For Immediate Release:
March 11, 2009

Biking DC: A Capital City for Cyclists

While there’s no question that DC is a city well-suited for exploring on two feet, it’s also a great place to discover on two wheels. The city’s streets are wide, scenic and relatively flat, with 40 miles of newly-added bike lanes, coupled with more than 800 miles of biking trails throughout the metro region. It’s no wonder that you’ll frequently spot health- and environmentally-minded DC residents exercising, commuting and running errands on bike.

Guided Tours, Rentals & Shares
Begin exploring DC by bike with a guided tour of DC’s most famous sights. Bike and Roll’s Capital Sites and Monuments tours are offered each day and most evenings from March through November, showcasing the city’s celebrated museums and landmarks. Tours last approximately three hours and cost $40-$45 (adults).

Or, pick up a bike and a map and plot out your own adventure in DC. Bike rentals are available through Bike and Roll and other vendors, with rates starting at about $25 per day.

Serious cyclists who are planning extended stays in DC can also sign up for DC’s new SmartBike public bike rental program. With the 2008 launch of SmartBike, DC became the first US city to offer self-service public bike rentals. Riders pay a $40 annual subscription fee for unlimited rentals (up to 3 hours) of the 100 bikes in the citywide fleet, which can be picked up and returned at ten locations.

Roads & Trails
More than 800 miles of trails in the metro area make cycling a popular pastime for DC residents and visitors. Trails wind past scenic locations and must-see landmarks, including the Kennedy Center, Georgetown, Arlington National Cemetery and Old Town Alexandria. Learn more about Metro-accessible trails here (and yes, bikes are allowed on Metro at off-peak hours).

Resources for Bikers
Discover biking tips, events and helpful information for planning your two-wheel adventure in DC at the Washington Area Bicyclists Association’s website.

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About Destination DC:  Destination DC, the lead destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of more than 1,000 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. Destinationdc.com.