Advocacy
WABA fights for a region where biking, walking and transit are the best ways to get around.
We educate policymakers and organize grassroots advocates for to speak up for safer places to bike and walk; and for laws and policies that protect people who are walking and biking, reduce dangerous driving, and facilitate changes to the built environment.
Events, Actions & Resources:
Action Alert
Taylor Street NE needs a protected bike lane
Jul 31, 2025
Support this important east-west connection!
Action Alert
Ask MDOT to Fully Fund Bikeways and Complete Streets
May 31, 2025
WABA's letter comments on the state's draft 6-year capital spending plan, the FY25-30 Consolidated Transportation Program released by MDOT. Read through & sign-on in support!
Meetup
WABA Preview of the 2025 Maryland Legislative Session
Dec 30, 2024
WABA and special guests preview the 2025 Maryland legislative session
Action Alert
Support Bike Lanes along Duke Street
Dec 11, 2024
Speak up to make sure the Duke Street bike lanes get built.
Meetup
Carlisle 200: D.C. Film Premiere @DOI
Dec 10, 2024
Join DC film premier of Carlisle 200, in recognition of Native American Heritage Month (attend in-person or stream the event online).
Meetup
Gallows Road Community Meeting (Virtual Q&A)
Dec 5, 2024
Join FCDOT for a virtual Q&A on proposed improvements for Gallows Road. Thursday, 12/5.
Action Alert
Support Bike Lanes on Wiehle Avenue
Nov 27, 2024
Share your support for bike lanes on Wiehle Ave via FCDOT's one-question survey, by 11/27.
Action Alert
Sanger Avenue Safety Improvements
Nov 25, 2024
Alexandria preparing to study and improve Edsall Rd & Yoakum Pkwy. Share feedback by 11/22.
Action Alert
Edsall Road/Yoakum Parkway Corridor Improvements
Nov 22, 2024
Alexandria is preparing to study and improve Sanger Avenue. Share feedback by 11/25.
Meetup
Gallows Road Community Meeting (Southern Segment)
Nov 21, 2024
Join FCDOT for a community meeting on proposed improvements for the north segment of Gallows Road. Thursday, 11/21.
Action Alert
ActiveFairfax Transportation Plan – Virtual Open House (Spanish
Nov 20, 2024
Hear from FCDOT staff at one of four upcoming virtual open houses on 11/12, 11/14, 11/19, and 11/20.
Ride
GW Biking Club Bike Ride to Kingman Island
Nov 20, 2024
This event took place on Nov 20, 2024
Action Alert
ActiveFairfax Transportation Plan – Virtual Open House
Nov 19, 2024
Hear from FCDOT staff at one of four upcoming virtual open houses on 11/12, 11/14, 11/19, and 11/20.
Ride
Ride for Your Life
Nov 17, 2024
This event took place on Nov 17, 2024
Action Alert
Support Bike Lanes on South Pickett St
Nov 16, 2024
Share your support for bike lanes on S Pickett St before City Council votes on Saturday, 11/16.
Action Alert
DDOT Georgia Ave Bus Priority Project Support
Nov 15, 2024
Sign-on to Petworth for Safer Street's letter in favor of better bus service on Georgia Ave NE
Action Alert
Speak up for a more bikeable future in Arlington
Nov 15, 2024
Phase 1 of Arlington’s Master Transportation Plan overhaul is getting input from you! Share your transportation preferences by 11/15.
Action Alert
ActiveFairfax Transportation Plan – Virtual Open House
Nov 14, 2024
Hear from FCDOT staff at one of four upcoming virtual open houses on 11/12, 11/14, 11/19, and 11/20.
Meetup
Gallows Road Community Meeting (Northern Segment)
Nov 14, 2024
This event took place on Nov 14, 2024
Meetup
Maryland Transportation and Climate Accountability Act Rally
Nov 14, 2024
This event took place on Nov 14, 2024
Action Alert
Protect the 11th Street NW Bike Lane
Nov 14, 2024
DDOT’s 11th Street NW Protected Bike Lane Project plan sets out to improve safety along a 2-mile stretch of 11th […]
Action Alert
ActiveFairfax Transportation Plan – Virtual Open House
Nov 12, 2024
Hear from FCDOT staff at one of four upcoming virtual open houses on 11/12, 11/14, 11/19, and 11/20.
