Cycling in the DC area can be very rewarding, but it's important to know the basics of city riding.

Report a Problem

Notice something amiss in the bicycling environment ? Report It!   Have you seen storm drain grates parallel to a bicycle tire direction of travel, a pot hole in a bike path, or other bicycle-related problem in DC?

Report it using the DC City Services Request website.

Login using the WABA User Account:
UserID: waba12
Password: waba12

By using one user id and password, we can track all bicycling issues.

Stolen Bike Registries

Free: stolenbikeregistry.com

Fee:   nationalbikeregistry.com

Lost and Found

DC craigslist (community, lost & found; or for sale, bikes)

Request a copy of WABA's new Guide:

Safe Bicycling in the Washington Area.

Browse The Guide>>

10 Essential Bike Skills

1.  Stopping

Quick Stop. Emergency stop by shifting your weight back, straightening your arms, and using both brakes. If the rear skids, ease up on both brakes. Know the limits of your front wheel to avoid a dangerous front skid.

2.  Right of way yielding, look before entering (left, right, left)

3.  Ride on the right

4.  Scanning to the rear

5.  Signaling turns, slowing/stopping, straight through

6.  Turning safely

Watch for the "Left Cross." Left turning motorists tend to look down the center of the lane for other motor vehicles, and are less likely to notice bicyclists who are close to the curb and smaller. Avoid this danger by being vigilant, and more visible by positioning yourself closer to, or even straight down, the middle of the lane. Keep from being visually screened by other motor vehicles.

Fend off the "Right Hook." Motorists sometimes overtake bicyclists only to wind up cutting them off when making a right turn. Guard against this type of danger by being further from the curb, forcing the driver to make a more sweeping turn. Expect the "right hook" to happen, and be able to "Instaturn" if necessary.

7.  Lane position for left turns

Turning left. There are two ways to turn left: "vehicular" style and "2 Step" style. It should rarely be a necessity, but use a "2 Step" turn if traffic is too heavy for you to turn left like other vehicles. Go through the intersection, align yourself facing left, and proceed when clear or on the green if at a signal.

8.  Recognizing and avoiding hazards

Quick Dodge. Watch out for road surface hazards: potholes, large rocks, gravel, bad drainage grates or other slots in the direction of travel, wet metal surfaces, and assorted debris. Avoid sudden unforeseen hazards such as potholes by turning left then right back quickly around the object. The rear wheel should also miss the threat. You may also "bunny hop" a hazard. If you must ride over something, rise off the saddle and use your legs like shock absorbers.

9.  Passing parked cars

10.  Planning safe bike routes