Massive Bike Ride Takes to DC Streets

Serious cyclists and recreational bike riders alike can cruise through the District during the inaugural D.C. Bike Ride this weekend -- but there will be major road closures ahead for everyone else.

The 17-mile ride (see PDF map) Sunday allows participants the opportunity to take in the iconic sites of D.C., including the Washington Monument and the White House... without the buzz of car traffic.

Rolling road closures will be in effect between 7 a.m. and noon Sunday as 8,000 cyclists are expected to take to the streets.

The ride starts in front of the Capitol Reflecting Pool; then riders will cross the National Mall before hooking around Foggy Bottom on Maine Avenue next to the Washington Channel. Riders will pedal along the Potomac River Freeway by the Kennedy Center and also the Whitehurst Freeway before circling back and riding across the 14th Street Bridge.

The ride ends near Capitol Hill where participants and spectators can enjoy the Finish Line Festival, complete with entertainment, food and drink.

See the full list of road closures below:

6:30-10:30 a.m.

• Whitehurst Freeway, westbound -- from Potomac Freeway to Canal Road NW

7-9 a.m.

• 1st Street NW -- from Pennsylvania Avenue NW to Maryland Avenue SW 
• Maryland Ave SW -- from 1st Street NW to 3rd Street SW

7-10:20 a.m.

• Potomac Freeway -- from Rock Creek Parkway (horeseshoe-turn) to Whitehurst Freeway

7-10:30 a.m.

• Constitution Avenue NW -- from 14th Street NW to 18th Street NW 
• 18th Street NW -- from E Street NW to Constitution Avenue 
• Virginia Ave -- from E Street NW to Constitution Avenue
• E Street NW , eastbound -- from 18th Street NW to Potomac River Freeway

7-11:45 a.m.

• Maine Ave SW, westbound -- from 395 exit ramp (Treasury Building) to 7th Street SW 
• 14th Street NW, southbound -- from Constitution Avenue NW to 14th Street Bridge

7 a.m.-noon

• 3rd Street SW -- from Maryland Avenue SW to Pennsylvania Avenue SW 
• Independence Ave SW -- from 7th Street SW to 3rd Street SW 
• 7th Street SW, southbound -- from Independence Avenue SW to Avenue SW

7:15-10:30 a.m.

• Whitehurst Freeway, eastbound -- from Potomac Freeway/K Street to Key Bridge exit

8-11:45 a.m.

• 395 HOV Lanes, southbound -- 14th Street Bridge to S. Eads St exit

The ride adds to other nationwide celebrations of National Bike Month. The ride is projected to grow to 18,000 participants in the coming years, becoming a premiere recreational cycling event on the east coast.

"DC Bike Ride will celebrate and promote biking, a healthy lifestyle and street safety while allowing participants from throughout the region and beyond to enjoy a one-of-a-kind journey through the District," Greg Bibb, CEO of event partner Capital Sports Ventures, said in a statement.

The District was voted one of Walk Score's Most Bikeable Cities of 2015, ;and it's home to one of the largest bike sharing systems in the U.S.

Erik A. Moses, senior vice president and managing director of Events DC Sports and Entertainment, said the addition of a recreational bike ride comes is a perfect fit for a city that is so health-conscience.

"D.C. has been voted the fittest city in America multiple times but has been missing a cycle event among the marathons, fun runs and the triathlon that currently provide athletic challenges for District residents and visitors to enjoy," Moses said earlier this spring. "The D.C. Bike Ride will attract bike enthusiasts and tourists from across the country by providing a unique opportunity to experience our great city and many of its wonderful features from an extraordinary perspective."

Online registration for the D.C. Bike Ride is now closed, but participants can sign up onsite at packet pickup Friday and Saturday for $65.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Washington Area Bicyclist Association in its efforts to deliver street safety programs in support of D.C.'s Vision Zero campaign, which works to end traffic deaths and major injuries for all users of the road.