• The law permits cycling in several DC monument areas.Washington, DC Skyline image by dwight9592 from Fotolia.com
  
  Cyclists may easily access the Washington, DC, monuments, according to bicycle tour planners Bike and Roll Washington DC (BRDC). Most of the roadways, paths and sidewalks surrounding the monuments allow bicycles. Many cyclists plan long cycle trips using the Great Allegheny Passage, the network of paths currently running from Duquesne, PA, to Cumberland, MD, that connects with the C&O Canal towpath to Washington. Cycling the DC monuments is a great stop during a cycling tour or an excellent day trip.
  
  

DC Cycling Law – Roadways

• The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) states cyclist must obey traffic laws when operating a bicycle on the streets of DC. Cyclists must ride with traffic, signal turns, ride no more than two abreast and use front white lights and rear red reflectors or lights when riding after dark. Cyclists under 16 must wear bicycle helmets when in DC. Laws permit full lane use when cyclists travel at traffic speeds; otherwise, cyclists must stay to the right.
  
  

DC Cycling Law – Paths

• Several paths permit legal bicycle use while cycling DC. The Capital Crescent, C&O Canal and Mount Vernon trails allow bicycles, according to BRDC. Several DC area paths connected to the DC monument area permit bicycles. Bicycle path use is not required in DC, states WABA. Path use is frequently shared with hikers, joggers and occasionally horses. Paths typically utilize courtesy standards, such as left passing and audibly announcing passes, instead of laws governing use.
  
  

DC Cycling Law – Sidewalks

• DC law permits sidewalk cyclist bicycle use in areas clearly posted as such, states WABA. Several of the sidewalk areas surrounding the DC monument area permit cyclists. The central business district of DC does not permit sidewalk cycling. Cyclists utilizing sidewalks must behave as pedestrians and yield right of way. Sidewalk cyclists should always pass pedestrians on the left with an audible announcement. Cyclists may use a bell in place of spoken words when passing.