Babes on Bikes - Women's Biking Group
• DC Velo Club - Racing 
• Evolution Cycling Team - Racing in Northern, VA
• Frederick Pedalers - Frederick, MD
• National Capital Velo Club - Racing
• Oxon Hill Bicycle and Trail Club - Southern Maryland
• Patuxent Velo - Racing  in Southern Maryland
• Potomac Peddlers - Metro Area
• Potomac Velo Club - Racing in Metro Area
• Reston Bike Club - Reston, VA
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The D.C. area’s best bike trails, mapped

From East Potomac Park to the Capital Crescent Trail

Cyclists know that joy can be found outside. In the D.C. area, there are a wide variety of bike trails that offer outdoor adventures—ranging from paved and easy to rocky and strenuous—for both serious and amateur cyclists.

Below, we’ve mapped the best bike trails in and around D.C. From the Mount Vernon Trail to the Capital Crescent Trail, see what’s in store on two wheels.

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Spanning approximately 184 miles, this historic park follows the Potomac River, providing views of Harpers Ferry and Great Falls. Because the route is unpaved, thin road tires are not recommended. Roughly every five miles after mile 26, visitors can find overnight camping areas and water pumps, according to TripSavvy . You can access the trail in Georgetown .

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Sugarloaf Mountain

Expect a great workout when it comes to this scenic mountain in Frederick County, Maryland. The area has two mountain-bike trails and three hiker-only trails. Be advised that there are around four or five hills trail users have to tackle. You can check out a helpful trail map here .

Sligo Creek Trail

Spanning about 10 miles , this well-paved trail in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties is great for families who want to stay active. It’s one of the most scenic trails in the D.C. area, with its name coming from nearby Sligo Creek. During rush hour, try to avoid the parts of the trail that cross major roads.

MacArthur Boulevard Bike Path

This roughly eight-mile trail extends from Old Angler's Inn in Potomac, Maryland, to MacArthur Boulevard NW and Norton Street NW in D.C. The winding path is described by TrailLink as “a glorified shoulder at times,” but it’s still praised for having connections to the C&O Canal and the Capital Crescent Trail.

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Capital Crescent Trail

This approximately 11-mile trail offers both paved and crushed-stone surfaces in D.C. and Maryland, respectively. Expect lots of shade as well as commuters on weekdays. Going south, the ride is mostly downhill. The trail is built on the abandoned rail-bed of the Georgetown Branch of the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad, according to TripSavvy .

Metropolitan Branch Trail

The Metropolitan Branch Trail, or MBT, is a popular ride for commuters, especially because it extends through many of D.C.’s residential neighborhoods, such as Brookland , Brightwood , and Takoma . There are also plenty of murals along the roughly eight-mile trail worth checking out. It runs between Silver Spring, Maryland, and Union Station.

Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail

Built on the former road-bed of the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad, this trail runs approximately 45 miles , starting in Shirlington, Virginia, and ending in Purcellville, Virginia. It is completely paved and 100 feet wide, allowing room for cyclists, joggers, and pedestrians.

Anacostia Riverwalk Trail

The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail offers one of the most family-friendly bike rides in the D.C. area. The trail is approximately 20 miles long, following the Anacostia River and providing scenic views of the city. It is about 10 to 12 feet wide.

East Potomac Park

This roughly four-mile loop is paved and mostly flat. It also offers plenty of room for joggers and cyclists to share the trail. During cherry blossom season, it’s lined with different species of cherry trees in bloom. At Hains Point, visitors can watch planes take off and land at Reagan National Airport across the water.

Fairfax County Parkway Trail

This trail spans 28 miles , cutting through Fairfax County from north to south. According to the Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling , there are some rough patches in the trail.

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Holmes Run Trail

In Virginia, this partially paved trail travels roughly five miles between Alexandria and Fairfax County. It’s made of asphalt, concrete, and crushed-stone surfaces and follows a scenic route through residential areas.

Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail

For a trail with plenty of access points for cyclists, joggers, and pedestrians, the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail is a great choice. It has multiple benches and sightseeing telescopes along approximately one mile.

Mount Vernon Trail

Starting from Roosevelt Island on the Potomac River and passing through Old Town Alexandria, this paved, 18-mile ride offers great views of the monuments. The trail is relatively flat, although there’s a hill before getting to George Washington’s former home.

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Electric Bike Tours in Washington DC

This is not a spin class, let the electric bikes do the work for you, cover more ground than you thought possible.

If you’ve ever ridden an electric bike before, you know how much fun they are (and how simple they are to learn)! Our bikes don’t require pedaling, and they are just as easy to ride as a traditional bicycle! Our DC e-bike tours have us cruising through the streets of DC (in the bike lanes most of the time), allowing us to cover an incredible amount of ground and great sightseeing opportunities in a single tour. Choose your bike tour of DC now, and let’s get out there and see the city!

Take an Electric Bike Tour

• Winter Price $49
• Hour Glass 2 Hours
• Tags Electric Bike Tour

Full Throttle DC

Unlike our other tours, which focus on in-depth information, Full Throttle DC is all about the adventure! Once it gets dark, and the city empties out, we take to the streets!

• Winter Price $89
• Hour Glass 3.5 Hours

Highlight Reel

Highlight Reel is Washington, DC’s first electric bike tour. In three and a half hours, we rip through DC, visiting all four quadrants – NW, NE, SE, SW.

More About Electric Bikes

What is an electric bike.

An electric bike is just like a regular bike – except better! You can pedal if you want or twist back on the throttle (which is in the palm of your right hand) and get up to 20 MPH. That’s right, 20 MPH. Zoom zoom! It’s all the fun of a bike with none of the work.

How does an electric bike work?

The most common type of motor for electric bikes is called a hub motor, and that is exactly what our bikes have. The hub motor is integrated seamlessly into the rear wheel. When engaged (by twisting the hand throttle), the hub pulls the wheel along and pushes the bike forward. In other words, this is where all the “oomph” comes from.

What brand of bike do we use? (It matters)

We considered lots of different electric bike companies to make sure our clients would have the most comfortable, high-quality, and fun bicycles on the market. The one company that stands head and shoulders above the rest is Pedego, a California company that is a leader in the electric bike world. Their bikes have been described as the “Mercedes” and “Bentleys” of the e-bike community, and we chose their new “Boomerang” model. One of the best features is the “deep step-thru,” which looks like the letter “V” (see pics). A deep-step thru ensures that anyone can get on and off the bicycle with no trouble because you do not have to sling your leg over the bar in the middle to get on. Instead, sit on the seat, just as you would on a chair at home, and go!

Ready to Ride? Book your Electric Bike Tour!

• The Experience
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• Hotel, Parking, and +
• First-Time Riders
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• Get Your Ride Pass!
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• Official Ride Merch Store
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DC BIKE RIDE

Sat. september 7, see the sights.

Bike through iconic historical landmarks and vibrant scenic views on a completely car-free course designed for all ages (3+) and experience levels.

Support Our Community

Just by signing up to ride with us, you’re supporting vital local programs benefiting youth cycling and marginalized communities.

Feel The Joy

More than a bike ride—it’s a day of surprises, with live music, entertainment, rest stops, snack stations, and more all along the route to keep you smiling.

Celebrate With Friends

Meet up with family and friends to relax and celebrate your accomplishment at our epic finish festival with great food, refreshments, and festivities.

Ride Pass Options

All riders get access to car-free streets filled with live music, photo stops, mechanical support, and rest stops with snacks and water!

The ride is FREE for riders 3-7, with half-price passes to riders under 18 and discounts to special categories.

The standard Ride Pass grants you access to a completely car-free course and includes a DC Bike Ride 2024 water bottle.

Bundle your Ride Pass with a the 2024 DC Bike Ride cycling jersey + shipping at a special rate.

