Beginner Biking FAQS

How to lock your bike

Learn more about how to lock your bike.

Where on the road should I be when I am biking?

If there is a bike lane present, it is almost always best to ride in it. Always ride in the same direction as the flow of the traffic. If there is no bike lane present, you can ride on the road. On the road, it is safest to “take the lane,” and ride in the middle of the lane, which makes you more visible and gives you distance from parked cars. It is also legal to ride on the sidewalks in Arlington, but laws vary across the region.

On a bike, am I a pedestrian or vehicle?

The answer is none of the above. You are a bike user! As a bike user, there are times when it might feel like you don’t fit in any of the categories as the infrastructure you are using wasn’t necessarily designed specifically for bikes. In these situations, the best practice is often to adhere to the rules of that place. If you are on a sidewalk, yield to pedestrians. If you are riding on the road with cars, follow the flow of traffic as best you can. If there isn’t a bike lane present, you are likely able to use a lane in the road.

I want to bike more but don’t like getting sweaty. What can I do?

This is a very legitimate concern and is a justifiable reason to feel dissuaded from biking. There are, however, ways to avoid being sweaty that still allow all the joys and benefits of biking.

Take your time. It is ok to go at your own pace on a bike, and you can still get from point A to point B quickly, without putting in too much effort.

Bike for just some of your trip and take your bike on the bus or Metro for longer portions of it.

E-bikes, while costly, are a fantastic solution. Try e-bikes with CaBi.

Dress properly. It can be tempting when it is cold or windy to dress warm, but plan ahead, knowing you will warm up quickly while riding.

Arlington is very hilly. How can I avoid the hills?

Arlington is notoriously hilly and from the newest person on a bike to the most experienced, we all seek out ways to avoid hills. There are a few great options, though, to make the hills in Arlington easier. You can often find a bus to put your bike on instead of riding up a hill. E-bikes can also make biking up a hill feel like flat terrain.

If you find yourself unable to avoid a hill, here is some helpful advice: Try to break the hill up into smaller sections. Oftentimes in Arlington you can ride up some of the hill, then find some flat ground in the direction you are headed, before riding up the rest of the hill at a new location. This helps save energy. Also, if you are using a bike with gears, try riding on the lower gears that make it much easier. Last but not least, take your time. You just might find that if you are in a low enough gear, it may take some time, but you can have a pretty smooth ride while making your way up a hill at your own comfortable pace.

What are the bike laws in Arlington?

Bike laws vary from state to state, and even county to county. Here are some things you should know about bike riding in Arlington:

In Arlington it is legal for a bike to be ridden on a sidewalk unless it is specifically signed as prohibited.

Every person age 14 or younger is required to wear a protective helmet whenever riding or being carried on a bicycle.

Bicycle users must come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights in Arlington, just as motor vehicles are required to.

Every bicycle ridden between sunset and sunrise is required to have one white headlight on the front and a rear red reflector on the back.

For more information, check out VDOT’s Bicycling in Virginia page.

How do I fix a flat tire?

You do not need to know how to fix a flat tire in order to ride your bike. You may or may not know how to fix a flat tire on a car but that likely doesn’t stop you from driving. It is a helpful skill to know but should not be a barrier that keeps you from biking. If would like to learn more, here are some great tips.

Can I take a bike on the bus or Metro?

Yes, and it’s free! This is one of the best ways to get around Arlington and the DC Metro area. Multi modal transportation is quick, easy, and cheap!

Have a question that wasn’t answered or looking for more details on a specific subject? Please shoot us an email at info@bikearlington.com. If you are thinking it, somebody else probably is, too! Your questions can help us make biking in Arlington more accessible for everyone.