biking in DC recommendations?

[Zen]

Cycling on the sidewalk is illegal in the DC Central Business District. Click the "DC Prohibited Sidewalk Cycling zone" link on this page to see the map.

http://www.waba.org/areabiking/maps.php

On a weekend? Meh.

[Cataboo]

On a weekend? Meh.

You scofflaw.

Have you been violating the law?

[aicabsolut]

If you ride the Mt Vernon trail, then I would take it south from Old Town (not north to DC unless you plan on taking your time and going in just to tool around the monuments and such). There's often less multi-use traffic on the southern end, but on the weekends, it's not going to be great.

There's some great riding in and around DC. What area of the city will you be in? What kind of mileage do you want to do? Do you want to see the sights or ride to get in a good workout?

[aeiea]

If you ride the Mt Vernon trail, then I would take it south from Old Town (not north to DC unless you plan on taking your time and going in just to tool around the monuments and such). There's often less multi-use traffic on the southern end, but on the weekends, it's not going to be great.

There's some great riding in and around DC. What area of the city will you be in? What kind of mileage do you want to do? Do you want to see the sights or ride to get in a good workout?

I'll be in Alexandria Old Town as I'll be performing in the evenings on Weds and Thurs, but the rest of time is up to me! I probably just want to see the sights (it is a bit of a vacation lol) or rather have a nice ride -- partially as my sister, who doesn't often ride bikes, will be riding with me. I've been to DC before and don't need to see the monuments or smithsonian (unless they're on the way) -- my main priority is to check out VA/DC nature views... whatever is different from Los Angeles. Which will probably mean -- autumn!!!

I am definitely feeling this Mt Vernon trail Thanks all.

[Cataboo]

If you want to do nature views - do the Mount Vernon trail. The C&O Canal towpath might be a nice one.

Western Maryland rail trail is 22 miles of paved flat that's up near the mountains that you can return on the C&O canal... it's a bit of a drive out of DC, but could be worth it.

[tulip]

Make sure to have a bell on your bike and use it. Or yell Passing on Your Left or some such phrase. And don't ride too fast. Lots of people are on that trail, but if you go south, there will be fewer. Nice views of the Potomac.

There's a bike shop in Old Town Alexandria that rents bikes. In fact, there are two. Big Wheel Bikes is down on Duke Street at the very end towards the river. It's a yellow building--just follow Duke Street toward the river and you'll get to it. The other one is on Montgomery Street (I think) in Old Town North. It's called Wheel Nutz.

[Pedal Wench]

I'm heading up to DC tonight for the 3-Day Walk. I'll be on a VERY fluffy pink mountain bike, I have a pink helmet with a tiara, or a cowboy hat with a pink boa when I'm directing traffic. Pink tutu or pink tennis skirt too. Stop and say hello if you see me! Unless the pinkness scares you away!