Bicyclists Tour DC Neighborhoods and Explore the Bicycle-Friendly Evolution of the DC Area on WTS-DC’s Eighth Annual Bike Tour
By Cerasela Cristei and Khatereh Vaghefi, WTS-DC
April 2022
WTS-DC held its eight annual spring Professional Development bike tour on Saturday, April 30, 2022, and attendees rolled their bicycles through the ever-changing streets in northeast Washington, DC. We observed improvements to many existing bicycle facilities in the neighborhood and new additions to the bike network. Two main improvements were noticeable during this year’s tour compared to previous years: the number of streets with designated bike facilities has increased and both drivers and bicyclists seemed to be in sync.
The route selected did not include the cycletrack on Pennsylvania Avenue, the segment most favored by our past participants; instead, we explored several Northeast DC neighborhoods and the bike infrastructure that connects them.
Some of us arrived at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the starting point of the tour, earlier than the rest of the group and humbly stepped inside. It was a good opportunity to admire the architectural feat of this edifice that hosts more than 80 chapels and oratories that represent more than 22 nationalities and ethnicities and reflect the rich heritage of America.
When the group was whole, we started the ride on Michigan Avenue towards the Chuck Brown Memorial Park. The ride was on sidewalks, bike lanes, and local streets with no designated bike facilities. No matter the facility, the ride felt safe and enjoyable.
In the midst of the friendly neighborhood streets the monument to the late guitarist known as the “Godfather of Go-Go”, DC’s homegrown funky, jazzy music genre was majestic but friendly.
We biked through the park and continued on streets to reach the Union Market. The facilities were generous and safe, and we stopped for a quick water and stretching break.
The ride continued on the Eckington segment of the Metropolitan Branch Trail. The trail was very well appointed for bicyclists and pedestrians alike and the adjacent walls were decorated with colorful murals that added to the spectacular effect of the spring vegetation on the sides of the trail.
The tour ended back at the starting point where some of the participants continued to ride in two separate groups. One group rode on the new bike lanes installed along Eisenhower Ave and the new segment of the Metropolitan Branch Trail.
This year’s tour was a reminder of the definition and importance of complete streets and a life exhibit of the intersection of culture, arts, technology, and engineering. We saw first-hand that any design will ultimately be integrated in the surrounding cultural environment and when well planned and executed it makes for an environment that enhances the quality of life. Planners, engineers, and artists can be proud of a job well done that will withstand time and serve generations to come.
WTS-DC thanks Mike Goodno for dedicating his time, talent, and knowledge to our chapter!