Meetup
Oxon Run Stream Restoration & Park Master Plan Community Meeting
Nov 9, 2024
This event took place on Nov 09, 2024
Meetup
“The Street Project” Screening with Fairfax Families for Safe Streets
Nov 8, 2024
This event took place on Nov 08, 2024
Meetup
East of the River Urban Forestry Advisory Council Tour
Nov 8, 2024
This event took place on Nov 08, 2024
Meetup
CSX Art: Exploring Rails to Trails
Nov 6, 2024
This event took place on Nov 06, 2024
Useful Info
Pocket Guide to DC Bike Laws
Nov 4, 2024
You can pick up a print version of this Pocket Guide to Bike Laws in the District of Columbia at WABA’s Office, […]
Useful Info
Bike Laws
Nov 4, 2024
Throughout the Washington area, bicycles are generally treated as vehicles and bicyclists as operators of vehicles. There are, however, some […]
Action Alert
End armed traffic enforcement
Nov 4, 2024
Enforcement is a last resort—we need sustained investment in safer infrastructure.
Action Alert
Join the fight for a safer Old Georgetown Road
Nov 4, 2024
Sign up to join our campaign group to support and improve these important protected bike lanes.
Document
Letter: Access Improvements at Arlington National Cemetery
Oct 28, 2024
Better bike parking, bikeshare, and the Arlington Memorial Trail could be coming soon.
Document
Letter: MDOT Consolidated Transportation Program
Oct 24, 2024
Comments on priorities for Prince George's County's FY25 budget
Document
Letter: FY26 M-NCPPC Prince George’s County budget
Oct 16, 2024
WABA recommendation for M-NCPPC Prince George's County Fy26 budget
Meetup
2024 WABA Awards
Oct 9, 2024
This event took place on Oct 09, 2024
Meetup
Advisory Group for Arlington’s Transportation Future – First Public Meeting
Oct 1, 2024
This event took place on Oct 01, 2024
Meetup
5th Great Montgomery County Bike Summit
Sep 29, 2024
This event took place on Sep 29, 2024
Document
Letter: Prince George’s County transportation priorities
Sep 27, 2024
Comments on priorities for Prince George's County's FY25 budget
Meetup
Open House – Long Bridge Drive Multimodal Connection Concept Design
Sep 26, 2024
This event took place on Sep 26, 2024
Meetup
Port Towns Sector Plan Open House
Sep 26, 2024
This event took place on Sep 26, 2024
Action Alert
Safety First on Q & R St NW
Sep 25, 2024
A protected east-west route will benefit communities across a wide swath of our city—sign the petition!
Document
Letter: MD 198 Sidewalk Improvements
Aug 27, 2024
Comments on the MD 198/Sandy Spring Rd Sidewalk Improvements Project
Action Alert
Join the “I bike, I buy stuff” campaign
Jul 31, 2024
Business owners are an important stakeholder for street safety redesigns. Join our campaign to remind business owners on Connecticut Ave that their customers get there by bike.
Document
Letter: Supporting Holland Lane Corridor Improvements
Jul 22, 2024
Supporting bike lanes and safety improvements on Holland Ln in Alexandria.
Document
Letter: Supporting the South Pickett Street Road Diet
Jul 22, 2024
Supporting a much-needed road diet on S Pickett St in Alexandria.
Document
Letter: Supporting better biking on Eisenhower Avenue
Jul 22, 2024
Supporting a road diet on Eisenhower in Alexandria in the name of safety.
Document
Letter: MD 201/Kenilworth Avenue project safety alterations
Jun 18, 2024
Recommendations for safety improvements to MD 201/Kenilworth Ave as adjustments are conjunction with Purple Line construction.
Document
Testimony: NVTA’s FY24-29 Six Year Program
May 9, 2024
Highlighting the good, flagging the bad projects in NVTA's latest round of funding.
Document
Letter: Free Bikeshare for 2024 Red Line closures
Apr 29, 2024
Call for free bikeshare as an option during Red Line closures during the summer of 2024
Document
Testimony: Prince George’s County FY25 Operating Budget & CIP
Apr 29, 2024
Support for funding infrastructure and staffing to improve biking in Prince George's County through the FY25 budget
Document
Testimony: TPB’s Project Selection Process for Visualize 2050
Apr 17, 2024
Let's think more critically about the projects in the pipeline.