Bike and helmet rentals bundled with your Ride Pass for the most convenience on ride day.

A premium experience, with first corral access, shipping, exclusive gift, and food and beverages at the Finish Festival lounge.

Volunteer & Ride For Free

Be a part of the ride team and ride for free!

“I loved the experience of being out on the route with folks who wanted to have fun and enjoy themselves.”

“The whole experience of riding through DC streets on bike with music along the way was was awesome.”

“I loved the fellowship of other bikers along car-free streets. I am definitely coming back next year!”

“Great course throughout the city with lots of support. The staff was also very helpful and friendly!”

“It was my longest bike ride yet… and I loved it! The beautiful scenery, the party atmosphere at each rest stop!”

“What a great way to enjoy DC’s views and support community programs!”

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Pittsburgh to DC: GAP and C&O Bike Tour

Ride car-free from pittsburgh pa to washington dc on the famous gap and c&o canal rail-trails, pittsburgh to dc on the famous gap & c&o canal rail trails.

Conde Naste magazine included this unique trail system in its “most beautiful rail-trail list” and you’ll quickly see why. On your way from Pittsburgh, PA, to Washington, DC, the multitude of natural, cultural and historically significant sites will astound you.

The initial 129 miles of this tour are on the Great Allegheny Passage from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, MD, located on abandoned railroad beds. The final 190 miles from Cumberland, MD to downtown Washington, DC, are on the C&O Canal Towpath , which is the heart of the  C& O Canal National Park. You will not believe the tranquility and the beauty of this park; located in the middle of the suburban east coast. Read our in-depth blog post on the C&O Canal Towpath History here. 

Talk about bucket list opportunities!  Your journey will visit three states- PA, MD, WV and will visit the District of Columbia , and will pass through four national parks – C&O Canal, Antietam Battlefield, Harpers Ferry and Rock Creek Park.

Your 300+ miles of car-free rail trails begin just outside of Pittsburgh, PA. It won’t be long until the buildings are exchanged for a canopy of trees. We start at 761 feet in elevation, cross the Continental Divide at 2,932 feet and end at sea level. Along the way, we will ride past remnants of the early 1900s industrial revolution when Pittsburgh Steel was king. All of this happens with a maximum grade of 2% with only a very few exceptions.

While the grade is quite friendly, keep in mind that the daily mileage averages 50 miles a day.  To maximize your enjoyment of the tour, riders will want to average 9 miles an hour.

Custom bike tour departures available for groups of 6 or more. Request a Tour Itinerary  for more detailed information and logistics.

Tour Highlights

Descend the Allegheny Front of the Appalachian Mountains

Ohiopyle Falls

Cross the Youghiogheny River on a 100'-tall railroad bridge

Ride over the 101' high Salisbury Viaduct

Transportation back to starting point

Lodging Options

Historic Summit Inn

Fairfield Inn Cumberland

Country Inn at Berkeley Springs

The Bavarian Inn

Homewood Suites by Hilton

Day 1:   Meet your guides in Boston, PA and take your first ride on the Great Allegheny Passage. You’ll pedal along the Youghiogheny River, through the stunning river gorge. A green tunnel of trees shades the trail for miles through Ohiopyle State Park. Right before town, you’ll pass over two spectacular bridges— a 100-foot-high railroad bridge over the river and the award-winning Yough River Trail bridge. Right after the bridges, you’ll find yourself in the quaint borough of Ohiopyle, where we call home!

Day 2:   Wake up at the Summit Inn, where you can see the entire way to Pittsburgh on a clear day. Today you will tackle a 73 mile ride through three rail tunnels (don’t worry 23 miles is downhill) and over the Eastern Continental Divide.  Your ride follows the meandering Middle Yough, the very waters boated by George Washington.

After a support stop, we’ll travel a short distance along the Casselman River. The ride along the Casselman takes us through a region once known for logging and coal mining. It is now dominated by wind farms! Soon enough, we are up and over the Eastern Continental Divide and cruising down into Cumberland, Maryland—our resting place for the evening.

