Biking in Alexandria

From Our Partners

With its charming neighborhoods and winding trails, Alexandria, Virginia, is a biker’s dream. Bike lanes on major thoroughfares cater to cyclists, so you can easily go your own way with a bike map and rentals from Capital Bikeshare, Unlimited Biking, Pedego Electric Bikes and Strictly EBikes.

Alexandria also marks the halfway point on the Mount Vernon Trail, the 18-mile path between Washington, D.C., and George Washington’s famed estate. Take in leafy landscapes as you wend your way along this waterfront route.

Alexandria Biking Tours and Trails

Tours and Rentals

Rent a bike through Unlimited Biking, the Capital Bikeshare app, Pedego Electric Bikes or Strictly EBikes and pedal along the waterfront Mount Vernon Trail to George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate and tour the grounds, or bike to D.C. along the Mount Vernon Trail to visit the National Mall, monuments and museums before biking back to Old Town Alexandria.
With Pedego Electric Bikes, whether you want to explore the D.C. cherry blossoms in the spring, Old Town at night or head to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Pedego offers guided tours departing from their Old Town storefront.

Trails

Find a full list of trails on BikeWashington.

Mount Vernon Trail. This 18 mile walking/running/biking path takes you from Rosslyn (just across the bridge from Washington, DC) to George Washington’s historic Mount Vernon. As you ride alongside the stunning Potomac River, you’ll pass views of the national monuments, Arlington Cemetery, parks, Old Town Alexandria and George Washington’s waterfront estate.
East Coast Greenway. This 3,000-mile urban bicycle and walking route connects hundreds of communities from Calais, Maine, to Key West, Florida. Alexandria marks the midpoint of the trail.

Biking in Alexandria

Bike maps:

Visit the City of Alexandria’s website to view an Alexandria City bike map. To obtain a printed copy, stop by the Alexandria Visitor Center. The map is free!

Capital Bikeshare:

With the Capital Bikeshare app, pick up a bike from one of the many stations throughout Alexandria to get around the city and drop off bikes at any of the 700+ stations across the Washington, DC region.

Biking Safety

Laws can vary from state to state, so here’s some safety tips from the City of Alexandria:

Give an audible signal for passing or use a bell, when riding on sidewalks and trails.
Wear a helmet – bicycle helmets are required for those 14 years of age or younger.
Take the lane – cyclists are more visible and less likely to be passed when riding in the center of the travel lane.
Use hand signals before performing a turning movement.
Follow all signs, signals, and path markings.
Watch out for car doors when passing parked vehicles. Ride outside of the door zone when possible.
Riding a bicycle on a sidewalk is not permitted on King Street, from West Street to the Potomac River, and on Union Street, between Prince Street and Cameron Street (City Code, Chapter 7 of Title 10).
If you ever feel uncomfortable on a particular road or ride hop off your bike and become a pedestrian until you feel safe to ride again. Remain visible to other road and trail users by using bike lights on the front and rear of your bike (white light in front, red light in back).
Never swerve in and out of lanes or traffic. The best path is a straight path.
Always lock your bike with a sturdy and reliable lock.
Register your bike on BikeIndex.org in case it gets lost or stolen.
Anticipate potential areas of conflict, particularly at intersections where you are traveling straight and drivers may be turning.

Stay Hydrated

Alexandria has water fountains throughout local parks. The Tap It website helps you find out which locations in Alexandria will allow you to fill your water bottle for free.