Document
Letter: Arlington County FY25 Budget
Apr 3, 2024
More staffing and quick-build projects; reconsider EV car chargers for e-bike vouchers.
Document
Letter: Gaithersburg Olde Towne Shared Use Path project
Apr 2, 2024
Mark D. Kile, P.E., CDT Department of Public Works City of Gaithersburg 800 Rabbitt Road Gaithersburg, MD 20878 RE: Gaithersburg […]
Action Alert
The Connecticut Ave NW bike lane needs to happen this year.
Mar 25, 2024
RIP Concept C
Document
Testimony: WMATA Budget Hearing
Feb 29, 2024
Transit is a critical part of transportation mix (along with bicycling!).
Document
Testimony: Montgomery County Speed Limits
Feb 29, 2024
Allow Montgomery County and county municipalities to lower speed limits.
Document
Testimony: Maintenance and Repair for Sidewalks and Bike Trails
Feb 28, 2024
WABA supports repealing the requirement that a political subdivision maintain and repair sidewalks and bicycle pathways along state highways.
Document
Testimony: Bill 2-24, Freedom to Leave Act
Feb 27, 2024
WABA supports a ban on consent searches in Montgomery County.
Document
Testimony: HB 337 – Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Memorial Act
Feb 22, 2024
WABA supports HB 337, the Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Memorial Act
Document
Testimony: HB 511 – Vehicle Laws – Bicycles – Operations at Intersections
Feb 15, 2024
WABA supports the Bicycle Safety Yield in Maryland (HB 511).
Document
Testimony: HB 530 – Great Maryland Trails Act
Feb 15, 2024
WABA supports the bill to create a Maryland State Office of Trails.
Document
Testimony: HB 156: Transportation – E-Bike Rebate and Voucher Program
Feb 8, 2024
Bill to create an Electric Bicycle Rebate and Voucher Program
Document
Testimony: HB 278 – Urban State Highways – Speed Limits – Exceptions
Feb 8, 2024
Bill to authorize the Maryland State Highway Administration to decrease the maximum speed limit by 5 miles per hour on urban state highways.
Document
Testimony: HB 344 – Vision Zero Advisory Commission – Establishment
Feb 8, 2024
WABA supports the establishment of a Maryland Vision Zero Advisory Commission.
Document
Testimony: HB 28: Pedestrian Fatality Prevention Act of 2024
Feb 1, 2024
WABA supports HB 28, which would establish higher registration fees for heavy passenger vehicles, Class E trucks, and Class M multipurpose vehicles.
Document
Testimony: HB 107: Better Bus Service Act of 2024
Feb 1, 2024
WABA supports HB 107 to prohibit stopping and parking in a dedicated bus lane and allow for greater bus lane enforcement.
Document
Testimony: Bikes on Sidewalks in Maryland
Feb 1, 2024
WABA supports allowing bikes on sidewalks as the default state-wide in Maryland.
Document
Testimony: Complete Streets for MDTA
Feb 1, 2024
Supports creating a policy for safe, separated pedestrian and bicycle facilities on bridges and across-controlled access highways.
Document
Testimony: Prince George’s County FY25 Budget Listening Session
Jan 29, 2024
WABA's requests for the Prince George's County FY25 Capital & Operating Budgets
Document
Testimony: Parking Minimums Near Transit
Jan 16, 2024
Create a vehicle-parking-minimum exemption for residential development near transit.
Document
Testimony: NVTA Annual Meeting
Jan 11, 2024
Focus on effectively moving people rather than cars, on expanding transit capacity and pedestrian spaces and bikeways rather than vehicle lane miles.
Document
Letter: Allow Speed Cameras in Prince George’s County
Nov 30, 2023
Traffic cameras are more equitable, affordable, and scalable way to enforce traffic safety laws.
Document
Letter: MC 20-24: Montgomery County Project Approval
Nov 27, 2023
Faster project approvals mean safer streets.
Document
Testimony: Prince George’s County Walkable Urban Streets Act
Nov 14, 2023
Safer, slower streets will mean walkable, vibrant downtowns and local centers, which will in turn boost community vibrancy and local economic opportunity.
Document
Letter: 2024 Priorities for the Montgomery County Delegation
Nov 13, 2023
Less highway building, safer state roads, ending right-on-red, and funding for bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
Document
Letter: King Street-Bradlee Safety & Mobility Enhancements
Oct 18, 2023
The project needs full length sidewalks and protected bike lanes.
