Biking to the Inaguration (Holy $#^^% Edition)
So it looks like the Secret Service and DDOT have released their maps of what the restricted areas and transportation options will be. If you're coming from the south, it's going to be difficult.
First, most bridges in the area will be closed to auto, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Open to bikes and peds are Memorial, Key, Chain and all the Anacostia bridges upstream of the 11th Street Bridge. I suspect they chose Memorial over 14th because it has the Metro stop on the other side. Regardless, it means a little extra pedaling for some of those coming from Virginia to the Jefferson Bike Valet. It appears that all bridges will be open to bike and ped traffic. The Washington Post was wrong.
There is an area near the Capitol, White House, Mall and Parade Route where bikes are prohibited. There is an enormous area outside that where cars are restricted (to buses, residents, etc...). Secret Service restricted some and DDOT restricted more for buses. You can see the Secret Service Map here. I combined that with the DDOT map and the WABA bike valet locations into this map.
If you've ever wanted to bike around a car free DC, this may be your chance. There is going to be a lot of carless pavement (but probably not empty) out there.
I suggest going early or just riding around. The parade route is restricted to 300,000 so once that many show up they'll turn people away (I have no idea how they plan to count them). The Mall will not be limited. WABA is preparing to park 1000 bikes - for 1.5 to 3 million people, so it's possible they'll be completely overrun.
WABA still needs volunteers BTW.
Bicycles will be allowed across 14th St. bridge. The map published by the Washington Post is not correct. WABA is working on creating a map detailing where cyclists can ride.
Posted by: Henry | January 08, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Is the red area closed to bikes or just to bike riding, i.e. can you walk your bike?
Posted by: Jack | January 08, 2009 at 01:25 PM
No bikes allowed inside the red area (or bags, or umbrellas etc...)
Posted by: washcycle | January 08, 2009 at 07:12 PM
The map shows Chain Bridge and 14th St Bridge as the only two bicycle access bridges. The article states all bridges will be open to bicycle traffic.
Posted by: Ed | January 17, 2009 at 06:30 PM
Can you take a bike through the 3rd St. tunnel from North to South? We have blue tickets and need to enter from the South.
Posted by: jeff | January 19, 2009 at 06:26 PM
I'd guess yes, but don't know.
Posted by: washcycle | January 19, 2009 at 09:09 PM