A Very Bike-Friendly Louis

Image courtesy Pixabay

If it seems like there are more cyclists than ever on D.C. streets, that's because there is, especially if you live at The Louis! According to a new study from real estate company Redfin, U Street is the most bike-friendly neighborhood in Washington D.C., with the neighboring Logan Circle neighborhood coming in at #2! What qualifies our area as "bike-friendly," and how can you start living a more bike-friendly life both at The Louis and beyond? Let us tell you!

What makes a neighborhood bike-friendly? Investments in trails, bike lanes and other aspects of biking infrastructure is the first step. If the weather is nice and we don't have to wait for the Metro or sit in traffic, wouldn't you rather enjoy the fresh air and exercise? While biking to work may be good for your health, it is also good for building businesses. According to Greg Billing, the executive director of the Washington Area Bicyclists Association (to Washington Business Journal), creating a cycling culture builds up a neighborhood's eco-system. Businesses and residences will be drawn to areas where there is more foot and/or bike traffic.

If you are interested incorporating more biking into your daily routine, there are some important things to know before you hit the streets. For example, you may want to ride with a local group first before venturing on to the streets by yourself. It's also important to make sure your bike is in proper riding condition, or that you purchase a new lightweight bike for your commute. You may even want to take a class or urban bike riding. Especially in a city like D.C., with such a high volume of drivers, you will want your commute to be as safe and easy as possible! For example, be sure you ride in the same direction as the traffic flow, give yourself a 3 foot cushion from parked cars, and yield to pedestrians. To view more rules on urban cycling or to request a workbook, click here.

Consider changing up your daily commute by incorporating cycling into your routine, especially since we reside in the District's most bike-friendly neighborhood! Do you regularly ride a bike to work? What tips do you have for new riders? Share your thoughts on The Louis' Facebook and Twitter pages!