Document
Letter: 2023 WABA Comments on MDOT CTP for Prince George’s County
Oct 10, 2023
We don’t need wider and more dangerous highways, and we shouldn’t be tentative about creating bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
Document
Letter: People Before Cars Coalition on CC2DCA
Oct 2, 2023
Rail and Trail connections to the airport need to be robust and convenient.
Document
Comment: Takoma Park’s Maple Avenue Connectivity Project
Sep 29, 2023
WABA's recommendations for Takoma Park's Maple Avenue Connectivity Project
Document
Letter: Walkable Urban Streets Act in Maryland
Sep 14, 2023
Lower speed limits, lane reductions, buffered or separated sidewalks and bike lanes will reduce deaths and serious injuries for pedestrians, bicyclists, and all roadway users.
Document
Testimony: Fairfax Parking Reimagined
Sep 13, 2023
Simply not enough bike parking.
Document
Letter: Forest Glen, Wheaton, and Glenmont Community Connections
Sep 12, 2023
Advancing safety and accessibility improvements on the corridor is strongly supported by the community and local elected officials.
Document
Letter: Funding for Unlocking University Boulevard
Sep 8, 2023
This project would build community buy-in for safety improvements along the corridor.
Document
Letter: Montgomery County FY25-30 CIP should focus on Safety and Connectivity
Sep 7, 2023
The County's CIP should address dangerous trail / road intersections, and close gaps in the trail network.
Document
Letter: DCA Roadway Improvements
Aug 28, 2023
Expand and improve transit, biking, and walking access to the airport rather than widening roads and adding car parking.
Document
Letter: Braddock Road Share Use Paths
Aug 7, 2023
Braddock Road improvements must include shared use paths and intersection safety treatments.
Document
Letter: Carroll Avenue Improvements
Aug 2, 2023
The corridor needs slower speeds and protected space for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Document
Letter: Montgomery County Pedestrian Master Plan
Jul 25, 2023
The plan is strong, but needs it needs funding, and its focus on in-person enforcement does not align with equity goals.
Document
Letter: Ebikes in National Parks
Jul 21, 2023
Allowing ebikes on paved and constructed trails should not require additional bureaucratic process.
Document
Letter: K Street NE Protected Bike Lane NOI
Jul 19, 2023
This project needs to move forward, and it should include protected intersections.
Document
Letter: Union Station Expansion Bike Infrastructure
Jul 6, 2023
Upgrades to Union Station must include connectivity improvements for people on bikes.
Document
Letter: Fairland and Briggs-Chaney Master Plan
May 4, 2023
Expanded bikeshare, a continuous trail network, and road diets—it's a good plan.
Document
Testimony: Sustainable transportation in Fairfax County
Apr 12, 2023
The county needs to fund its Safe Streets for All program.
Document
Letter: Long Bridge Project
Apr 10, 2023
This excellent new trail bridge, and its connections, need to be wide enough to accommodate separate spaces for biking and walking.
Document
Letter: Arizona Ave NW Protected Bike Lanes NOI
Apr 7, 2023
The design for Ward 3's first protected bike lane needs some improvement at intersections.
Document
Letter: Bikes on Sidewalks in Maryland
Mar 27, 2023
A blanket sidewalk riding ban creates unsafe conditions for people in areas without bike infrastructure.
Document
Testimony: DDOT Oversight Hearing 2023
Mar 23, 2023
DDOT needs to focus on closing trail network gaps and maintaining trails.
Document
Letter: Bike Lane Design in Connecticut Avenue Deckover
Mar 15, 2023
Proposed bike lanes are too narrow to be safe.
Document
Letter: Stop As Yield bill in Maryland
Mar 10, 2023
Allowing bicyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs is proven to reduce crashes, and Maryland should adopt this policy.
Document
Letter: Arlington Boulevard Trail Funding
Mar 8, 2023
WABA sent this letter to Rep. Don Beyer expressing support for federal funding for the Arlington Boulevard trail
Document
Letter: Arlington Boulevard Trail Funding
Mar 8, 2023
A letter of support for federal funding for the Arling
Document
Letter: Ebike Rebate bill in Maryland
Mar 7, 2023
Ebike rebates make a sustainable transportation option affordable.
