Bicycle Access and Safety

Mission

Bicycling has long been a part of the transportation mix in the District of Columbia. In the late 19th Century and early 20th Century, bicyclists, pedestrians, buggies, and streetcars all shared District streets. Today, bicycling still makes DC one of the most livable cities in the country.

The Department of Transportation has a well-established and very successful Bicycle Program that is committed to providing safe and convenient bicycle access throughout the city. Evidence of the program's efforts is visible on a great number of streets across the District.

Download the Bicycle Master Plan. 

Procedures & Services

Bicycle Infrastructure in DC and DC Bike Program Fact Sheet

Quick Pedestrian/Bike Accident Site Visit Checklist

Established by law and appointed by the DC Council, the Bicycle Advisory Council advises the Mayor and city government on bicycling issues.

The Bicycle Advisory Council meets on the first Wednesday of odd-numbered months. Meetings are held in room 1117 of One Judiciary Square (441 4th Street, NW) from 6 to 8 pm. All meetings are open to the public. Check with the Bicycle Program Manager to confirm the date and location.

On average, 265 bicycle and 600 pedestrian crashes are reported to the Metropolitan Police Department each year in the District of Columbia.

To promote bicycle and pedestrian safety, DDOT:

• Participates in the regional Street Smart campaign which focuses on both enforcement of traffic laws and education for drivers, walkers and cyclists.
• Partnered with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) to launch Biking for Kids, classes on pedestrian and bicycle safety held in District elementary schools.
• Teamed up with the Metropolitan Police Department to give away helmets to children under 16. Helmets for this age group are required by law. A child can go to a District police station, accompanied by an adult, to have a helmet fitted.

In 2008, the District switched from a mandatory to a voluntary bicycle registration system. Administered by the National Bike Registry, this system allows law enforcement anywhere to access the database allowing for greater success in recovering stolen bicycles.

See Related

• Page:
  Bicycle Access and Safety (Compendium)
• Page:
  Bicycle Lanes (Compendium)
• Page:
  Trails Program (Compendium)
• Page:
  Traffic Safety and Vision Zero (Compendium)
• Page:
  Miscellaneous Vehicles (Compendium)
• Page:
  goDCgo (Compendium)
• Page:
  Capital Bikeshare (Compendium)
• Page:
  Bicycle Parking (Compendium)