Alexandria Opens Sidewalks to Cycling

Alexandria City Council updated the city’s bicycle ordinance on Tuesday night, opening most sidewalks in the city to riding.

Sidewalk cycling had previously been banned in Alexandria, with the lone exception of a few designated areas.

The new ordinance does prohibit sidewalk riding in two pedestrian-heavy sections of Old Town—King Street east of West Street and on Union Street between Prince and Cameron streets.

Members of the Alexandria’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee said the update improves rider safety in heavy traffic areas like Duke Street.

Some Old Town residents expressed fears and concerns of sharing some of the city’s narrow sidewalks with bicycles.

If an area becomes problematic, the city can address it and add it to the list of restricted areas. Those areas will be marked with signage.

“From time to time we need to review [our ordinances and laws], update them and bring them into compliance with modern day needs,” Mayor Bill Euille said.

Rich Baier, director of the city’s Department of Transportation and Environmental Services, said he had not received a single complaint about sidewalk riding on Mount Vernon Avenue. 

What do you think about cyclists and pedestrians sharing sidewalks? Are pedestrians being put in harm’s way? Will this allow more children to bike to school? Is it a good idea to give cyclists a cushion of safety in problematic areas? Tell us what you think in the comments.