Day 3:  Today, we will start down the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath! You’ll see aqueducts, locks, lock houses, colonial and Native American settlements, and you’ll take a peek at the 3⁄4 mile long Paw Paw Tunnel. Fun Fact: Paw Paw Tunnel took its name from the paw paw, an exotic fruit that grows on the nearby ridges. The ride continues through Greenridge State Forest and Little Orleans before finishing the day in Hancock, Maryland.

Day 4: Great stone dams, bridges, and aqueducts characterize today’s ride. These monuments stand as a testament to the labor and ingenuity of a largely immigrant labor force who tried to tame the Potomac river through times of war and flooding. You’ll have the option to take some time to explore Fort Frederick, one of the largest fortifications built by English colonists in North America, in the morning.

In the afternoon, some riders may wish to take a tour of Antietam National Battlefield, a now pastoral setting where the bloodiest battle of the Civil War was fought.  After the optional visit to Antietam, it is a short ride downhill into Shepherdstown, West Virginia, to the luxurious Bavarian Inn for the night.

Day 5:  The day’s ride straddles the dividing line between the North and the South along the Potomac River, where numerous confrontations occurred during the Civil War.  We will pass through Harper’s Ferry National Historic Park, where the Shenandoah River feeds into the Potomac. The town offers a dramatic landscape, historic shops, and cobblestone streets. Known for John Brown’s rebellion, Harper’s Ferry was the site of many key conflicts in the war. We will end the ride in White’s Ferry, Maryland. 

Day 6: Today’s ride will take us through Great Falls of the Potomac before countryside begins to peel back and give way to the buzz of our nation’s capital, Washington D.C. End your ride at the Thompson Boat House and Mile 0 in Georgetown! We will provide a shuttle back to guests’ vehicles at the conclusion of the tour.

See More GAP Bike

Tour options.

“The scenery, the terrain changes, the breaks at points of interest were all well orchestrated to make this trip a fun adventure! We had the best guides ever, Heather and Ralph, who pointed out all the interesting aspects of the trail, the safety issues to take note of and managed all the details to make this trip completely amazing!”

~Shannon H., St. Charles, IL

Top 3 Blog Posts For Pittsburgh to D.C. Bike Tour

History along the great allegheny passage.

The historic Great Allegheny Passage isn’t just a path through the woods. The 10-foot-wide multipurpose trail is built on railroad corridors constructed to heavy-duty standards of gentle grades, sweeping curves and major bridges and tunnels that take you through the mountains, not over them.  Read more…

Great Allegheny Passage Historic Bridges

The bridges and tunnels between Pittsburgh and Cumberland were all built in this short span of 2 years!  This was an amazing industrial feat, considering the rough terrain and numerous river crossings that were required.  Most of the original bridges are still in use by the trail… read more.

Best Restaurants on the Great Allegheny Passage 

One of the best things about bike touring is eating food. Lots and lots of it, without consequence! The Great Allegheny Passage is one of the best touring routes because it goes through many different towns. Your journey along the GAP trail can be a food tour through the Allegheny Mountains! Read more… 

Trip Information

Trip Length - Days

Tour Rating

Experienced.

National Parks Visited

Route Overview

E-bikes Allowed

Required Specifications

• 50 pounds or less weight limit
• Pedal assist only
• Removable battery
• 5+ hour battery capacity

Daily Mileage

Check In Location

Support & Gear Vehicle

Minimum Age

5 Breakfasts | 6 Lunches | 3 Dinners

2024 Pricing

PP Double Occupancy

Single Supplement*

Standard Bike Rental

*This is required if you are traveling solo or if you are traveling with someone but require seperate beds

RESERVE ONLINE BY DATE

Select your departure date and click to reserve your bike tour!

• May 12, 2024 Sold Out
• May 19, 2024 Sold Out
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• Book June 30, 2024
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• Book Sept. 8, 2024 1 Spot Left!
• Sept. 15, 2024 Sold Out
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If your desired departure date is within 30 days, please call our office to book , it will be unavailable to book on-line.