Document
Letter: Montrose Road Diet
Mar 1, 2023
Montrose Road needs traffic calming and safe spaces for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Document
Letter: RAISE Grant for Arlington Memorial Trail
Feb 17, 2023
This pivotal connection between DC, the Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon Memorial, the future Pentagon 9/11 Memorial Visitor Center, and the surrounding communities will improve multimodal options and safety for trail users
Document
Letter: Stop Sign Cameras in Maryland
Feb 14, 2023
Maryland needs to allow local jurisdictions to install stop sign cameras.
Document
Letter: Arlington Memorial Trail Design
Feb 14, 2023
This trail closes a major gap in Arlington's network, and should be designed to accommodate a full range of bicyclist and pedestrian users.
Document
Letter: RAISE Grant for the Capital Crescent Trail Tunnel
Feb 13, 2023
Support for a safe, grade-separated crossing where the Capital Crescent Trail intersects with Wisconsin Ave in Bethesda.
Document
Letter: Fairfax Parking Reimagined
Feb 2, 2023
The County's parking overhaul needs to require more bike parking.
Document
Letter: Improvements on the Mount Vernon Trail
Jan 18, 2023
A letter to the National Park Service.
Document
Letter: Crystal City to Reagan National Airport Connection
Nov 2, 2022
WABA sent this letter to Arlington County supporting a trail connection between Crystal City and National Airport, encouraging the county to ensure the connection is wide and inviting, and highlighting requirements for connection to the Mount Vernon Trail.
Document
Letter: RAISE Grant for Arlington’s Cemetery Wall Trail
Apr 19, 2022
This critical gap in Arlington's low stress bike network needs to be filled.
Action Alert
Bikes Belong in Ward 8
Nov 21, 2024
Today, many Ward 8 residents bike all over Ward 8—for commuting, for exercise, and for fun—but their lives are threatened by unsafe road designs and reckless driving behavior.
Related Campaigns:
Complete Streets
Complete Streets are streets designed to accommodate all users, and that prioritize historically underinvested modes of transportation like transit, walking, and biking. An incomplete street might lack adequate sidewalks, low-stress bike infrastructure, or safe and comfortable access to transit.
Effective Complete Streets policies change the way a jurisdiction plans and builds transportation infrastructure—sidewalks, low stress bike infrastructure, and transit should be included in any new or rebuilt street by default, rather than as an add-on when there's space or demand.
While most regional jurisdictions have a Complete Streets policy of some sort, they lack teeth and permit transportation departments to continue to build streets that put cars first and squeeze other modes into the margins.
Vision Zero
Done right, Vision Zero is a transformative approach to traffic safety and transportation planning. Developed in Sweden, it is built on two core principles: crashes are preventable, and the only acceptable number of deaths from traffic violence is Zero. It provides a clear framework for decision-making that prioritizes safety for everyone over speed and convenience for drivers.
DC launched a Vision Zero initiative in 2015, with surrounding jurisdictions following suit over the next few years.
While there have been laudable projects launched under the Vision Zero banner across the region, the adoption of Vision Zero programs have not been the transformational shift required to reverse the increase in deadly traffic violence.
WABA's Vision Zero advocacy focuses on using legislation and policy to permanently change they way decisions are made: requiring that transportation planning and engineering put safety over driver convenience in every decision.
Laws & Policy
WABA works with grassroots advocates at the local, county and state level to support laws and policies that make it easier and safer to walk, bike, and take transit. And we work to changes ones that make biking less safe, make it harder to build bike infrastructure, or that deprioritize the safety and convenience of people walking, biking, or taking transit.
In practice that means advocating for robust and transformative Vision Zero programs, enforceable Complete Streets policies, and funding for new infrastructure that supports biking, walking and transit.
Other regional legislative priorities include:
- Reforming Contributory Negligence (passed in DC, in the works in Maryland and Virginia).
- Getting rid of the Level of Service engineering standards in transportation decision-making.
- Funding E-bike purchase rebates.
Elections
WABA is a 501(c)3 and does not endorse candidates.
During election seasons, WABA invites all candidates for office to complete surveys about their views on transportation, which we share on our website. We also host candidate forums in some races to allow members of the public to meet candidates and ask questions about biking and transportation.
Trails
Trails are the best. They are low-stress bike infrastructure, access to nature, parks, landmarks, and community gathering spaces all rolled into one.
