How easy is it to bike around Northern Virginia? Arlington is ranked 158th in the country for bikeability, while Fairfax ranks 286th, and Alexandria ranks 482nd, according to PeopleForBike’s 2025 city rankings. Follow me, your newsletter editor, as I spin my wheels around NOVA, starting with Arlington.
Bike paths near Arlington
Getting to the National Mall from Arlington is easy and scenic by bike. Starting at the Clarendon Metro, head down Clarendon Boulevard, then turn onto 16th Street North. Continue to North Rhodes Street, where you can connect to Arlington Boulevard.
Be aware that Arlington Boulevard does not have a designated bike lane, so ride carefully and stay alert for traffic. As you continue, you’ll pass the Netherlands Carillon, where you can pick up the bike path leading directly to the National Mall. You do have to go on the sidewalk or road near and around Memorial Circle. I’d recommend the sidewalk unless you’re a pro on the bike.
If you turn right instead of left at the trail junction near Memorial Circle, you’ll join the Mount Vernon Trail, which follows the Potomac River and offers a beautiful ride toward Alexandria and beyond.
Arlington’s Clarendon neighborhood
Clarendon truly felt like one of the easiest places to bike in Northern Virginia. When traveling west in Clarendon, take Wilson Boulevard the whole way — it offers a very distinct bike lane. This road is primarily uphill, so it will definitely feel like a workout.
Note: Near the intersection of North Barton Street and Wilson Boulevard, there’s currently some sidewalk construction, so you’ll need to bike a bit in the traffic lanes.
Heading back east, you’ll take Clarendon Boulevard. This bike lane felt safer than the one on Wilson Boulevard because there is more separation from the lanes that cars use. Not to mention it’s more of a downhill ride.
Arlington’s Rosslyn neighborhood
This neighborhood is another bike-friendly part of Arlington, though riders should be prepared for some steep hills. The main thoroughfare here is Wilson Boulevard, but note that bike lanes are not continuous along this stretch through Rosslyn.
Once you turn onto North Lynn Street, you’ll find a dedicated bike lane that provides convenient access to Georgetown, the Mount Vernon Trail, and Theodore Roosevelt Island.
You can also access the Custis Trail in Rosslyn, which runs alongside Interstate 66 and connects to the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, forming part of the so-called “Arlington Loop.”
Where do you want me to test the bikeability next? Let us know.