Call 800-272-4141

Related tours.

Pennsylvania Pine Creek Trail & Ghost Town Trail Bike Tour

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Iowa Trestle Tour

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Dozens of officers on bikes and motorcycles in Police Unity Tour stop in Radnor

M ay 10—RADNOR — Dozens of police officers from around the region and country stopped briefly in Radnor this week as they rode bikes and motorcycles to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington.

The ride is part of the Police Unity Tour, an event that dates to 1997 and takes officers on bikes to the nation's capital.

The ride primarily involves police officers riding bikes hundreds of miles to the National Police Memorial. The bike riders are accompanied by police officers on motorcycles and other support personnel.

The brief stop in Radnor allowed the cyclists to take a short rest, with township officials holding a small ceremony at the township administration building.

Speaking at the event in Radnor, Chris Flanagan, Radnor police superintendent, said the Police Unity Tour began in 1997 when Police Officer Patrick Montuore of the Florham Park, N.J., Police Department had an idea to organize a four-day bike ride from New Jersey to Washington to raise public awareness and support for the survivors of those officers who have died in the line of duty.

"The ride is almost 300 miles long. When you say that, I don't think it incorporates the tears and sweat that you guys provide and the tears related to the survivors as they walk into the memorial in D.C.," Flanagan said.

Flanagan said it is not only about honoring the fallen officers but also the families and friends of the officers who have died in service.

"Often, when we see the news, we focus on those who've passed, but I know the survivors are left, and I know that is your mission: to not only honor the fallen but to support those who are left behind and never forgotten," Flannagan said.

Flanagan said Radnor began its motorcycle unit in 2012 and participated in the Unity Tour the following year.

The local officers are part of the Police Unity Tour Chapter IX, consisting of officers from Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. There was also a group of officers from as far away as Puerto Rico.

For this year's ride, three Radnor motorcycle officers joined with one officer on a bike for the four-day ride to Washington.

Radnor officers participating in this year's ride are Brett Greaves, the bike rider, and motorcycle officers Alex Janoski, Nicholas Laffredo and Ken Piree.

"The primary purpose of the Police Unity Tour is to raise awareness of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. The secondary purpose is to raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial and Museum," according to the website for Chapter IX.

This year's ride kicked off on Thursday, with a morning resting point at the Radnor Township Municipal Building before going to Rose Tree Park in Upper Providence Township for lunch and a wreath-laying ceremony. The riders were scheduled to stop at the park's Delaware County Law Enforcement Memorial.

Maggy Myers, president of the Radnor commissioners, said, "It's one thing to read about an event like the Police Unity Tour, but it's completely another to see it in person. It's rather overwhelming and heartwarming to see all of you riding to support those fellow officers who have died in the line of duty and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten."

Myers added that the township is proud of its officers.

"We're very proud of our Radnor police officers and we're also proud of the service, dedication and sacrifice of all police officers and you make every day. I wish you a safe trip to the National Law Enforcement Memorial," Myers said told the group.

Kathy Riddell, president of chapter IX of the unity tour, presented a charcoal print of Radnor officer Nicholas Laffredo escorting a survivor at the candlelight vigil to their seat. The print was taken from a photograph.

"I want to thank the department for its support," Riddell said. "Not all departments support their motors or their officers participating. So the fact that Radnor does means a lot, and they bring great honor to your department."

(c)2024 Main Line Times & Suburban, Ardmore, Pa. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

TRAFFIC ALERT: All westbound lanes blocked on I-66 after crash, traffic being diverted to VA-55/Marshall

Bike shops boomed early in the pandemic. It’s been a bumpy ride for most ever since

The Associated Press

May 17, 2024, 12:54 PM

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For the nation’s bicycle shops, the past few years have probably felt like the business version of the Tour de France, with numerous twists and turns testing their endurance.