WABA's trail advocacy is focused on connecting gaps in our region's trail network; ensuring existing trails are maintained and upgraded to meet current design standards; and expanding the network into underserved parts of the region.
The DC Low Stress Network
Bike lanes are most effective when they connects to other bike lanes, protected bike lanes, even more so.
WABA works with teams of grassroots volunteers across the District to demand a network of low-stress places to bike. A network where you, your kids, nephews, nieces, or grandkids, can all get where you need to go safely, easily, happily on bikes.
Complete State Roads: Montgomery County
WABA’s Complete State Roads initiative aims to remake state highways in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties as complete streets, boosting safety and mobility for people who walk, bike, roll, or use transit as well as for drivers and their passengers.
The Complete State Roads–Montgomery County report is available at waba.org/stateroads and you can watch a presentation delivered about it at WABA’s 4th Great Montgomery County Bike Summit in 2023.
As part of the Complete State Roads initiative, WABA backed the development of legislation for introduction in the 2024 Maryland legislative session.
Complete State Roads: Prince George's County
WABA’s Complete State Roads initiative aims to promote remaking state highways in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties as complete streets, boosting safety and mobility for people who walk, bike, roll, or use transit as well as for drivers and their passengers.
Prince George’s County presents a particularly urgent safety challenge, with 129 road deaths in 2023, including 39 pedestrians and 3 bicyclists, far higher rates than neighboring Montgomery County. WABA has been pursuing safe-streets and bikeways advocacy, including in state-road corridors in the county, for some time. And as part of the Complete State Roads initiative, WABA backed the development of legislation for introduction in the 2024 Maryland legislative session. Follow the link for information on that campaign.
Montgomery County Equitable Bikeways
Montgomery County's piecemeal approach to building bike infrastructure is not aligned with its stated climate, safety, and equity goals,
In 2021, WABA assembled a proposal that prioritized projects in the county's existing (and laudabe!) Bicycle Master Plan within county-designates Equity Focus Areas. You can read the report here. With around $110 million, the County could build all of the Tier 1 bikeway projects in most of the equity emphasis areas in the County. This dollar amount spread over the FY 23-28 six year capital budget period is consistent with current commitments to biking and walking
Active Fairfax Transportation Plan
Active Fairfax launched in 2020 to consolidate the county's various policies and plans guiding the development of trails and bikeways. WABA has worked with Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling and grassroots advocates across the county to ensure that the plan lays the groundwork for a robust bike network across the county.
The resulting draft map and Active Transportation Toolkit lay out a vision for where and what a comprehensive all-ages-and-abilities active transportation network could and should look like. What it does not do is fund or otherwise begin to build out this ambitious network – we’re certain to face a budget battle in the future, but hopefully one we’re well-equipped to win by having the right plan in place.
Maryland Legislation
WABA develops and advocates for state legislation to make bicycling in Maryland safer and more accessible and for state funding to expand Maryland’s bicycle network, working directly with legislators and Maryland Dept. of Transportation (MDOT) leadership and as part of the Bike Maryland coalition. We also work on broader road-safety, transit, and environmental legislation and funding, typically as part of larger statewide coalitions. The annual Maryland legislative session runs from January to April, but our work developing legislation starts the preceding summer.
We’re thrilled that several bills we worked on or supported were enacted in 2024, directing an MDOT Vision Zero Coordinator and public review process; the Better Bus Service Act, allowing bus-lane enforcement cameras (with bikes allowed); authorizing stop-sign cameras near schools in Prince George's County; and the Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Memorial Act, addressing penalties for hitting a cyclist in a bike lane.
Our 2024 advocacy included unsuccessful efforts that we will likely pursue in future years. (It often takes years to pass a bill. ) These include a Great Maryland Trails Act, an E-bike Rebate and Voucher Program bill, and a bill addressing maintenance responsibility for sidewalks and bike paths along state roads. Another topic on our list for 2025 is contributory negligence, a prejudicial statute that says that if a crash victim is even only 1% at fault, then they are liable and may not recover (full) costs and damages from the party largely at fault.
Virginia Legislation
Virginia's legislative sessions are brief and hectic. Over the course of the year, WABA works with a variety of partners including the Virginia Bicycling Federation to build support for bike-friendly legislation, as well as funding for trails and street safety improvements.
