Cycling
Biking in Arlington’s Trails
A large network of trails, bike lanes and bikeable streets allowing accessible cycling in and about the neighborhoods in Arlington can be found to be quick, safe and very convenient
Biking Benefits:
- Inexpensive – Anyone can afford and maintain this means of transportation.
- Convenient – Less troublesome when it comes to getting to certain places.
- Fitness – Firming, calorie burning all that can be achieved without membership fees
- Environment Friendly – No noise or air pollution (no carbon dioxide emissions).
- Traffic Congestion – Takes away the bumper to bumper situation of traffic on the road.
- Business – Cost Saving for transportation re-imbursements.
- Happy Community – Bikers are more relaxed and can enjoy the beauty of the community.
The bike friendly structures in Arlington complements the walkways and public transits system allowing everyone get about in Arlington and in other counties without needing a car.
In January 1 2009, the Bicycle Commuter Act was added as one of the qualified transportation benefits covered in section 132(f) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. The Bicycle Commuter Act is simple as the cycling itself. Cyclists get the same qualified transportation benefits for taking transit, driving or parking their cars to and from work. A reimbursement of up to $20/month for expenses incurred by the employee who bikes to work.
The trails in Arlington are actually multi use trails that are shared equally and enjoyed by bicyclists, pedestrians, runners, skaters, cross country skiers, dog walkers, baby strollers, people using wheelchairs and the like. Courtesy and assertiveness is required to avoid any collisions.
For Trail sharing and Security on the Trails visit Arlington County Commuter Services website.
There are about 400 bike racks available throughout the County as Arlington promotes cycling to be a preferable and easy mode of traveling. Arlington does require new residential, office and retail establishments to provide generous if not ample bike parking with shower and locker facilities.
For the security of bikes, registering bicycles with the Arlington County Police Department is highly recommended. A license is issued with records of license number, serial number of the bicycle and the name of the owner. It is also recommended to use a U-lock instead of chains and cables.
For more detailed information about biking, you can refer to ACCS or the Arlington County Commuter Services which is a bureau of the Arlington, Virginia Department of Environmental Services. ACCS programs work to encourage and promote the use of mass transit, carpooling, vanpooling, bicycling, walking, teleworking and other alternative aside from driving alone.
photo credit: Amsterdamize
Serene biking at River Towers
Found near George Washington Parkway and the Potomac River, River Towers provides nearby residents with accessible bike trails, hiking trails and jogging and nearby paths closed to motor vehicles.
Scenic trails and roads at River Towers follow the river from Mount Vernon at 5 miles south to National Airport at 5miles north and to Washington DC and beyond.
Bikers can easily enjoy the trip to the Marina. Both serious and recreational bikers can enjoy the Parkway or the easy local bike trails. These trails are also used by residents who bike to work or to the Metro.
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(all data current as of
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$173,000 : 6621 Wakefield Dr #518, Alexandria1 bed, 1 full bath
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$329,900 : 6631 Wakefield Dr #602, Alexandria3 beds, 2 full baths
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$319,000 : 6631 Wakefield Dr #503, Alexandria3 beds, 2 full baths
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$287,000 : 6621 Wakefield Dr #602, Alexandria3 beds, 2 full baths
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Biking the Mount Vernon Trail
Julie and I rented bikes in Old Town last week. We then biked the Mount Vernon Trail to Mount Vernon and back. The trail here is pleasant with some ups and downs that can be a little challenging, but not too tough. The views along the river and through the forest are great. Along the way the trail passes through the Dyke Marsh. We stopped there to take some pictures and drink some water.
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- Mount Vernon Trail crossing Little Hunting Creek
.jpg "Dyke Marsh along Mt Vernon Trail (1)")
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- Potomac River near Stratford Landing
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- Banks of the Potomac near Mount Vernon
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- Nina’s Dandy plying the Potomac
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.jpg "Waterfront in Old Town Alexandria VA")
- at the Potomac River in Alexandria VA
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- A waterview is always a bonus!
Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria.
.JPG "Will Nesbitt at the canal")
Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria.
Bike racks at Caryle Square
The courtyard at Carlyle Square in Spring
One of the benefits of living at Carlyle Square in Alexandria VA’s Carlyle District is the bike racks. The bike racks are found in the garage beneath the Square and provide plenty of room and easy access for cyclists who reside here.
Bike racks at Carlyle Square
Big Wheel Bikes
Big Wheel in Old Town Alexandria VA
Big Wheel Bikes is located near the waterfront in Old Town, Alexandria just one block from the Mount Vernon Trail. Big Wheel is a great place to rent bikes and visit the sites.
Big Wheel Bikes
2 Prince St.
Alexandria, VA
703-739-2300
Mon-Fri 11:00 am to 7:00 pm*
Sat 10:00 am to 6:00 pm*
Sun 11:00 am to 6:00 pm*
*Store hours may vary during off-season. Please call store to confirm hours during October – March.
Rent a bike in Alexandria VA
Biking is a fun way to see the sites of Northern VA
Tandem bikes are available
Go green and explore the city by bicycle! Bike and Roll Alexandria offers bike rentals including Trek comfort hybrid bikes as well as tandem bikes. Children’s bikes and accessories such as tandem trailers and burleys are also available.
Bike rentals allow you to hop on two wheels and see DC and Northern Virginia in a completely new way. All rentals come with a helmet, U-lock, bike rack, flat kit and city map. Just let us know where you are heading and we’ll point you in the right direction! You may even rent from one shop and ride one-way to our other location (in Washington DC) for a small drop-off fee.
Choose between comfort or performance.
For day long reservations for any equipment in Old Town Alexandria, VA, call: 703.548. ROLL (7655).
Bike and Roll Alexandria
One Wales Alley
Alexandria, VA 22314
Bike and Roll Alexandria is located at the corner of Wales Alley and The Strand in Old Town Alexandria. This
Bike Path on GW Parkway
shop is convenient to the King Street Trolley Stop at North Union Street and a couple hundred yards south from the Water Taxi.
Bike and Roll
Crossing the Potomac on foot or by bicycle
Woodrow Wilson Bridge at Old Town Alexandria
On June 6th, 2009 the long-awaited bicycle crossing of the Potomac at Woodrow Wilson Bridge was completed. The bridge now connects the Mt. Vernon Trail to the National Harbor in Maryland allowing pedestrians and bikers to traverse the river near I-495 just outside Old Town Alexandria VA near the George Washington Parkway. The completion of the mile long bike-pedestrian trial is one of the final milestones in the massive Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project which was started a number of years ago. The “Active Transportation Lane” crossing is open to walkers, joggers, bikers, roller-bladers, scooters and virtually any form of unmechanized traffic.
The Alexandria Times reported that “Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille, Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson and other federal, state and local officials were among the first to utilize the new river crossing after a ceremony on the Maryland side of the river.”
The reviews from bikers have been very positive. TheWashCycle.com says, “It’s a flawed masterpiece and a fantastic resource. The ride is great, with the overpass as a small park over the Beltway. The views are stunning (and the telescopes free)…”
Woodrow Wilson Bridge at Old Town
The Woodrow Wilson Crossing is easily accessed by communities like Belle View, River Towers, Porto Vecchio, the Bearings South and parts of Old Town Alexandria which are near the bridge.
Bike path on the George Washington Parkway at the Belle Haven Marina
 Will Nesbitt of Condo Alexandria |
About the Author — Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Will Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo Alexandria. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County. |