Early in the pandemic, a surge of interest in cycling pushed sales up 64% to $5.4 billion in 2020, according to the retail tracking service Circana. It wasn’t unheard of for some shops to sell 100 bikes or more in a couple of days.

The boom didn’t last. Hobbled by pandemic-related supply chain issues, the shops sold all their bikes and had trouble restocking . Now, inventory has caught up, but fewer people need new bikes. So, bicycle makers have been slashing prices to clear out the excess. It all adds up to a tough environment for retailers, although there are a few bright spots like gravel and e-bikes.

“The industry had a hard time keeping up with the demand for a couple of years, but then demand slowed as the lockdowns ended, and then a lot of inventory started showing up,” said Stephen Frothingham, editor-in-chief of Bicycle Retailer & Industry News. “So now for the last, a year and a half, the industry has struggled with having too much inventory, at the supplier level, at the factory level, at the distributor level, at the retail level.”

In 2023, bike sales totaled $4.1 billion, up 23% from 2019, but down 24% from 2020, according to Circana. The path out of the pandemic has been uneven — national retailers, such as REI and Scheels, are stabilizing faster than independent bike stores, said Matt Tucker, director of client development for Circana’s sports equipment business.

For John McDonell, owner of Market Street Cycles on the popular thoroughfare of Market Street in San Francisco, the shift to hybrid work brought about by the pandemic has been particularly tough on business. There used to be 3,000 bikes passing by his shop a day during the summer. That’s fallen to below 1,000, with fewer people commuting to work.

According to Pacer.ai, which tracks people’s movements based on cellphone usage, San Francisco lags all other major cities when it comes to workers returning to offices, with April office visits still down 49% compared with April 2019.

“Our downtown is still a wasteland,” McDonell said.

Independent bike stores not only have to compete with national chains, but increasingly, bike makers such as Specialized and Trek as well. They’ve been buying bike shops and selling their bikes directly to consumers, essentially cutting out the middleman. Frothingham estimates there are now around a thousand bike shops in the country owned by either Trek or Specialized.

“They’ve got the money to absorb the fact that bike stores, you know, are not a super profitable thing, and in the process, they’ve also been able to cut us out of it,” McDonell said.

McDonell has been forced to cut down to using a skeleton crew of himself and another staffer, down from five previously. His dream of selling his shop to a younger bike enthusiast when he retires is fading. He might close his store when his lease is up in a couple of years.

“Now I am just trying to land it with both engines on fire and trying not to lose money on my way out,” he said.

In Boulder, Colorado, Douglas Emerson’s bike shop, University Bicycles, is faring better, boosted by its location in one of the most popular places to ride bikes in the country. He’s had the shop for 39 years and employs 30 staffers.

Like other bike stores, the pandemic spurred a frenzy of bike buying at University Bicycles. Emerson recalls selling 107 bikes in 48 hours. But right after the boom, sales slowed dramatically because inventory was scarce, and rentals died down since no one was traveling.

“It became a struggle right after the boom,” Emerson said. “And since then, the manufacturers have overproduced. And they’ve slashed prices dramatically which is good for the consumer. But with the small shops they’re often not able to take advantage of those prices.”

Emerson says the shop reached a “saturation point” – everyone who wanted a bike bought one. Now, he’s selling those customers accessories like clothing, helmets and locks. His shop has returned to its 2019 sales numbers.

University Bicycles has also benefited from some of the shifts in buying patterns. Continued high demand for e-bikes and a growing demand for children’s bikes have helped. And gravel bikes, which are designed to be ridden both on paved and gravel roads, are replacing road bikes as a popular seller.

John Ruger, who has been a cyclist for 50 years and is a loyal University Bicycles customer, hasn’t bought a bike in 10 years, but plans on taking advantage of the current prices to buy a gravel bike. A top gravel bike he’s eyeing that would normally sell for $12,000 to $14,000 is currently retailing for $8,000, he said.

“The timing is good,” he said. “I can get a bike now because they’re less expensive and my bikes are getting old.”

