Environmental Services
Bike Pages
Introduction
 |
| Bike Arlington is a County initiative with a goal of encouraging bicycling activity throughout the County for a healthy alternative to cars. Bicycles are excellent for running errands, commuting to work, and for aerobic recreation. We encourage people to ride for better health, to relieve traffic congestion, and to save gas. |
You can download an electronic view of the Bikeways System map and a map of tour routes from these pages. To obtain a printed paper map : call 703-228-3681, Email Paul DeMaio, or stop by one of the Commuter Stores. Report problems with trail maintenance: http://www.arlingtonva.us/Scripts/FeedbackForm.aspx?to=trails&dom=arlingtonva.us.
People especially love Arlington's 36 miles of paved, beautiful off-street trails -- an impressive total for an urban jurisdiction of only 25 square miles. Offering both level stretches and challenging hills, many trail miles wend along streams through woodland and parks in natural settings.
There are a dozen miles of unpaved, beautiful walking trails with varying natural terrain, including the challenging five-mile Potomac Heritage Hiking Trail along the Potomac River palisades. Short and easy walking trails are near the two nature centers, Gulf Branch and Long Branch, marked on this map.
- Arlington's 86-Mile System of Trails & On-Street Routes Rank with the Best in the Nation
- Arlington County's multi-use trails are nationally recognized for their beauty, design and convenience. Indeed, some enthusiasts - including many marveling visitors from other states - declare that the Arlington trail network is among the top five in the nation, and the best on the East Coast.
Trails have long been a way of life in Arlington. The $16 million infrastructure system of off-street trails has been nurtured by the consistent endorsement, technical advice, and encouragement of the bicycling community and other support groups. It also has benefited from the continuing support of the Arlington County Board since it included the trails in the County's Master Plan for Transportation in 1974.
On Street Bike Lane | A master plan has ensured the ongoing improvement and expansion of the system, which now provides 36 miles of multi-use, off-street trails and 50 miles of on-street connecting bicycle routes. The goal is a 111-mile system within 20 years. |
People also appreciate the on-street connecting routes, marked by Bicycle Route signs, because they provide the best-possible interconnecting links to the off-street trails and to common destinations. These links are designed to take people to the places they want to go -- schools, libraries, the Career Center, parks, Metro stations, the Courthouse complex, major shopping centers and office complexes, 
and off-street trails that link Arlington with adjacent jurisdictions. Connecting federal and Washington, DC trails along the picturesque Potomac River are also among the most gorgeous in the nation with the national capital as background.
Arlington trails are planned to link with Metropolitan Washington, Northern Virginia and national trails. But even if you never venture forth to far-flung trails, Arlington trails alone offer a wealth of scenery and sights. The map serves as your guide for the way to go.
BIKE NEWS