Past victories include law requiring drivers to pass bicyclists with at least three feet of space, allowing bicycles on VRE Trains, and funding for the Long Bridge bike and pedestrian crossing over the Potomac River. Current priorities include legalizing the Bicycle Stop-as-Yield, an e-bike purchase incentive program, and allowing bicyclists to proceed on the Leading Pedestrian Interval at stop lights.
DC Legislation
WABA's legislative work in the District of Columbia falls roughly into three categories:
Funding for (and a requirement to build) specific projects: this is how projects like the Florida Ave NE and 9th St NW protected bike lanes have become a reality. We push for this kind of legislative intervention when there's political pressure on the District Department of Transportation to delay a project, or propose a less safe alternative.
Systemic change to the decision-making process that make it easier to build safer streets (and harder to maintain the deadly status quo): The 2021 Vision Zero Omnibus bill included a number of these changes, including requirements that DDOT incorporate pedestrian and bike infrastructure on large projects.
Policy change that makes our streets safer: beyond changes to the built environment, we also push for policy improvements. Past successes include reforming Contributory Negligence so that insurance companies can't deny claims from people who've been hurt by drivers; incorporating bike and pedestrian safety into driver's tests at the DMV; and requiring construction companies to provide safe accommodations when they close bike lanes and sidewalks during construction. Current priorities include implementing automated enforcement ticket reciprocity with Maryland and Virginia so that suburban drivers can't drive dangerously without repercussions, and deprioritizing the Level of Service engineering standard.
Montgomery County Budget
Montgomery County's budgeting process, both for its annual budget and its 6-year Capital Improvement Program, takes place in the spring. WABA works with grassroots advocates and partner organizations to build support on the County Council for funding individual projects and to ensure that the relevant agencies (usually Parks, Planning, Transportation) have the resources required to grow and maintain the County's active transportation network.
Current priorities include funding the Montgomery County Equitable Bikeways proposal, completion of the Capital Crescent Trail from Bethesda to Silver Spring, and developing an e-bike purchase rebate program.
Prince George's County Budget
Prince George's County's budgeting process, both for its annual budget and its 6-year capital budget, takes place in the spring. WABA works with grassroots advocates and partner organizations to build support on the County Council for funding individual projects and to ensure that the Department of Public Works and Transportation and the Parks Department have the resources required to grow and maintain the County's active transportation network.
Current priorities include expanding Capital Bikeshare in the county, funding trail development to expand the Capital Trails Network, additional design, engineering, and grant-writing staff at DPWT, and an e-bike purchase rebate program.
The Capital Trails Coalition
First convened in 2016 by WABA, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, REI, and a host of other regional stakeholders, The Capital Trails Coalition is a collaboration of public and private organizations, agencies, and volunteers working to advance completion of an interconnected network of multi-use trails for metropolitan Washington, DC. The Coalition convenes and coordinates among the public and private stakeholders who are critical to accomplishing the vision of an interconnected network.
Check out the CTC's website here, and explore the interactive map of existing and planned regional trails here.
Rock Creek Park
Whether you're heading to work, out for a scenic ramble, or chasing a PR, or Rock Creek Park is wonderful place to ride a bike.
WABA has worked with grassroots advocates for decades to ensure that Rock Creek Park has the bicycling infrastructure it needs so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
Recent successes include a recently widened and resurfaced trail, and large sections of Beach Drive that are now permanently closed to cars and open for biking and other forms of recreation.
Current priorities include longer hours for the Zoo tunnel, and more safe ways to get into the park on a bike.
The Metropolitan Branch Trail
Connecting neighborhoods between Silver Spring, Maryland and Union Station in DC, and paralleling the Metrorail Red Line, the Met Branch Trail is busy corridor for recreation and active transportation.
First conceived by WABA and others in the early 1990's, the trail is a showcase of both innovative urban trail design, and the challenges of multi-jurisdiction trail development. The trail broke ground in 1998, and major sections have opened in 2010, 2015, and 2021, but it remains incomplete. An interim, on-street route bridges a gap between Fort Totten and the DC/Maryland border.
Suitland Parkway Trail
The Suitland Parkway Trail runs directly next to Suitland Parkway, from Sheridan Rd SE in the Anacostia neighborhood, connecting to Stanton Rd SE and Irving St SE before an abrupt dead end at the Maryland Border, failing to connect to Alabama Ave SE or Southern Ave SE.