Shawna Williams, owner of Free Range Cycles in Seattle, Washington, didn’t have the sales surge others did because her 700 square foot shop was so small she took customers only by appointment from March 2020 to May 2021.

But Williams did have to deal with the eventual shortages. She spent a lot of time “checking in with other shops to see if we could buy something, even at retail, from them, just in order to get a repair done or a build done.”

She adapted by offering more services like repairs and maintenance to offset lower sales of bikes. The maneuvering helped her keep overall sales steady even throughout the pandemic.

“Bike sales, the way that I have kind of framed the shop, are an awesome bonus, but we really need to be sustaining the shop through repair and, like, thoughtful accessory sales,” Williams said. “A bike sale to me, if we do things well, that means creating a customer for life.”

An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported that bike sales were $4.1 million in 2023, according to Circana. Sales totaled $4.1 billion that year.

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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Change Up Your Commute with Bike to Work Day

Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 17. Here’s how you can participate in the annual cycling event.

By Maggie Roth May 16, 2024

Ditch your car for a day — May 17 is Bike to Work Day in the DMV, and there are lots of resources throughout NoVA to help cyclists of all levels of experience participate. 

Bike to Work Day is a joint effort from Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association to get residents of the DC area to dust off their bikes and ride to work, a move that both promotes a healthy lifestyle and reduces the area’s carbon footprint.  

During the annual event, there will be more than 100 pit stops set up throughout the region where participating riders can stop by for water, snacks, and giveaways. The first 16,000 participants to register online and visit a pit stop will receive a free Bike to Work Day T-shirt. 

Also keep an eye out for other pop-ups and events along the way. In Falls Church, Rumble Boxing will host a pop-up with Little Miner Taco offer a complimentary boxing lesson and free tacos on the W&OD Trail from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the corner of Founders and Park avenues.  

In NoVA, there are seven registered pit stops in Alexandria, seven in Arlington, 27 in Fairfax County, three in Loudoun County, and nine in Loudoun County. Check the event website for a full list of pit stops . 

For those who are more comfortable riding in a group, there are several convoys throughout the area to help with the ride. There are two in NoVA. One starts in Alexandria at 7 a.m. and rides all the way to Foggy Bottom. Another leaves Georgetown and travels into Tysons, taking the W&OD for the majority of the ride.  

Riders are free to join or leave convoys at any point — just hop on the route when they pass a convenient location and peel off when you need to go a different direction.  

Before you ride to work, be sure to brush up on your knowledge of Virginia’s bike laws and safety practices , and check your bike to ensure it’s in safe, working order. If you don’t have a bike but still want to participate, consider picking up a rental from one of the Capital Bikeshare locations throughout the region.  

Feature image, stock.adobe.com

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NYC Five Boro Bike Tour 2024: Street closures

Nyc's td 5 boro bike tour begins sunday.

Thousands of cyclists are gearing up to ride in the 46th edition of the TD Five Boro Bike Tour on Sunday.

NEW YORK CITY - The TD Five Boro Bike Tour is returning to NYC this Sunday, May 5.

At 7:30 a.m., cyclists will begin their 40-mile journey in Manhattan, will ride through the boroughs, and will finish at Ford Wadsworth in Staten Island.

Cyclists can expect showers with a high of 58.

Map of bike tour route

(Courtesy of Bike New York )

Here's a list of street closures this Sunday:

• Greenwich Street between Battery Place and Morris Street
• Trinity Place between Morris Street and Liberty Street
• Church Street between Liberty Street and Canal Street
• Chambers Street between Broadway and West Broadway
• Worth Street between Broadway and West Broadway
• Canal Street between Broadway and 6th Avenue
• 6th Avenue between Franklin Street and West 59th Street
• West 59th Street between 6th Avenue and 5th Avenue
• Grand Army Plaza between West 59th Street and East Drive
• East Drive between Grand Army Plaza and Center Drive
• Center Drive between 5th Avenue and East Drive
• East Drive between Center Drive and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard
• Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard between West 110th Street and West 135th Street
• East / West 135th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard and Madison Avenue
• Madison Avenue between East 135th Street and East 138th Street
• Madison Avenue Bridge (Bronx-bound)
• Harlem River Drive / FDR Drive (Southbound) between 3rd Avenue Bridge and East 116th Street
• East 116th Street between FDR Drive and Pleasant Avenue
• Pleasant Avenue between East 116th Street and East 114th Street
• Harlem River Drive / FDR Drive (Southbound) between 116th Street and 63rd Street Exit
• East 63rd Street between FDR Drive (Southbound) and Queensboro Bridge Exit
• Queensboro Bridge Exit between East 63rd Street and East 60th Street
• Queensboro Bridge Upper Level (Manhattan-bound)
• Broad Street between Pearl Street and South Street
• Broadway between Morris Street and Battery Place
• South Street between Broad Street and Whitehall Street
• Whitehall Street between South Street and Water Street
• Water Street between Whitehall Street and Broad Street
• 138th Street between Madison Avenue Bridge and 3rd Avenue
• 3rd Avenue between 138th Street and 3rd Avenue Bridge
• Rider Avenue between 138th Street and 137th Street
• 137th Street between Rider Avenue and 3rd Avenue
• 3rd Avenue Bridge (Manhattan-bound)
• 21st Street between Queens Plaza South and Hoyt Avenue North
• Queens Plaza South between 21st Street and Vernon Boulevard / Alternate Route
• Hoyt Avenue North between 21st Street and 19th Street
• 19th Street between Hoyt Avenue North and Ditmars Boulevard
• Ditmars Boulevard between 19th Street and Shore Boulevard
• Shore Boulevard between Ditmars Boulevard and Astoria Park South
• Astoria Park South between Shore Boulevard and 14th Street
• 14th Street between Astoria Park South and 31st Avenue
• 31st Avenue between 14th Street and Vernon Boulevard
• Vernon Boulevard between 31st Avenue and 44th Drive
• 44th Drive between Vernon Boulevard and 11th Street
• 11th Street between 44th Drive and Pulaski Bridge
• Pulaski Bridge (Brooklyn-bound)
• McGuiness Boulevard between Pulaski Bridge and Greenpoint Avenue
• Java Street between McGuinness Boulevard and Franklin Street
• Greenpoint Avenue between McGuinness Boulevard and Franklin Street
• Franklin Street between Java Street and North 14th Street
• Kent Avenue between North 14th Street and Williamsburg Street West
• Williamsburg Street West between Kent Avenue and Flushing Avenue
• Flushing Avenue between Williamsburg Street West and Navy Street
• North Elliot Place between Flushing Avenue and Park Avenue
• Navy Street between Flushing Avenue and York Street
• York Street between Navy Street and Gold Street
• Gold Street between York Street and Front Street
• Front Street between Gold Street and Old Fulton Street
• Old Fulton between Furman Street and Prospect Street
• Cadman Plaza West between Prospect Street and Tillary Street
• Tillary Street between Cadman Plaza West and Adams Street
• Brooklyn Bridge Promenade between Tillary Street and Centre Street
• Furman Street between Old Fulton Street and Atlantic Avenue
• Atlantic Avenue between Furman Street and Columbia Street
• Columbia Street between Atlantic Avenue and BQE West Entrance Columbia Street
• BQE / Gowanus Expressway between BQE West Entrance Columbia Street and Verrazano
• Verrazano Bridge Lower Level (Staten Island-bound)

Staten Island

• Bay Street between New York Avenue and Hylan Boulevard
• Hylan Boulevard between Bay Street and Edgewater Street
• Edgewater Street/ Front Street between Hylan Boulevard and Hannah Street
• Hannah Street between Front Street and Bay Street
• Bay Street between Hannah Street and Richmond Terrace
• Richmond Terrace between Bay Street and Nicholas Street Wall Street between Richmond Terrace and Dead End