Bicycle Parking
In 2012, the DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) launched a three-year plan to significantly increase the number of bicycle parking racks within Downtown, in partnership with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). Over the past few years, more people have started bicycling to Downtown restaurants, shops, and businesses, which aids in reducing congestion. However, demand for bike parking has also increased, sometimes leading to bikes being locked to trees, signs, or even trash cans. Installing additional bike racks can help restore order to the sidewalk and maintain clear passage for pedestrians, in addition to encouraging bicycling as a healthy and sustainable transportation mode
With this bicycle parking plan, the BID is focused on providing short-term parking in public space for visitors to buildings, shoppers, and restaurant patrons, while continuing to work with buildings to provide secure, commuter bike parking inside for their tenants. Downtown property managers who want help selecting and locating racks in their buildings should contact bicycles@downtowndc.org.
DDOT’s BikeBrand Your Biz program enables property managers and business owners to promote their bicycle-friendliness by creating custom artistic bike racks. Properties or businesses that design and purchase these racks can have them installed by DDOT at no cost. Get more information on this program by contacting bicycles@downtowndc.org.
Capital Bikeshare
Capital Bikeshare provides a network of over 300 stations across DC, Arlington and Alexandria, VA, and Montgomery County, MD. The DowntownDC BID works with DDOT to identify potential locations for future stations and opportunities to expand existing stations to help expand Bikeshare access for Downtown employees, residents, and visitors. Capital Bikeshare’s corporate membership program allows employers to offer free or discounted annual memberships to their employees. Click here for more information.
Bike to Work Day
Bike to Work Day is a regional event supported by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association and Commuter Connections to encourage area commuters to try bicycling to work as an alternative to solo driving. On this day, typically the third Friday in May, over 12,000 cyclists bike to work together, stopping at the 75+ pit stops along the way for refreshments and entertainment. The DowntownDC BID sponsors the Downtown pit stop, the largest in the District. Get more information about this event here!
Cycle Tracks and Lanes
In recent years, DDOT, in partnership with the DowntownDC BID, has been providing safe, convenient and dedicated routes for cyclists in Downtown by striping bicycle lanes and cycle tracks as part of DDOT’s 2005 Bicycle Master Plan. Bicycle lanes encourage people to bike, decreasing roadway congestion and improving access to Downtown destinations. DDOT’s separated cycle tracks on 15th Street, NW, Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, and L Street, NW, use flexible posts, painted barriers and parked cars to separate cyclists from vehicles. Installation of the M Street, NW cycle track is expected to be completed in spring 2014. Click here for a map of DC’s bicycle facilities.