In addition to missing critical neighborhood connections, the trail is uncomfortably close to a busy highway, with only inches of separation from traffic on some stretches. WABA DC Trail Rangers regularly remove the trash and remnants of car crashes that frequently block the trail.
WABA is working with the Capital Trails Coalition, the National Park Service, and a host of community partners to turn this trail into a safe, comfortable, well-connected community resource.
Arboretum Bridge & Trail
The Arboretum Bridge and Trail is a planned connection between the National Arboretum and the Anacostia River Trail in the Deanwood neighborhood. It's an incredible opportunity to create a new connection for residents to get across the Anacostia River and to provide access to some of the District’s most unique outdoor gems: Anacostia Park and the U.S. National Arboretum.
Currently in the planning stages, the project received a federal RAISE grant in 2023. Construction is projected to start in 2025 and be complete by 2027.
Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail
The Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail connects College Park, Riverdale, and Hyattsville to the Anacostia River Trail network. Unlike
After many years of grassroots organizing and budget advocacy, a final connecting segment between the Northwest Branch Trail and downtown Hyattsville opened in 2024, plugging this neighborhood resource into a network of more than 80 miles of trails.
Long Bridge Pedestrian & Bicycle Path
Virginia and DC are planning to build a new rail crossing over the Potomac River next to the existing one, called the Long Bridge. After an extended campaign from WABA and the Capital Trails Coalition, the jurisdictions agreed convert the existing span into the first dedicated bike and pedestrian crossing over the Potomac River.
The project received a $20 million federal RAISE grant in 2022 and is slated to be complete by 2030.
Arlington Boulevard Trail
The Arlington Boulevard Trail is a proposal WABA released in 2014, stretching from Fairfax County to the Potomac River by way of West Falls Church and Seven Corners. Several stretches of the trail have been built, but a continuous bike ride through the corridor remains a stressful experience.
Arlington Memorial Trail
Arlington Memorial Trail (sometimes referred to as the Cemetery Wall Trail) is a proposed connection running along the perimeter of the Arlington National Cemetery from Memorial Drive south to Columbia Pike along the west side of Route 27 and north side of Route 110. The trail fills a critical gap and would connect northern Arlington neighborhoods like Rosslyn with the growing National Landing area, along with facilitating additional east-west connectivity across the Potomac.
The tangle of roadways and corresponding management responsibilities in this sensitive area have tied up the project for years but there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel. Arlington County assumed control of the project from federal authorities in 2024 and the Arlington National Cemetery is proactively including the trail in renderings for its proposed entry corridor improvements project.
Connecticut Ave NW
Connecticut Ave NW is a busy corridor that connects downtown DC to Bethesda, Maryland. It's a high-speed, multi-lane road without adequate infrastructure for safe biking and walking. In 2019 The District Department of Transportation began studying ways to make the corridor safer. Working with Ward 3 Bike Advocates and a host of grassroots volunteers, WABA organized broad support for a variety of safety improvements, including protected bike lanes from Woodley Park to the Maryland border. In December of 2021, Mayor Bowser announced that the District would move forward with a design concept that included protected bike lanes.
Despite this broad support, and the 2021 announcement, in the spring of 2024, DDOT announced that it would be moving forward with a bike-lane-free design for the corridor, apparently because of concerns about parking. WABA is working with local advocates, business owners, and the DC Council to move the project forward.
Q and R Street Protected Bike Lanes
The painted, unprotected bike lanes on Q and R Streets Northwest are the longest east-west bike corridor in DC's core.
Bicyclists who use these lanes must navigate stopped vehicles, drivers veering into the bike lane, inch-close dangerous passing, and the constant threat of being “doored.” Unsurprisingly, these lanes do not meet DDOT’s own low-stress bikeway design standards.
WABA is working with group of grassroots advocates to persuade DDOT to convert these lanes to protected bike lanes.
Old Georgetown Road
In response to a series of fatal crashes along the corridor, and sustained pressure from WABA, Montgomery County Families for Safe Streets, Action Committee for Transit, and other grassroots advocates, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration installed three miles of protected bike lanes on Old Georgetown Road (MD 187) in North Bethesda.
The lanes proved effective: in the 15 months after they were installed, there were no pedestrian or bicyclist injuries on the corridor. Despite this safety improvement, the project continues to face some opposition as a result of misconceptions about its impact on car traffic.