Tour Route
This seven-mile tour begins on U Street in northwest D.C., in the heart of the Shaw Neighborhood, a historic district that was the birthplace of Duke Ellington and Washington’s music scene. Take Metro’s Green line to the U Street station and follow the signs to the 13th Street exit. This exit brings you up to street level across from U Street’s historic Lincoln Theater and Ben’s Chili Bowl – one of D.C.’s most cherished eateries. Stop in and have a half-smoke and milkshake.
Image: Jennifer Toole
Capital Bikeshare
Head west along U Street to the intersection with 14th Street, and pick up a bike at the Capital Bikeshare station on the northwest corner of this intersection, on the sidewalk adjacent to the Reeves Center. From here, you will head south on 14th Street’s bike lanes to S Street and take a right. S Street does not have bike lanes. It’s a quiet street that is typical of many D.C.’s historic neighborhoods, with row houses and street trees. It’s a good example of a street that doesn’t need bike lanes to be a great place to ride.
Image: Jennifer Toole
15th Street Cycle Track
Travel one block over to 15th Street and take a left into the cycle track on the far side (west side) of 15th Street, heading south. The 15th Street Cycle Track is DC’s first separated on-street bikeway. The 15th Street Cycle Track is a two-way bikeway on the west side of a one-way street. It was created by “borrowing” a lane of traffic from the street, which is the case for most cycle tracks around the country. This practice is not without controversy and required a great deal of public input and discussion. It has, however, solved several problems on 15th Street.
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15th Street's Commercial Corridor
As you ride south on 15th Street, follow the pedestrian signals and be aware of turning traffic at intersections, alleys, and driveways. As you enter downtown, the character of 15th Street changes from a residential neighborhood to a commercial corridor. As you pass Massachusetts Avenue and travel towards K Street, you enter a part of Washington, D.C. that is known as a center for lobbyists and think tanks. It is not uncommon to see people riding bikes in suits and dresses in this part of town. You’ll pass the headquarters of The Washington Post.
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Lafayette Square
As you continue south, 15th Street bends to the right and becomes Vermont Avenue. The cycle track ends at the intersection of Vermont and H streets. Continue south into Lafayette Square, a seven-acre park that lies on the north side of the White House. This is a great place to stop and relax. This is a great place to stop and relax. This park was once a part of the White House grounds and was called the “President’s Park.”
Image: Jennifer Toole
Right Past the White House
From Lafayette Square, hang a left onto Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House. This street was closed to vehicular traffic in 1995 after the Oklahoma City bombing, thus it’s great for bicycling and offers outstanding views of the White House. Continue east on Pennsylvania Avenue to join up with 15th Street again. Take a right, and head south in the cycle track for a few blocks to another intersection with Pennsylvania Avenue. There is a special kind of bike signal at this intersection – wait for it to turn green to turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue.
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Pennsylvania Avenue
Continue east on Pennsylvania Avenue towards the U.S. Capitol. This part of the route is one of the most unique bikeways in the country – it’s a two-way bikeway in the center of the street, separated from traffic with a painted buffer. The experience of riding down this bikeway towards the U.S. Capitol is electrifying. Every president since Thomas Jefferson has paraded down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House after taking the oath of office. This is America’s Main Street – and it is fitting that the bikeway goes straight down its center.
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Upper and Lower Senate Gardens
The bike lanes end at 3rd Street. Continue across 3rd Street to the wide diagonal path that heads north-east towards Union Station. At 1st Street, you’ll turn left and continue along the path on the east side of the street. Turn right at Louisiana Avenue and continue up the hill to Union Station, turning left at Columbus Circle. Along the way, you will pass the Upper and Lower Senate Gardens and Fountains – this is another great place to stop and rest and enjoy a beautiful park that is a favorite among locals.
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Union Station's Bike Station
Follow the crosswalks and paths around Columbus Circle to the left (west side) of Union Station to see the East Coast’s first bike transit center – known as the Bike Station. This is also where Bike and Roll is located, if you are interested in a daily or weekly bike rental. Take a stroll through Union Station and do some shopping or eat lunch. From Union Station, head north on 1st Street. The first block of this street is often crowded with pedestrians and it is wise to walk your bike on the sidewalk until the bike lane begins.
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Metropolitan Branch Trail
Continue north on 1st Street to the intersection with M Street and take a right. Just before the underpass, you will take a pathway to the right with a sign that says “MBT” – the Metropolitan Branch Trail. This is a bikeway that parallels Metro’s Red Line and connects north to Tacoma Park and Silver Spring. This section of the trail is raised above street level, offering a bird’s-eye view of the NoMA neighborhood, one of D.C.’s newest revitalized areas.
Image: Jennifer Toole
R Street
Continue north on the MBT to R Street and take a left. You’ll follow R Street back across the city to 14th Street, riding in bike lanes along some blocks. R Street is a fairly quiet, low-speed street that extends through residential neighborhoods. Use care when crossing the intersections. Once you reach 14th Street, head north back to the bike station, and your ride is over.
Image: Jennifer Toole