The Complete Guide to Biking in Arlington, Virginia

Before embarking on your Arlington biking adventure, make sure you understand the rules of the road. These videos from the League of American Bicyclists provide helpful information on many aspects of bicycling, including signaling and scanning, lane positioning at intersections, and riding safely in traffic.

You may also be wondering about traffic laws in Arlington and what is permissible. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions that will help ensure you comply with local laws.

Do I need to wear a helmet?

While it is legal for persons 15 and over to ride without a helmet in Arlington, helmet use is strongly recommended. One important exception: If you are riding a Class 3 e-bike, which can go up to 28 mph, you must wear a helmet anywhere in the state of Virginia, regardless of your age.

If you aren’t able to bring a helmet with you, you can pick one up at most local bike shops. You can also visit The Commuter Store, where you can purchase an official Capital Bikeshare helmet for just $15. If you travel often and enjoy riding bikes everywhere you go, consider investing in a foldable bike helmet, which can more easily be packed in your luggage.

Children 14 and under must wear a helmet. This is the law in Arlington and several nearby jurisdictions in Virginia, including Fairfax County and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church. View a complete list of places in Virginia where helmets are required for children here (scroll down to the “Helmets” section).

In nearby Washington, D.C., helmets are also not required for adults but are required for children under 16. View this and other D.C. cycling guidelines here.

Can I ride on the sidewalk?

Riding on the sidewalk has its downsides for several reasons. However, if you need to do it, it is legal to ride on the sidewalk in Arlington.

Keep in mind that Arlington has miles of bike lanes, trails, and bike-friendly streets that make it easy to get around using bicycle infrastructure. Occasionally, you may come across an area that has heavy traffic and no bike infrastructure. If this makes you feel uncomfortable riding on the street, it is fine to ride on the sidewalk. If pedestrians are present, it’s safer and more considerate to walk your bike until you are in a better spot for biking.

It is important for all roadway users to be predictable in their behavior. Drivers often aren’t expecting bicycles—faster-moving than pedestrians—to emerge from sidewalks. In situations where you may find yourself entering a crosswalk on your bike from the sidewalk, it’s also best to walk your bike through the crosswalk instead of riding. One of the most common bicycle crash scenarios involves a bicyclist being struck while riding through a crosswalk against the flow of traffic.

In Washington, D.C., the rules around riding on the sidewalk are more complicated. It’s legal in many places but not permitted in the Central Business District. This map shows the area where you can’t bike on the sidewalk in D.C.

Can we ride two-abreast on the road?

Yes, in Virginia it is legal for bicyclists to ride two-abreast on the road provided that they do not impede the reasonable flow of traffic and move into a single-file line, if possible, when being overtaken by a faster moving vehicle. The law is the same in Washington, D.C.

Do I have to come to a complete stop at a stop sign on my bike?

Yes. Although some states allow bicyclists to use the “Idaho Stop” (yielding at a stop sign but not coming to a complete stop), Virginia is not one of them.

However, in Washington, D.C., the Idaho Stop is legal, so it’s okay to yield at stop signs when riding a bike if there isn’t oncoming traffic and it helps you maintain your momentum.

Are there special considerations for riding e-bikes?

Because e-bikes can be much faster than standard bikes, you may wonder if there are different rules for them.

When riding on the road or in a bike lane, the rules for riding an e-bike are the same as they are for standard bikes. E-bikes are also permitted on the sidewalk but should be ridden at a reasonable rate of speed, particularly if pedestrians are present.

All e-bikes are permitted on Arlington paved trails, including Class 3 e-bikes capable of faster speeds. (The Capital Bikeshare e-bikes that you might rent are Class 1 e-bikes. They do not have a throttle and are not able to go faster than 20 mph.)

Monitor your speed if riding an e-bike on a shared-use trail like the Washington & Old Dominion Trail or the Custis Trail, where you’ll also encounter many runners and walkers. Be sure to ring your bell or call out, “On your left!” if you are passing another bicyclist or people walking or running on the trail. This is expected and will be appreciated by other trail users.

Note that riding any bike—electric or standard—on a natural-surface trail isn’t permitted in Arlington. You will see signs posted on trails where bicycles are not allowed.

While apps such as Google Maps and Ride with GPS can be great for navigating by bike on your phone, BikeArlington’s Bicycle Comfort Level Map is a local resource for finding safe, enjoyable, efficient routes for getting where you need to go in Arlington.

Instead of just showing bike trails and bike lanes, the Bicycle Comfort Level Map uses a data-driven rating system to rate bicycling comfort on roads and trails based on a variety of factors, including pavement condition, traffic volume, vehicle speeds, and slope.

Use the map to find places to ride that are comfortable for you. If you don’t like riding in traffic, seek out trails and green routes, which are roads that are flat and quiet, with minimal traffic. Many green routes also have bike lanes and other bicycle infrastructure, such as buffers or bollards that provide additional separation from cars. And if you’re comfortable with traffic, you can explore the blue and maroon routes, which are often busier.

The map also shows the locations of Arlington’s Capital Bikeshare stations, as well as bike repair stands, public restrooms and drinking fountains, Commuter Stores, and local bike shops.

Once you’ve figured out the details, you’ll have fun riding in one of the most bicycle-friendly places in the country, whether you want to experience nature or explore Arlington’s urban side. Here are a few quick ideas for enjoying Arlington by bike:

Bike to Theodore Roosevelt Island

Pick up a CaBi in Rosslyn and ride to Theodore Roosevelt Island, which has its own CaBi station where you can dock your bike. Be careful crossing Lynn Street from Rosslyn and walk your bike through the crosswalk! Roosevelt Island is a great place to hike, bird-watch, and enjoy a picnic. From the parking lot, you can also access the more rugged Potomac Heritage Trail, which you will see under the ramp that leads to the Roosvelt Island parking area when arriving from Rosslyn. You can also continue on your bike to the Mount Vernon Trail for spectacular views of Washington, D.C., and the Potomac River, including beautiful weeping willow trees along the trail and lots of ducks sharing the trail, too!

Ride your bike to National Landing

There are many activities you can enjoy here and many elements of bicycle infrastructure, including protected bike lanes and a two-way cycle track. Have dinner at one of the many restaurants, see a movie, visit the Water Park, shop at Pentagon City Mall, or walk on the ¾-mile Long Bridge Park Esplanade.

Bike to Gravelly Point

You can take the Mount Vernon Trail to this favorite local spot for watching planes take off and land at Reagan National Airport. Be sure to visit the ice cream truck!

Bike to Clarendon

This is another great neighborhood with a wide variety of restaurants, shopping, and comfortable outdoor seating areas. It also has bike lanes, Metro access, and many places to dock a CaBi bike.

Bike the Arlington Loop

If you’re up for a longer ride, try riding the Arlington Loop. This is a 16-mile scenic ride that uses four major local trails. For more information, check out this article.

Learn about additional Arlington riding routes and trails here.